Cross country skiing in Finland

Cross country skiing is deeply ingrained in Finnish culture, with most Finnish children learning to take to skis soon after taking their first steps. Decades ago, it was the way to get around in the winter, and people would glide across forests and lakes on the way to work or school. In smaller communities, kids still make their way to school on skis when the snow sets in.

If you’re a beginner, Finland is a great country to start your cross country skiing journey as there are no massive peaks to contend with. It’s also perfect for those who like to take it easy and get to know the local people; after all, gliding through peaceful fells, fjords and valleys, and staying in small, locally run accommodation is the very essence of slow travel.

Our Finnish cross country ski holidays are small group in style, meaning that you’ll have a band of between four and 16 fellow travellers with whom to share laughs along the trail. If you’re a beginner, there are tours that’ll show you the practical basics and give you briefings about what to expect when skiing in the wilderness.

You can either choose a point to point tour, during which that you’ll make your way further across the wilderness every day, staying in remote huts but with your luggage transferred for you, or a centre based tour, where you’ll spend most of your nights in well equipped log cabins, with a couple of nights in a basic hostel near the Russian border thrown in, too.

One of the joys of our cross country holidays in Finland is their remote location; you’re unlikely to come across many other skiers in this pristine part of the world. But you are likely to come across elk. And if you’re lucky, you could spot wolverines or golden eagles.

Our cross country skiing holidays take in the Kainuu Region. Close to the Russian border, it’s an ancient wilderness that feels remote and untouched. Here, highlights include the frozen wetlands and snow covered ancient forests in Hossa National Park, Martinselkonen Nature Reserve and the renowned Oulanka National Park.

The best time to go cross country skiing in Finland is between mid January and the beginning of March. At this time the snow is soft, the trails are at their best, the landscape still Christmas card pretty and the days are getting a little longer.

Urpo Heikkinen, of our Finland partner, Upitrek, shares his cross country skiing holidays tips:
“I really recommend cross-country skiing. You go from place to place, spending each night with different people – you feel like you’re having an adventure. The rhythm is flexible and it’s much easier than walking – you can cover great distances while still seeing wildlife and tracks in the snow. On the downhill sections you’ll enjoy the speed. In these remote areas people still have a more traditional way of living – they have gardens where they grow their own vegetables; it’s always Finnish food made with local ingredients, so no pizza or pasta! It all comes from very close by. Skiing from place to place is also an environmentally friendly way to see Finland – it’s much better than travelling by car.”