FINLAND ARCTIC CHALLENGE

MULTI-SPORT EXPEDITION IN LAPLAND
9-13 Feb 2026

• 5 STAGES, BASED OUT OF WILDERNESS CABINS
• RUN ->SKI ->BIKE ->SNOWSHOE ->HUSKY RIDE
• PALLAS-YLLÄS NATIONAL PARK, FINLAND

Join us to push your limits in the Finland Arctic Challenge! Stages include an ice marathon / half-marathon, snowshoeing, back-country skiing, fat-biking on snowy trails and husky-dog sledding. Based out of wilderness cabins, you will experience Lapland in the most authentic way! Hearty meals, traditional Finnish sauna and ice dips, fireside chats, and Northern lights spotting are part of recovery in the evenings. Your event fee includes everything in Lapland – all you need to do is train and show up! Previous skills are not required, stamina is. Places are limited – register to book your spot.

EVENT DATES

9-13 Feb, 2026 (Travel, pre and post-event activities on 8 & 14 Feb). See the full itinerary below.

INFORMATION SESSIONS

We organise information sessions, get-togethers and send regular updates to participants. If you would like join an information session, or receive recordings of the previous ones, please contact us at info@arcticescapades.com.

DISTANCE AND FORMAT

Lapland is the last wilderness of Europe, where winter is spectacular. The Finland Arctic Challenge takes place at the Pallas-Ylläs National Park, around the 7 Fells area. The course takes participants through the most epic arctic scenery, frozen forests, fairytale landscapes, and up to stunning fells (peaks) for vast views of the wilderness.

• This 5-day multi-sports expedition includes an ice marathon (with an option of a half-marathon), snowshoeing, back-country skiing, fat-biking and husky-dog sledding.
• Each day you will traverse in the wilderness and powdery snow for approx. 6-7 hours.
• The distance over five stages is approximately 100 km / 65 miles but don’t underestimate the soft snow and extreme arctic weather that could get colder than -25°C / -13°F!
• A shorter route option is available every day.
• The ice marathon and half-marathon will be officially timed, adding an extra layer of challenge. The other stages, while equally demanding, will not involve timing.
• Download more information about the course below. A course map and more details will be given to registered participants closer to the event.

PARTICIPANT LIST

The 2025 edition brought together an incredible group of participants from across the globe, representing four continents and twelve nationalities! This challenge is not just an opportunity to learn about the Arctic and push your limits but also a chance to connect with remarkable individuals from all walks of life—even during the preparation phase. The 2026 participant list will be updated in the coming weeks.

LOCATION

The Pallas-Ylläs National Park is located approx. 170 km / 100 miles above the Arctic Circle in Lapland, Finland. The arrival town of the event is Ylläs and we will conclude the event in the ski resort town of Levi. Both towns are less than one hour drive from the Kittilä airport and Kolari train station, with frequent shuttle buses before and after each flight/train.

ARRIVAL AIRPORT & FLIGHTS

The arrival airport is Kittilä, Finland (KTT). Finnair flies the shortcut between Europe and Asia and has good connections from all over the world, all the way to Kittilä. Flights to Kittilä go generally via Helsinki, the capital of Finland but there are also direct flights to Kittilä from London Gatwick and Manchester (EasyJet), Düsseldorf (Eurowings), Munich (Lufthansa), Paris (Air France), Riga (Air Baltic), Vienna (Austrian Airlines) and Zurich (Edelweiss).  For those flying from Asia, Finnair has a direct evening flight from Hong Kong to Helsinki, with a connecting flight to Kittilä in the morning. Book your flights early to ensure the best rates.

You can also arrive by train by taking an overnight train from Helsinki to Kolari, Lapland.

EVENT HOTELS

The Lapland Hotels Saaga in Ylläs is the host hotel before the event and Sokos Hotel Break in Levi is where we will be staying the night after the event. The nights of 8-9 and 13-14 February 2026 are included in your event fee. Both hotels are located less than an hour drive from the Kittilä airport with shuttle services provided.  

REGISTRATION FEES

This is an All-inclusive-event. Places are limited. We recommend applying soon in order to secure your place.

Speedy until 31-May 2025:
€ 3,990

Regular 1-May to 31-Nov 2025:
€ 4,490

• Reservation fee of 1500 euros secures your place. The reservation fee, less €500, is refundable until 31 November 2025. Cancellations must be done in writing to info@arcticescapades.com.
• Maximum participants: 25

WHAT IS INCLUDED?

Your event fee includes all essentials in Lapland – you just need to get your flights and travel insurance, train, and show up! See the full details below:

• Pre-event online information sessions and tips on preparation from the local team
• Transportation to the start line and from the finish line back to the host town
• Sporting equipment for all stages
• Husky sledding
• Accommodation: lumberjack cabins and heated shelters during the expedition, luxury hotel accommodation one night before and after the event (twin share)
• Meals throughout the week
• Additional evening program: sauna, ice dips, Northern Lights spotting etc.
• Warm winter boots for activities and a winter suit for the evenings
• Celebration party
• Finland Arctic Challenge souvenir jacket and a traditional kuksa cup
• Official photographs from the event

ITINERARY

Sunday, 8 February 2026

• Arrival at the Lapland Hotels Saaga by the afternoon
• Event briefing (mandatory) and gear check takes place on Sunday, from 16:00  

Monday, 9 Feb – Friday, 13 February 2026

• Stages 1-5 
• Celebrations dinner on Friday evening, 13 February

Saturday, 14 February 2026

• You can depart, or continue your stay in Lapland. For additional travel ideas, contact us at info@arcticescapades.com

REGISTRATIONS AND INQUIRIES

Inquiries: info@arcticescapades.com  

RULES & REGULATIONS

Safety is the utmost priority in the event. All registered participants receive essential updates before the event and must follow the event rules. The organiser reserves the right to modify the course or event schedule if needed. Participants are required to have insurance that covers them for medical evacuation and hospitalisation during the event.

CHARITY

Supporting a charity is not a must, but it can be a good, meaningful way of making most of your experience. The official charity partner of the event is RUN, which supports vulnerable refugees through sports and education in Hong Kong. You can choose to support RUN, or any charity of your choice. More details about RUN: introduction, donate, set up your own fundraiser.

ORGANISER – ARCTIC ESCAPADES

Arctic Escapades has over a decade of experience in organising and overseeing sporting events, including global ultramarathons, stage races, and winter expeditions. We are 100% local from Finland. More information: https://arcticescapades.com/story
How did this event start? The first people taking part were Sir Richard Branson and the Big Change team – read the full story.

PARTNERS