Finland·14 - 20 March 2027
Small-Group Arctic Expedition With Local Guide
Seven days in Finnish Lapland. Maximum 6 travelers. Led by Riitta, a local expert who'll show you the Arctic most visitors never see.
Overview
Ditch the ordinary and dive into the Arctic wild with Large Minority’s Husky Escapade in Arctic Lapland – a seven-day adventure where you’ll mush your own team of huskies through Finland’s untouched winter wonderland. This isn’t just a trip; it’s a journey into the heart of the Arctic, where frozen lakes, snow-laden forests, and star-lit skies set the stage for an unforgettable expedition. You’ll spend four full days sledding across breathtaking landscapes, learning to command your huskies as they pull you through the snow. No experience? No problem! Our expert mushers will guide you every step of the way. Each day ends at a cozy wilderness cabin that you share with your fellow mushers , where you’ll chop wood for the fire, heat the sauna, and bond with your sled dogs under the northern lights. But that’s not all – this adventure goes beyond the sled. You’ll try your hand at backcountry skiing, snowshoeing, and even an ice dip (if you dare!) after a soul-warming sauna session. For your final night you will stay the charming Pallas Hotel end the adventure in a little bit more comfort. With just six spots per departure, this is an intimate, boutique adventure for those ready to trade the familiar for the extraordinary. If you’re looking for a challenge, a connection to nature, and an experience like no other, the Arctic is calling. Are you ready?
Highlights
Mush Your Own Team of Huskies
This isn’t a passive sled ride—you’re the musher, guiding your own team of 4-5 huskies through Lapland’s untouched wilderness. Over the course of the adventure, you’ll form a deep bond with these incredible dogs, learning to communicate with them and work together as a team. The feeling of gliding across frozen lakes and snowy forests, powered by their energy, is nothing short of magical. You need to have a good level of physical fitness and be comfortable with lower temperatures...if you are unsure please reach out with us find out if this adventure is for you!
True Wilderness Living
Ready to disconnect to reconnect ? For five nights, you’ll be immersed in a true Arctic experience, staying in a remote wooden cabin with no running water or electricity. This is a shared accommodation Adventure where you will be living with the other 5 explorers. Here, you’ll chop wood, heat the sauna, and fetch water from a well—just like the locals. Without modern distractions, you’ll embrace the rhythm of the wild, reconnect with nature, and experience an adventure that few travelers ever do.
Chasing the Northern Lights
Lapland is one of the best places on Earth to witness the Aurora Borealis, and with zero light pollution at our remote base camp, your chances of catching a dazzling display are high. Imagine stepping outside after a day of sledding to see green and purple lights swirling across the Arctic sky—an unforgettable moment of pure wonder.
Hosts
About your Guide At Large Minority, we don’t just sell trips—we craft unique, meaningful adventures by working directly with the most passionate and experienced local providers. That’s exactly why we’ve partnered with Riitta Hänninen, a true Arctic expert who has dedicated her life to sharing the beauty and traditions of Finnish Lapland with the world.
Riitta Hänninen - Local Arctic Guide & Cultural Expert
Riitta isn't a seasonal tour guide who flies in for winter. She lives in Arctic Finland and has deep knowledge of Sami culture, traditional survival skills, and the landscape.
She's spent years working in Arctic tourism and knows the difference between what tourists want to see and what the Arctic actually is. This expedition focuses on the latter.
You'll learn from someone who understands Arctic culture from the inside - not someone who memorised facts from a guidebook.
Julian - Founder, Large Minority Travel
I've been running adventure trips in Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Pakistan, and Nicaragua since 2016. Small groups, authentic experiences, local partnerships - that's always been our approach.
When my partner Riitta showed me what real Lapland looks like (not the tourist version), I knew we had to bring our style of travel to the Arctic.
This is our first Lapland expedition. I can't show you 50 five-star reviews from past Arctic trips yet. But I can show you 8 years of delivering genuine adventure travel in some challenging places.
We keep groups small, we work with local experts, and we don't cut corners on safety or quality.
Schedule
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DAY 1
Arrival Day
Arrival at Kittilä Airport in Western Lapland. Meet and greet. Transport to the husky farm. Settle into the wilderness cabin, our home for five nights. Dinner and introductions, followed by the first authentic Finnish sauna in the wild.
Note: If you’d like to arrive one day earlier on the Saturday, which is advisable, and spend that day in modern accommodation in Levi, such as a hotel or villa, before heading into the wilderness.
DAY 2
Husky Day 1
Breakfast at the cabin, and then we go to meet the huskies that will be our companions for the next four days. We’ll get ourselves and the dogs kitted out for the day, and the husky farm owner will teach us how to handle the sleds and dogs. We’ll then start the first stage with the dogs, sledding through the frozen landscapes of Lapland.
