General Terms and Conditions
We are pleased that you are interested in an Eräkeskus package and thank you for your trust.
1. Conclusion of Contract
1.1 By registering in writing, by phone, or in person, a contract is established between Eräkeskus and the guest. From this point on, these terms and conditions apply.
1.2 Special requests only become part of the contract if they have been confirmed in writing.
2. Prices and Payment Conditions
2.1 The travel price is based on the online offer (www.eraekeskus.com) or an individual quote. All prices are in euros per person.
2.2 The full travel price must be received by Eräkeskus no later than 14 days before the start of the arrangement. Deviating payment terms are only possible upon agreement. If payment is not made on time, the booked services may be refused, and cancellation fees according to section 3.2 may be applied. A deposit is not required.
2.3 For short-term bookings (less than 7 days before departure), confirmation of the bank transfer or cash payment upon arrival is required.
2.4 Price changes may occur due to:
- Subsequent increases in transportation costs (including fuel surcharges)
- Newly introduced or increased government taxes or fees
- Exchange rate fluctuations
- Government-mandated price increases (e.g., VAT)
Price increases will be announced no later than 3 weeks before departure. If an increase is more than 10% of the travel price, the guest has the right to cancel the contract free of charge within 5 days of notification. In this case, any payments already made will be refunded. Alternatively, a replacement trip can be chosen. If there is a price difference between the originally booked trip and the possibly cheaper replacement trip, we will refund the difference.
3. Cancellation and Changes
3.1 Cancellations or rebookings must be made in writing to office(at)eraekeskus.com and confirmed.
3.2 The following cancellation fees apply:
- 60 - 30 days before departure: 20% of the travel price
- 29 – 15 days before departure: 50% of the travel price
- 14 - 2 days before departure: 80%
- 1 day before departure or no-show: 100% of the travel price
The relevant date for calculating the cancellation or change is the receipt of the declaration by Eräkeskus. If the declaration is received on a Saturday, Sunday, or public holiday, the next business day is decisive.
3.3 Travel cancellation insurance is recommended. Your booking with Eräkeskus does not include any insurance.
3.4 Replacement Person: The guest can name a replacement person up to 7 days before departure, who will take their place on the trip. This must be done in writing. The following conditions apply:
- The replacement person must meet all travel requirements (passport, visa, vaccinations).
- Any additional costs incurred by the replacement person (e.g., different room category) are the responsibility of the original booker.
- Eräkeskus may refuse the replacement person if they do not meet the specific travel requirements.
- Upon the entry of the replacement person, both the original booker and the replacement person are jointly liable to Eräkeskus for the travel price.
4. Liability
4.1 In the case of proven deficiencies in services, the difference in value between the agreed and provided services will be refunded within 14 days, provided that no equivalent replacement service could be offered or Eräkeskus is at fault for the deficiency.
4.2 Limitation of Liability: Liability is subject to applicable laws and international agreements.
4.3 Exclusions of Liability: Eräkeskus is not liable if the non-performance or improper performance of the contract is due to the following causes:
- The traveler’s own fault before or during the trip.
- Acts or omissions of third parties (e.g., delays).
- Force majeure or unforeseeable, unavoidable events beyond our control (e.g., natural disasters, epidemics, official measures, strikes).
- Poor weather conditions. In particular, poor or insufficient snow conditions do not constitute a reason for trip cancellation. If snow conditions do not allow for a normal tour, Eräkeskus will make every effort to offer alternative routes or programs.
4.4 Personal Injuries: Eräkeskus is liable for personal injuries if they were caused by the fault of Eräkeskus or a company contracted by us. International agreements and national laws remain applicable. Eräkeskus is not liable for personal injuries caused by the customer's failure to follow the instructions given or by any other negligence on customer`s part.
4.5 Property and Financial Damages: Eräkeskus is liable for damages incurred during the trip if the company or a contracted service provider is at fault. Liability is limited to the paid travel price and direct damages. Further liability restrictions according to international agreements and national laws remain reserved. Eräkeskus is not liable for property or financial damages caused by the customer's failure to follow the instructions given or by any other negligence on customer`s part.
4.6 Equipment: The guest is obligated to return any provided equipment in proper condition. The guest is liable for damages caused by improper use or loss of the equipment. Damages due to material defects or normal wear and tear are excluded. The assessment of such cases is at the discretion of Eräkeskus.
4.7 Eräkeskus assumes no liability for the loss, damage, or theft of personal belongings of participants during the trip.
4.8 Damage to Accommodation, Animals, and Property: The guest is liable for damages caused by negligence, improper handling, or disregard of company instructions. In the case of intentional or grossly negligent damages, Eräkeskus reserves the right to claim full compensation.
