Arctic Easter Escapade
Two Very Different Sides of Lapland – and Beyond!
CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING & HIGHLAND ADVENTURES
Our Arctic Easter Escapade combines cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling with an Arctic journey through three very different landscapes – from the forests and fells of Ylläs, to the spectacular highlands of Kilpisjärvi and across the mountains to the Arctic coast of Northern Norway.
We start in Ylläs, where you’ll learn or improve your cross-country skiing and put your new skills into practice in the landscapes of Pallas–Ylläs National Park. Then we travel around 250 km further north to Kilpisjärvi, Finland’s gateway to the Arctic highlands, right at the meeting point of Finland, Sweden and Norway. From here, our adventures take us into the highlands and across the mountains to the Norwegian coast. If you’d like to see a little more of Norway, you can also continue on to Tromsø after the trip and fly home from there.
This trip combines the best of Lapland’s springtime activities – long days, sunshine and plenty of snow – with an Arctic road trip and a highland adventure. Three countries, changing landscapes and plenty to experience along the way.
And, as always with us, the itinerary has some flexibility. The weather, snow conditions and your group will help decide exactly what we do. That’s part of travelling in the Arctic – and part of the fun.
WHY EASTER IN LAPLAND?
March and April are known as the Snow-Crust Season, one of Lapland’s eight distinct seasons and one of our favourite times to be outdoors!
It’s super sunny, the days are long, temperatures are generally milder and there’s still plenty of snow. On cold mornings, the snow surface can become hard-packed, opening up completely different possibilities for skiing and snowshoeing. In April, daylight can stretch roughly from 5am until 10pm, while the nights can still bring the Northern Lights when conditions align. In other words: more daylight, lots of snow and plenty of time to explore!
TWO DESTINATIONS. TWO VERY DIFFERENT LAPLANDS.
Ylläs – Learn to Cross-country ski and enjoy the classic Lapland scenery.
We start in Äkäslompolo, Ylläs, around 200 km above the Arctic Circle.
If you’re new to cross-country skiing, we’ll start from the beginning. Our first lesson is very much “0 to Hero” style – learning the basics on easy terrain, finding your balance and building your confidence before heading further. Don’t worry if the skis seem to have a mind of their own at first. That’s quite normal.
Over the following days, lessons turn into proper ski trips through snowy forests, around fells and across frozen lakes. We’ll stop for hot drinks and lunch in wilderness cafés, huts and traditional kotas along the way.
Already know how to ski? No problem. We adapt the skiing to your level.
Kilpisjärvi & Norway – Into the Arctic Highlands!
Then the landscape changes. We drive north along the Victoria Route, following the Finland–Sweden border and travelling through Sámi lands to Kilpisjärvi, in the westernmost corner of Finnish Lapland and our gateway to the vast Arctic highlands.
Up here, the forests give way to a much bigger, more open landscape. Kilpisjärvi sits right at the meeting point of three countries, with the fells and mountains of Sweden and Norway rising around us too. We’ll explore the area on cross-country skis, snowshoes and snowmobiles.
Depending on weather conditions, our adventures can include ice fishing on Kilpisjärvi, skiing to the Three-Nation Border of Finland, Sweden and Norway, and an adventure up the iconic Saana Fell, rising to 1,029 meters (3,376 ft).
We’ll also head across the mountains to explore the Arctic coast of Northern Norway. The journey is part of the adventure – past rushing rapids and down winding switchback roads, before reaching the small coastal village of Skibotn.
And after a day outside? Sauna, of course. This is Finland, after all. Followed by an ice plunge in frozen Kilpisjärvi, if you dare… or a hot jacuzzi. Or both!
WHAT WILL YOU EXPERIENCE?
This is an active Lapland holiday, but you don’t need to arrive as an Arctic athlete. We’ll help you build your skills and confidence as we go, keeping things fun and adapting the activities to your level. We’re with you throughout the journey – teaching, guiding, travelling and experiencing the adventure together.
You’ll experience:
- An Arctic journey through three countries – from Pallas–Ylläs National Park and the forests and fells of Ylläs, through the Käsivarsi Wilderness Area and Kilpisjärvi highlands, to the Three-Nation Border and across the mountains to Skibotn on the Arctic coast of Northern Norway
- Cross-country ski lessons and guided ski adventures
- Snowshoeing in the Arctic highlands
- Snowmobiling and ice fishing
- Exploring the landscapes from the iconic Saana Fell and frozen lake Kilpisjärvi
- Wilderness huts, cafés and traditional kota fireplaces
- Sauna, with an optional ice dip – or a hot jacuzzi!
- Stargazing and even the Northern Lights when conditions are right
- A final celebration meal to round off our Arctic adventure together
If you’ve already completed the Finland Arctic Challenge, this is the perfect next adventure. You’ll discover new parts of Lapland, different landscapes, experiences and sports – with plenty of familiar Arctic Escapades spirit!
SCHEDULED EASTER ESCAPADE
Join our Easter departure individually, as a couple or with friends!
Sat 27 March – Sat 3 April 2027
PRICE: €2,890 PER PERSON
We’ll pick you up and drop you off at Kittilä Airport / Kolari train station.
Price includes accommodation, activities, equipment, guiding and local transport – everything except flights, travel insurance and main meals. See the full list below.
Scheduled departure operates with a minimum of 5 participants.
* If your availability doesn’t match these dates, get in touch, as there may be some flexibility in the programme. Or ask us about a private option for your own group.
Love the idea but the dates don’t work? This trip can also be arranged privately, with the duration, activities and accommodation adapted to your group. The best ingredients stay the same: Ylläs, Kilpisjärvi, the Arctic highlands and Northern Norway – all in one journey.
WHAT’S INCLUDED?
You’re with us throughout the trip and we take care of the logistics so you can concentrate on the fun.
The trip includes transport in Finland, Sweden and Norway, shared accommodation with breakfast, activities and equipment, cross-country ski lessons and guided ski adventures, snowshoeing, a guided snowmobile safari and our final celebration dinner. We’ll also help you get ready before you travel with practical information and packing advice.
Accommodation is a combination of a villa and guesthouse-style stays, with that all-important Finnish sauna available throughout the trip. Private accommodation is available for a supplement.
Flights, travel insurance and main meals are not included in the current itinerary.
OPTION TO EXTEND THE ADVENTURE
The trip includes a return transfer to Kittilä Airport. Or, if you’d like to see a little more of Norway, you can continue on to the Arctic city of Tromsø and fly home from there. Alternatively, you could spend some time exploring Helsinki and the old town of Tallinn in Estonia. We’re happy to share tips for planning your onward journey, or invite you to join more of our adventures in Lapland!
WANT TO SEE THE FULL JOURNEY?
We’ve kept this to the big picture. The detailed Arctic Easter Escapade brochure and itinerary takes you through the journey day by day, including accommodation, activities and practical information.
Or get in touch and we’ll talk you through it. 😊❄️