23 December 2011: Flights, arrivals and introduction
You will be met at the airport by a representative who will then transfer you to beautiful Saija lodge. After you have settled in to you new surroundings a welcome meal will be served in the restaurant which will gives the perfect opportunity to meet others in your group and a first introduction to some delicious local delicacies.

24 December 2011: Christmas festivities
In Finland Christmas is celebrated on the 24th December so today you will really get into the spirit of the season.

Christmas trees are waiting for you at the central lodge so you may choose a tree and decorate your room with it. In the afternoon you will carry candles in procession to nearby Church Island, a tradition at Saija and a wonderful event to participate in. On your return to the lodge warm Christmas glog is waiting to warm you and a Christmas dinner is served. There may even be a surprise visit from the big man in red to add to the Christmas cheer.

Late in the evening you have the option to attend Christmas mass at the church in Taivalkoski.

25 December 2011: Local history and smoke sauna
This morning you will walk to Kallioniemi, where popular Finnish writer Kalle Paatalo spent his early life. His book about the region is titled ‘our daily bread’ and depicts the hardships of life in this environment and how people adapt to such circumstances.

In the afternoon the traditional smoke sauna is warmed and ready for you to relax in.

26 December 2011: Husky training run
After breakfast you will receive all the tuition and safety information required to drive a team of dogs. You will be introduced to all of the equipment and the trusty huskies who will be your partners for the next few days. After your training you will head out onto the trail for the first time and travel between 10 and 15km.

This is the ideal way to find your feet on the sled and get used to the pace of the dogs.

27 December 2011: Full day husky safari
Today you will get a real taste of wilderness dog sledding as you hit the trails and travel between 25 and 35km. You will enjoy a tasty lunch en route which (weather permitting) will be cooked over an open fire in true Lappish fashion.

The route takes you through some of the most stunning winter scenery you can imagine. The trees along the route look like snow sculptures and when crossing some of the vast frozen lakes you can see for miles along this picturesque landscape. It feels like you are in another world as you gaze at this winter wonderland. Everyone will have control of their own team of dogs and you will be out on the trails for between 4-6 hours before returning to the hotel for dinner.

28 and 29 December 2011: Overnight husky safari
After breakfast it is time to pack up the sleighs and head out on an overnight husky safari. Over the two days you will cover approximately 50 km of wonderful winter landscape and as you and your dogs begin to work as a team it becomes easier to relax and gaze around at your unique surroundings.

You will arrive at a wilderness cabin which will be your cosy base for the night. Everyone looks after their own team of dogs and helps to prepare dinner at the cabin. The accommodation is basic but comfortable offering everything you need for a good night’s sleep. You will be woken by the barks of your hungry team of dogs in the morning. After feeding the dogs and yourself you head off on the trail this morning with lunch cooked on an open fire en-route. This evening you will return to Saija lodge for your evening meal and relaxing sauna.

30 December 2011: Departure
After breakfast you will be transferred back to the airport for your return flights home.

Saija Lodge

If a wild nightlife is your thing then there’s little point in reading more about Saija as you certainly won’t find it here. This remote lodge typifies traditional Finnish style and is constructed entirely from wood. Located on the shores of Lake Jokijarvi, Saija is ideal for combining activities with rest and relaxation.

There are 19 suites here which are situated within winter cottage style buildings. All suites have a living area with TV, shower and toilet room and the obligatory sauna. Bedrooms are typically situated on a mezzanine level.

It’s a very short walk from the cottage to the main building which houses the cosy restaurant where you will experience local and international cuisine throughout your stay.

On the site itself, there is a husky farm and 25km of managed cross country ski trails leading almost directly from the main building into the surrounding countryside.

Kalle Päätalo, a famous Finnish author was born close to Saija and wrote about life in this region. He captured the essence of Kuusamo Lapland in his book and we feel that Saija is the best place to experience a little of what he writes about.

Wilderness Cabins

During our husky week, you will spend a night at Harjajarvi wilderness cabin. Regardless of its remote location, the cabin is warm and cosy and despite having no electricity or running water there is a sauna.

This is exactly what wilderness safaris are all about, escaping the last vestiges of everyday life and experiencing a totally unspoiled environment.

Everyone will look after their own team of dogs and help prepare dinner for the huskies and the humans. Your meals are cooked over an open fire and served in the cabin.