Family winter activity vacation, Finland

Planet

We use maintained trails on our trekkings and for lunch breaks we stop at set fire places or wilderness huts. We abide by a strict environmental, “leave no trace” policy. All litter is removed and it is recycled for as much as possible (plastic, metal, glass, carton, bottles, batteries, medicines, etc.) Naturally all the waste is sorted at our office as well.

On this tour the accommodation is in newly built (2017-2018) cottages that are warmed by ecologically friendly geothermal heating. To reduce the laundry bed linen and towels won't be changed during the week and there is no cleaning during the vacation. To save energy we recommend lights and devices are switched off when not in the room. That's what we do in our office as well.

International guests need at least one flight to arrive at our area. We recommend to book a direct flight to Helsinki, where a change is necessary. From Helsinki, it's also possible so take a train and/or bus and we are happy to help find you the best connections. From the joining point single-timed group transfers are organized to the destination. For each group the most expedient vehicle is chosen according to the group size.

In Finland tap water is fresh and drinkable and it's not necessary to purchase bottled water. We ask our clients to bring a reusable drinks bottle or thermos with can be filled on the morning for the excursion.

In our purchases, we are committed to preferring durable, if possible locally produced, high-quality products. Disposable products are avoided as far as possible and there is no option, we prefer eg. wooden cutlery or paper bags instead of plastic options.

In 2022 we have been working in Travelife program and reached Travelife Partner status in November 2022. The award recognizes our efforts regarding sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility. To receive Travelife Partner level we had to comply with more than 100 criteria, related to office management, product range, international business partners and customer information

People

Our tours are organized in sparsely populated, remote border area from where many people, especially young, are forced to move out due to lack of work. By bringing visitors and organizing tours we are bringing more welfare for local people. Our company does not own any hotel, restaurant or vehicles for transportation but we buy all these services from the local suppliers. The accommodation suppliers, restaurants, husky farmers and taxi companies are all small, locally owned businesses and benefit directly from our tours. Also guides are locals for as much as possible. Our company is also small with only two fulltime employees.

The food is local for as much as possible - fish, reindeer meat, elk and berries.
Approximately 70% of the income goes for the local businesses and guides.

The land and the cabins used on this tour are maintained by the Forest and Park Service of Finland and we pay funds for them which they use for maintaining the area and the fireplaces, open huts and other services in the area which local people are using also.