Lemmenjoki Arctic Backcountry Skiing Expedition

Difficulty

Challenging

Comfort

Basic

Basic+

Group size

2-6 tourists,
over 18 y.o.

Not every journey is measured in distance — some are defined by what you leave behind. In Lemmenjoki National Park you’ll ski across frozen rivers, sleep in fire-warmed wilderness huts, and discover what it means to truly disconnect—where silence reigns, reindeer roam, and the northern lights crown the Arctic sky.

This backcountry expedition takes you deep into Europe’s largest roadless wilderness. Over the course of a week, you’ll follow frozen rivers, cross open fells, and move through old-growth lush forests, guided by experts who share both wilderness skills and the living traditions of the Sámi homeland. With no phone reception and no marked trails, it’s a pure Arctic experience—raw, authentic, and unforgettable.

Each day brings a new adventure: skiing through untouched landscapes, stopping for lunches cooked over open fires, and warming up in rustic huts. One night, you’ll even have the chance to build your own quinzee (snow shelter) and sleep inside—an experience few ever attempt. Along the way, you may encounter reindeer herds, frozen waterfalls, and, with a bit of luck, the northern lights painting the night sky. Dare to join us and immerse yourself in Finland’s most legendary wilderness and create memories that will stay with you long after the snow has melted!

Joose J. is the provider of this trip

The provider speaks: English, German, Finnish

As founder and lead guide of our company, Joose’s lifelong passion for wild places has taken him across the most remote corners of the Scandinavian north. From Arctic fells to deep forest rivers, he knows the land intimately—not just the routes on a map, but the stories, challenges, and small details that turn an adventure into a memory. Joose’s calm approach, commitment to safety, and love for authentic wilderness experiences are at the core of every journey with our company. For him, the real reward is watching guests surprise themselves, discover something new within, and fall in love with wild Scandinavia—just like he once did.

View Joose`s tours

Tour highlights

Auroras in the Wild Arctic

Watch the northern lights blaze above frozen rivers and silent forests, far from any light pollution

Frozen Waterfalls and Wild Trails

Ski to the remote Ravadasköngäs waterfall and explore untracked valleys teeming with reindeer

Sauna Rituals in the Arctic

Recharge after long ski days in traditional Finnish saunas, a perfect balance of warmth and wilderness

Route details

Transfer from Ivalo Airport to Ahkun Tupa, a welcoming Sámi family guesthouse by the Lemmenjoki River. Meet your guide and fellow travelers, check equipment, enjoy a sauna, and share a hearty welcome dinner. Overnight in a cozy log cabin with shared facilities.

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Difficulty

Challenging

Does not require specific skills, but one must be in a good physical shape

Tour provider's comments

Moderate-demanding. Participants should have solid fitness and willingness to work as a team in remote, cold conditions. No technical skiing needed, but soft snow and pulka-pulling are physically demanding. Previous winter camping or multi-day hut trekking is an advantage.

10–17 km skiing per day (avg. 13 km), no prepared trails. Skiing with pulkas and backcountry skis.

Accommodation

Comfort

Basic

Basic+

Tent

5 nights

Guest House

2 nights

Throughout the tour you will stay at wilderness log cabins without electricity, at the beginning and end of the trip your accommodation will be a hotel-level log huts with sauna access.

During 5 nights you will stay in wilderness huts (bunk beds, dry toilets, wood stoves), with sauna at selected huts. For example, Hirvikoski wilderness hut, rustic Finnish kota, Kultala hut, Hirvikoski hut.

Simple, shared wilderness huts (no electricity, water from snow/streams, heated by stove).

Tickets to group meeting place

Group meeting place

Ivalo Airport

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Partnered with

Weather during the tour

Weather conditions along the route

You will get a weather forecast for this tour’s route based on

the forecasts for this season
the statistics from previous years’ trips

Conditions

Included

professional guiding (english-speaking wilderness guide);
all local transfers (Ivalo airport to/from Lemmenjoki);
1+1 nights’ accommodation in log cabins (Ahkun Tupa), with proper beds, sauna & showers;
5 nights in wilderness huts (bunk beds, dry toilets, wood stoves), with sauna at selected huts;
all meals during the trip (breakfast, trail lunch, hot dinner; most diets possible by request);
top-quality winter equipment: bc fell skis, poles, pulka, sleeping bag & liner, mat, snowshoes, tent & safety kit, plus quinzee-building tools;
group safety gear: first aid kit, satellite communicator, maps & GPS;
luggage storage for non-trip items at base cabin;
welcome orientation, farewell meal, and cultural experiences.

Extras

flights to/from Finland (Ivalo);
personal winter clothing & accessories (packing list provided);
travel/accident insurance (required);
alcoholic beverages and private snacks.

It's important to know

all main equipment (BC skis, pulka, snowshoes, sleeping kit) provided;
layered, non-cotton winter clothing;
personal toiletries;
sukicient personal snacks.

Detailed packing guidance sent after booking.

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Dates and Prices

Any dates on request during the season

1 Jan – 25 Mar, 2027

Request to book
from
$2,762

$3,259

28 Dec, 2026 – 4 Jan, 2027

8 days 7 nights

Request to book
from
$2,762

$3,259

4 – 11 Jan, 2027

8 days 7 nights

Request to book
from
$2,762

$3,259

23 – 30 Jan, 2027

8 days 7 nights

Request to book
from
$2,762

$3,259

30 Jan – 6 Feb, 2027

8 days 7 nights

Request to book
from
$1,959

$2,456

6 – 13 Feb, 2027

8 days 7 nights

Fully booked