
Winterweek, Detailed Program for 8 Days / 7 Nights
Day 1: Arrival and Welcome
Your journey begins with your arrival in Kuopio or Joensuu, where we will warmly welcome you and then travel towards Eräkeskus. After checking in and settling into your cozy room, you will have the opportunity to personally meet our team. We will end the evening relaxing with a delicious dinner in the homely atmosphere of our lodge – the perfect start to your winter adventure.
Day 2: Introduction to Dog Sledding
After a hearty breakfast, you will receive your equipment and a theoretical introduction to dog sledding and handling our dogs. Then it's time for the real thing: together we will harness the dogs – an intensive and beautiful experience that will help you build a connection with your team. Afterwards, we will embark on our first sled ride (approx. 1.5–2 hours, depending on the group's driving skills). Back in Eräkeskus, the dogs will be taken care of and rewarded before we sit down together for lunch and discuss the experiences of the ride. The afternoon is yours to enjoy freely – relax in nature or warm up with a cup of tea.
Day 3: Dog Sledding Tour Through the Wilderness
Today, a more technically challenging tour through the breathtaking Finnish winter landscape awaits you. Again, we will harness the dogs together before embarking on a roughly 2 to 2.5-hour ride through untouched nature – including glistening snow, silent forests, and endless expanses. A warming soup will be waiting for you back at the lodge. In the afternoon, you can accompany our old dogs on a leisurely walk or simply enjoy the peace and quiet.
Day 4: Snowshoe Hike
Today, we will go on a snowshoe hike through the nature reserve around the Änäkäinen lakes. You will get to know another typical Nordic way of getting around and experience the silent beauty of winter from a completely new perspective. Along the way, we will take a break and prepare our lunch over an open fire – a true nature experience! In the afternoon, we will return to the lodge. Afterwards, there will be time for sauna and relaxation.
Day 5: Last Dog Sled Ride
As a grand finale to the active days, we will undertake one last dog sled tour – on particularly beautiful trails with challenges and lots of joy. After taking care of the dogs, our warming sauna awaits you in the evening – the perfect opportunity to unwind and reflect on the experiences of the past few days.
Days 6 & 7: Your Time, Your Choice!
These two days are entirely at your disposal. You can explore the wilderness with snowshoes or cross-country skis – both of which we will gladly provide. Or you can opt for relaxing hours by the fireplace or in the sauna. Our dogs always enjoy a walk, especially our oldies love the extra attention. If you like, you can also help us with dog feeding in the morning or evening – a lovely moment to get to know the daily life of a sled dog.
Day 8: Farewell & Departur
After breakfast, it's time to say goodbye. We will organize your transfer and bid you farewell with our best wishes. You will travel home with many new impressions, touching moments, and unforgettable memories in your luggage.
Note: This program is an example. Depending on the weather, our group dynamics, or other circumstances, the days and activities may shift slightly. Flexibility is part of the adventure – but one thing is certain: every day will be special!
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Want to book? Simply send us an email at office(at)eraekeskus.com with your preferred date! We look forward to your inquiry.
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