Hossa National Park Backcountry Skiing Tour

Planet

CARBON REDUCTION
The joining point of the trip is Kuusamo, which is the closest airport to the destination. From Kuusamo, we organize a scheduled group transfer to Hossa. At the end of the tour a group transfer takes guests back to the airport or Kuusamo bus station for those continuing their journey to Helsinki by bus and train.

Human-powered transport is a central part of the vacation - we only travel on skis. We ski off the beaten track, so no skiing tracks need to be prepared or maintained by snowmobiles. During the skiing days no car transfers are needed either. Luggage is transported between the accommodations by car, but the distances involved are relatively short.

Vegetarian meals are available throughout the tour on prior request. Locally sourced food is preferred where available, and seasonal vegetables are favoured. Tap water in Finland is safe and of high quality, and bottled water is not even available during the tour. One of the cabins doesn’t have tap water so drinking water is taken there in a canister.

ENVIRONMENT AND WILDLIFE
The tour takes place in Hossa National Park during the snowy winter season. We make our own way through the wilderness on skis, while lunch breaks are taken at designated campfire sites maintained by Metsähallitus, Parks & Wildlife Finland We pay a fee for the use of these services, contributing to the maintenance of facilities in the national park. All waste is taken back to the accommodation for sorting and recycling.

We have prepared sustainability tips for our customers, including advice on preparing for the tour and reducing their environmental impact during their vacation. The tips are available on our website and are also included in the pre-tour materials.

The tour price includes ski equipment rental as well as winter boots and mittens, so guests do not need to purchase equipment that they may only need for this vacation and would not otherwise use in their home country.

People

LOCAL ECONOMY
We aim to ensure that tourism income benefits local businesses and communities. Our operations are based on cooperation with a local partner network, and we work with small, mostly family-owned accommodation providers, restaurants, transport companies and other service providers in the remote countryside. We use local guides whenever possible. We want to maintain fair and reliable partnerships with our suppliers. We honour our agreements and pay our partners fairly for their services.

Two out of three accommodation providers on this tour are family-owned. International groups are an important additional source of business for companies, particularly outside the busiest domestic vacation periods.

EMPLOYMENT, INCLUSIVITY AND DIVERSITY
Our employees and guides are paid in accordance with Finnish legislation and applicable collective labour agreements. We expect our operating partners and service providers to comply with the same legal requirements.

Age, gender, sexual orientation, nationality or other personal characteristics do not affect our decisions when recruiting guides or other staff. Our responsible tourism policy prohibits all forms of discrimination and promotes equal treatment and opportunities in employment.