Old-Growth Forest Snowshoe & Campfire Experience
Step into a snowy Lapland forest and experience the winter night in a slightly different way. This guided snowshoe adventure takes you into Karu Lodge’s private old-growth forest, through snow-laden trees and along paths used by reindeer.
We move at a relaxed pace and stop along the way to enjoy the silence of the forest and the atmosphere of the winter night. On a clear evening, the stars and the Milky Way may appear above us – and with a little luck, the Northern Lights as well.
At the end of the route, a sledding hill awaits. Afterwards, we gather in a sheltered traditional kota hut by the open fire to roast reindeer sausage and enjoy hot berry juice and traditional Lapland kampanisu pastry.
Book your evening snowshoe adventure and experience a peaceful side of Lapland away from the crowds, in a small group surrounded by private forest and winter nature.
A Winter Forest Adventure by Headlamp
Old-Growth Forest Snowshoe & Campfire Experience takes you on snowshoes into Karu Lodge’s private old-growth forest, surrounded by the snowy winter nature of Lapland. The route leads through ancient woodland, snow-laden trees and along paths used by reindeer, taking you deeper into the winter landscape where silence and the small details of Arctic nature become part of the experience.
The experience begins with pickup from Hotel Luostotunturi in central Luosto, or alternatively you can arrive at Karu Lodge with your own car. At Karu Lodge, your guide will introduce the equipment, explain how to move with snowshoes and go through the safety instructions for the route. From there, we head into the forest by headlamp.
The route takes you through varied winter forest terrain and includes some uphill sections. No previous snowshoeing experience is required. We move at a relaxed pace, and your guide will show you the basic technique before setting out and assist you along the way when needed.
Part of the route follows paths used by reindeer, leading us deeper into the old-growth forest and among snow-laden trees. Along the way, we stop for a moment to enjoy the silence of the forest and allow our eyes to adjust to the darkness.
On a clear evening, the stars and the Milky Way may appear above us – and with a little luck, the Northern Lights as well. Stars and Northern Lights can never be guaranteed, as they depend on weather and natural conditions, but the atmosphere and silence of the winter forest can be experienced whatever the weather.
At the end of the forest route, Karu Lodge’s own sledding hill awaits, where we can enjoy a moment of speed and winter fun.
After sledding, we gather in a sheltered traditional kota hut by the open fire. Roast reindeer sausage and enjoy hot berry juice and traditional Lapland kampanisu pastry. There is time to warm up by the fire and enjoy an unhurried moment together before the experience comes to an end.
What to Wear
The experience takes place entirely in winter conditions, so warm clothing is an important part of a comfortable experience.
We recommend:
- a warm winter overall, or winter trousers and a winter jacket
- warm winter boots, preferably worn with wool socks
- a warm hat
- warm gloves or mittens
- a neck warmer or scarf
- warm layers underneath your outerwear
Duration: approximately 2 hours
Physical level: moderate – the route is travelled on snowshoes through winter forest terrain and includes some uphill sections.
Group size: maximum 8 guests.
Minimum age: 12 years.
The experience includes snowshoeing through winter forest terrain with some uphill sections. Participants should be comfortable moving on snowshoes during the experience.
What’s Included
- guided snowshoe adventure in Karu Lodge’s private old-growth forest
- snowshoes
- headlamp
- sleds and use of Karu Lodge’s sledding hill
- sheltered traditional kota hut and open fire
- reindeer sausage
- hot berry juice
- traditional Lapland kampanisu pastry
- guide services
- pickup and return transfer from Hotel Luostotunturi in central Luosto when needed
Price
- €99/person
You are also welcome to arrive at Karu Lodge with your own car. Free parking is available on site. Transportation from Pyhä, Sodankylä or other locations can be arranged separately.
Distances to Karu Lodge
- From Luosto: approximately 8 km / 10 minutes
- From Pyhä: approximately 40 km / 35 minutes
- From Sodankylä: approximately 35 km / 30 minutes
- From Rovaniemi: approximately 110 km / 90 minutes
Travelling with a larger group or looking for a private experience tailored to your group? Contact us through our enquiry form, and we will be happy to create a suitable experience for you.