Family winter sports vacations in Finland

Very traditional, and very adventurous. That’s how we’d sum up winter family sports vacations in Finland, but if you wanted us to go into a little more detail we’d probably throw in a flurry of other choice adjectives such as fun-filled, welcoming, chilly and completely unforgettable.

Predominantly small group trips, over the course of a week these vacations introduce you and your family to a fantastic range of Finnish winter sporting activities, with always something different to look forward to every morning and always something to talk about over dinner every evening (anyone for more reindeer sausage?). As an extra bonus, you’ll usually be provided with suitable winter clothing for everyone over the duration of your stay, which can be a major cost saving. And yes, it’s 100 percent necessary.

Grownups take the reins on exciting husky sledding expeditions, while children ride along with the guide. There are action packed snowmobiling safaris, with kids under 18 safe on a sled pulled by the guide’s machine. You’ll pad along on snowshoes through forests blanketed in the white stuff, try your luck fishing in frozen lakes, cross country ski across frozen wilderness, and – if the kids amazingly have some energy left at the end of the day – there’s always the option of tobogganing.

In Finland, winter sports don’t involve flashy posing on the pistes, or cannons blasting out artificial snow while tacky jingles try and force you into a Christmassy mood. Here it’s all about, dare we say it, authenticity. These sports are exciting for visitors sure, but for the Finns, they’re just regular day-to-day activities in winter, and the magical feeling you’ll get is totally natural.

You’ll stay toasty in traditional wood-fired saunas and outdoor Jacuzzis (wonderful if it snows), build igloos and snowmen, tuck into delicious and filling homecooked Finnish meals and, of course, during winter in Finland you have an excellent chance of witnessing the Northern Lights. Your best hope is to head out to an Aurora lodge, a remote cabin where there is zero light pollution, and you can wait in comfort for this incredible natural spectacle to illuminate the night sky.

“Be prepared for an ambivalent relationship with your snowsuit and other protective clothing, gloves, helmets etc. Taking them on and off takes time and they feel clumsy and uncomfortable at times – know that you will grow to LOVE them once you realise you can only enjoy the snow and the adventurous activities if you are wearing them. 10 mins without those layers will convince you. This can be a tough lesson for small children initially. My Australian son in law and granddaughter (aged 6) had never touched snow before. I wanted to share a special experience with them and my daughter and it was certainly that. It worked for us all whatever age or stage. It’s a relaxed and welcoming place where you feel they are taking care of you but they are also providing challenging and memorable activities and sharing their own experience and passion for the landscape and its wildlife.” – Liz Garrett a review of her Northern Lights family vacation