4.9 Insurance: We recommend additional insurance coverage, for example, for accidents and illness, personal liability, travel luggage, extra return travel, etc.
These provisions apply to all tours and accommodations offered by Eräkeskus.
5. Complaints
5.1 The guest is required to report any deficiencies immediately to allow Eräkeskus to remedy the situation.
5.2 Claims must be submitted in writing within 30 days after the end of the trip. Otherwise, the right to compensation expires.
6. Program Changes
6.1 Eräkeskus reserves the right to change programs or individual agreed services after the start of the trip if unforeseen circumstances require it. This applies in particular to changes due to force majeure, official measures, or delays caused by third parties for whom Eräkeskus is not responsible. We will, of course, strive to inform you as early as possible about such changes.
6.2 If Eräkeskus must modify a trip that has already started in a way that objectively reduces the agreed services, an appropriate refund will be granted unless the circumstances fall under Section 6.1.
7. Trip Cancellation
7.1 Eräkeskus is entitled to cancel the trip if your actions or omissions provide justified cause for doing so. In this case, cancellation costs will be charged in accordance with Section 3.2.
7.2 Minimum Number of Participants:
If the minimum number of participants is not reached, the trip may be canceled up to 20 days before the start. You are entitled to a full refund of the travel price within 14 days.
7.3 Force Majeure
Events of force majeure, official measures, or strikes may force us to cancel the trip. In such a case, we will inform you as soon as possible. You are entitled to a full refund of the travel price. Alternatively, if possible, we will offer you a rebooking for a later date or a voucher. Further claims, especially for damages, are excluded.
Definition: Force majeure refers to an unforeseeable, extraordinary, and unavoidable event that is beyond our control and makes the fulfillment of the contract impossible or significantly more difficult. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Natural disasters (e.g., earthquakes, floods, storms, fires)
- Health crises (e.g., epidemics, pandemics) and related government measures
- Political and security-related events (e.g., war, armed conflicts, terrorist attacks, riots)
- Strikes, lockouts, or other labor disputes beyond the company's control
- Official orders or travel bans that prevent the execution of the trip
In such cases, we are released from our obligation to perform but will endeavor to inform guests immediately and offer a reasonable solution.
8. Entry, Visa, and Health Regulations
Guests are responsible for informing themselves in time about entry requirements and complying with applicable regulations. Any costs arising from denied entry must be borne by the guest.
9. Responsible Tour Operator
Eräkeskus Sled Dog Center OY
Rinnetie 9
FIN-81720 Lieksa
Tel: +358 40 861 458 9
E-Mail: office(at)eraekeskus.com
10. Applicable Law and Jurisdiction
This agreement constructed and governed by Finnish law. Any disputes arising from the contents or in connection to this agreement will be resolved in the district court of North Karelia, Finland.
Status: 09.04.2025
11. Links
We assume no liability for the content of links leading to external websites outside of www.eraekeskus.com. The operators of the linked pages are solely responsible for their content.
12. Customer Responsibilities
12.1 Our dogs are family members, and we expect our guests to treat them with respect. It is forbidden to harass the dogs against their will, handle them roughly, or cause them harm. In case of repeated violations or inappropriate behavior, we reserve the right to exclude participants from the tour. In such cases, no refund will be provided.
12.2 Customers are further required to treat our dogs with care. Instructions from the tour operators must always be followed.
12.3 The consumption of alcohol is not permitted during the tours to ensure the safety and well-being of all participants and the dogs.
13. Health Requirements and Physical Condition
Participants must be in a physical condition that allows them to take part in our activities. Individuals with severe cardiovascular diseases, back problems, or other relevant health issues are strongly advised to seek medical advice before booking.
Eräkeskus reserves the right to cancel a tour or refuse participation if the necessary physical condition is insufficient or if the safety of the participant or the group is at risk. In such cases, no refund will be provided.
Participants are required to inform Eräkeskus before the tour of any health issues or special needs. The responsibility for assessing one’s own fitness and health lies with the participant.
14. Photo and Video Rights
During our tours, photos and videos may be taken. By booking, you agree that these may be used for promotional purposes. If you do not wish to be photographed or filmed, please inform us before the start of the trip.
15. Bringing Personal Animals
Out of respect for our sled dogs, guests may only bring their pets upon request and with explicit approval. We reserve the right to deny the presence of pets, especially if it could affect the well-being of our dogs or the smooth operation of the tours.
16. Minimum Age of Participants
The minimum age for participation in our tours is 18 years. Minors aged 10 and above may participate if accompanied by a legal guardian. Certain tours with higher requirements may have a higher minimum age, as stated in the specific tour description. Younger children can participate only upon request and after individual review.