Lunch will be camp style food, bread and sausages/ vegetarian option. The first day will end at the wilderness hut (our home for the week). Everyone is responsible for their own team and for helping with feeding and caring for the dogs so they can recover for the next day.
Afterward, there’s some soup, coffee, and tea available at the Kota (fire hut in Finnish). We heat up the sauna, and later in the evening, we come together in our Kota for dinner before heading to bed.
There’s often an option to do some added activities in the evening, before or after dinner depending on your energy levels. This is ideal when the sky is clear for starry nights and/or the Northern Lights.
DAY 3
Husky Day 2
From now on, we’ll settle into a regular routine. The mornings start with some daily tasks at the wilderness camp, such as preparing the sauna for the evening (refilling water and wood) and getting the dogs ready for the day.
We’ll set up the dog teams, put on the harnesses, and attach the dogs to the sleigh. This teamwork becomes more familiar every day. Departure each day is approx. 10 am. We’ll head out to the Pallas-Ylläs National Park (the oldest and largest national park in Finland), enjoying the mix of silence, barking, and the epic frozen Narnia-like scenery all around us. Each day the route is different.
Our lunch breaks take place by campfires, typically consisting of warm drinks, bread, and sausages/ vegetarian option.
Each afternoon, around 3 pm, we’ll return to the base camp to enjoy the sauna and traditional Finnish home-cooked meals, freshly prepared every day (group members are occasionally asked to help with cooking).
DAY 4
Husky Day 3
Wake up to another crisp Arctic morning, with the huskies eager to hit the trail.
DAY 5
Husky Day 4
By now, you'll be in sync with the morning routine—feeding the dogs, gathering firewood, and getting ready for the trail.
Depart on another breathtaking journey, navigating frozen lakes, snow-laden forests, and vast Arctic wilderness.
Strengthen your bond with the huskies as you refine your mushing skills and tackle new terrain.
Take a well-earned break by a roaring fire for lunch, soaking in the stillness of the Arctic.
Arrive back at camp for your final evening in the wilderness—sauna, home-cooked dinner, and one last night under the Arctic sky in the wilderness.
DAY 6
Activity Day 5
In the morning, we’ll say goodbye to our cabin and head to Pallas to explore the snowy landscapes by snowshoes. We’ll spend a few hours hiking through the stunning scenery before the final relaxation: a sauna with an optional ice dip.
Afterward, we’ll drive to our final stay at Lapland Pallas Hotels to enjoy comforts after the week in the wilderness. In the evening, we’ll enjoy a final celebratory dinner and share memories and laughs from the week.
There is an optional add on you can book and spend your last night in a luxury glass igloo where you can star gaze from the comfort of your own bed - get in touch for pricing and more details.
DAY 7
Departure Day
Breakfast and checkout. Levi is a good option for some souvenir shopping for those who have time before their flights.
Transport to the airport, or you can continue your stay in Lapland
What's Included
What's Included
Four full days of husky sledding – Drive your own team of 4-5 huskies through the Arctic wilderness.
Accommodation - 5 Nights in Cozy Finnish Lodge & 1 Night in Luxury Hotel
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily – Traditional Finnish meals, including fireside lunches.
Sauna access – Enjoy the Finnish sauna ritual every evening.
Winter gear rental – Includes a high-quality Arctic-grade snowsuit, winter boots, mittens, and a hat.
Experienced guides – Professional husky mushers leading and supporting you throughout the adventure
Training & instruction – Learn how to drive your own sled and care for the dogs.
National Park entry fees – Explore Pallas-Ylläs National Park, Finland’s oldest and largest national park.
Group transport – Transfers between the airport, hotel, and wilderness basecamp.
Safety equipment – All necessary emergency and first-aid gear.
Accommodation- 5 Night in Cozy Finnish Lodge & 1 Night in Lapland Hotel Pallas
What's Not Included
International & domestic flights – You’ll need to book your own flights to and from Finland.
Personal travel insurance – Mandatory for participation.
Alcoholic beverages & snacks – Bring your own if you’d like extra treats for the journey.
Optional activities – Any extra excursions before or after the trip.
Personal winter clothing – Base layers, gloves, and other personal winter gear.
Any additional transport outside of the group itinerary – If you wish to arrive early or depart later.
Tips for guides – Optional but appreciated for the hardworking team.
Gallery
WHY THIS COST £4,300 - AND WHY WE THINK IT'S FAIR
Lapland, Finland
Most Lapland tours cost £1,500-2,500. Here's why ours is different:
✓ MAXIMUM 6 TRAVELERS
We keep the group number small to keep groups intimate. Most operators run 20-40 people.
✓ LED BY A LOCAL, NOT A SEASONAL GUIDE
Riitta lives in Arctic Finland year-round. This is her home, her culture. That access and knowledge isn't available on typical tours.
✓ ALL-INCLUSIVE
Accommodation, all meals, equipment rental (cold-weather gear, husky sledding, snoeshoeing), activities, and ground transport. No hidden costs.
✓ GENUINE CULTURAL ACCESS
Traditional Sami knowledge, survival skills, and cultural immersion - not performances staged for tourists.
✓ FLEXIBILITY BUILT IN
With only 6 people, we can adapt to weather, Northern Lights activity, and group interests. Not possible with 40 people on a bus.
✓ 100% REFUNDABLE DEPOSIT
Book risk-free. Full refund until 90 days before departure (December 15, 2024).
You'll Be Staying Here
Lapland Accommodation
You’ll be staying in these or similar handpicked hotels. Final accommodations may vary depending on availability and group size, but we always ensure properties of the same comfort and standard.
Wilderness Cabin
Tucked away in the heart of the Arctic wilderness, your home for five nights is a rustic wooden cabin, offering an authentic back-to-basics experience. With no running water or electricity, this cozy retreat is warmed by a traditional wood-burning stove, and light comes from flickering lanterns. The cabin features shared dormitory-style sleeping arrangements, a communal dining area, and an outdoor compost toilet. Every evening, unwind in the Finnish sauna, drawing water from a nearby well for washing – a true Arctic tradition. Here, simplicity meets adventure, and the connection with nature (and your sled dogs!) is all part of the experience.
Final Night – Ski Resort
After days in the wilderness, your final night is a well-earned treat at the charming Pallas Hotel. Set against the backdrop of Finland’s most stunning fells, the hotel offers modern comforts, shared rooms, and a hot shower to refresh after the adventure. Indulge in a delicious farewell dinner and, if luck is on your side, catch one last glimpse of the Northern Lights dancing over the snow-covered peaks.
If however you want to live the ultimate experience and upgrade to spend your last night in a glass igloo and stargaze from the comfort of your own bed just let us know and we can make the necessary arrangements.
FAQs
Do I need prior dog sledding experience?
No experience is necessary! Our expert guides will teach you everything you need to know, from handling the sled to working with the huskies. By the end of the adventure, you'll feel like a pro.
How physically demanding is the trip?
You’ll need a good level of fitness and no problem with lower temperatures as you'll be standing on the sled for long periods, helping the huskies on inclines, and completing daily tasks at the wilderness cabin. However, no extreme strength or endurance is required—just a sense of adventure!
What is the weather like?
Expect true Arctic conditions! Temperatures in March generally range between 0°C to -15°C, but we provide high-quality cold-weather gear to keep you warm. The dry cold of Lapland is surprisingly manageable with proper layering.
What’s included in the price?
The adventure includes all meals, accommodation, husky sledding equipment, cold-weather clothing, guides, and a sauna experience. (See full inclusions/exclusions list.)
What type of accommodation will we stay in?
Nights 1-5: A rustic wooden wilderness cabin with dormitory-style sleeping, no electricity or running water, an outdoor compost toilet, and a traditional Finnish sauna.
Final night: A comfortable hotel in Lapland Pallas Hotels, with modern amenities.
What will I eat during the trip?
You’ll enjoy hearty Finnish meals made from fresh, local ingredients. Expect warming soups, traditional stews, fresh-baked bread, and meals cooked over open fires. Dietary restrictions can be accommodated with advance notice prior to booking.
Will I get to interact with the huskies?
Absolutely! You’ll care for your own team of huskies—feeding them, harnessing them, and getting to know their personalities. These dogs love their job and will quickly become your adventure companions.
How many people are in a group?
This is an exclusive small-group adventure with a maximum of 6 participants per departure, ensuring a personal and immersive experience.
What should I pack?
We provide essential cold-weather gear (thermal suits, boots, gloves, etc.), but you should bring base layers, warm socks, a headlamp, and a camera for those Northern Lights moments! A full packing list will be sent before departure.
Will I see the Northern Lights?
Lapland is one of the best places on Earth to witness the Aurora Borealis. While we can’t guarantee sightings, the remote location and clear winter skies offer excellent chances!
Are there showers at the wilderness cabin?
No traditional showers, but you’ll embrace the Finnish way—washing up in the sauna with warm water from the well. It’s a unique and refreshing experience!
Can I travel solo?
Yes! This trip is perfect for solo travelers. The shared experience, small group, and teamwork with the huskies create an amazing sense of camaraderie.
How do I get to the starting point?
You’ll fly into Kittilä Airport (KTT) in Finland, where we’ll arrange your transfer to the adventure start point. Detailed travel advice will be provided upon booking.
Is this adventure ethical for the dogs?
Yes! The huskies are well-cared-for, loved, and born to run. They are working dogs who thrive in these conditions, and their well-being is our top priority.
How do I book?
Spots are limited to just 6 per departure, so book early! You can secure your place by contacting us directly via email or booking through our website.