Finland

Arctic Circle Hut to Hut Ski Expedition

7 nights from £1850 • €2145 • $2515

Activities

6 days guided adventures

Accommodation

7 nights wilderness cabin

Level

Beginner Expedition

Food

Expedition meals

Difficulty

Group Size

Challenging

Transfers

6 new friends

Dates

Fly into Tromsø, Norway

February and March

  • Backcountry Ski Touring

    Test your endurance with our hut-to-hut skiing expedition in the remote wilderness

  • Käsivarsi Wilderness

    Explore the vast Käsivarsi wilderness, Finland's most mountainous and scenic region

  • Remote Living

    Push your limits and explore this lesser-explored landscape. You may not be able to shower or charge your phone, but you’ll have memories and stories to last a lifetime.

  • Expedition Exploration

    Embrace the outdoors and the elements with this self-sufficient expedition, ideal for first-time explorers

  • Northern Lights

    If the arctic skies are clear and conditions are right, witness the Northern Lights.

Experience the ultimate winter challenge with Gutsy Girls as we take you on a women-only backcountry expedition across the Arctic Circle in Finland. This isn’t your typical ski trip. Over five rigorous days, you’ll carve your way through the untouched Käsivarsi wilderness, pulling a pulka loaded with gear and pushing beyond your limits.

This is Finland's most rugged and mountainous terrain, and we’ll leave behind the beaten tracks to explore vast snowfields, icy tundras, and untamed nature. With expert guides by your side, you’ll have everything you need to rise to this demanding, yet rewarding adventure.

Challenge Accepted 

No sugar-coating here—this is an expedition for those who thrive under pressure. Each day, you’ll cover 10–18 km on skis while towing a pulka weighing up to 25kg. The going will be tough, the conditions unpredictable, and your muscles will ache. But the sense of achievement at the end? It’ll be unparalleled. Whether you’re here for adrenaline or personal growth, this trip will deliver moments of both self-doubt and triumph.

Location

Our adventure will start in Kilpisjärvi, a tiny village in the north western arm of Finland, right on the border with Norway. With a population of approximately 150 people, this will be our first taste of the untamed and remote location that will be our home for the week.

From here, we venture deep into the Käsivarsi Wilderness Area, home to Finland’s highest peak, Halti Fell (1,345m). You’ll ski through variable terrain, battling weather changes and steep ascents, all while taking in the stunning, icy landscape. This isn’t your standard holiday destination, but it’s one you’ll never forget.

Activities

  • Backcountry Ski Touring

    Do you love hiking and yearn to explore the serene beauty of remote, untouched landscapes? Backcountry ski touring offers the perfect opportunity to discover the elusive charm of places inaccessible by other means.

    Backcountry ski touring is easy to learn, making it an ideal choice for those seeking to glide atop pristine, untracked snow surfaces, far from established trails. Known as 'sliding snowshoes' in Finnish, backcountry skis come equipped with skins, allowing you to both ascend uphill and descend downhill.

    No prior ski experience is required for this adventure! Our expert guide will teach you all the basics on your first day, ensuring that you'll soon be gliding along and immersing yourself in the mesmerising snowy wilderness.

  • Hiking

    Northern Lights

    Kilpisjärvi has become increasingly popular with those chasing the northern lights, it’s right on the edge of the aurora oval at 68º latitude. The micro climate of the mountain range means there’s less chance of cloudy days than in Tromsø, with 3 out of 4 nights having a good chance of seeing the northern lights. Obviously we cannot guarantee that we will see them, but with 7 nights we have everything crossed that we will!

  • Snowshoeing

    Accommodation and Food

    We will begin and end the expedition with nights in a simple cabin with electricity, restaurant, bar, sauna, inside toilets and showers.

    As we delve deeper into the wilderness, our accommodations will shift to rustic wilderness cabins with no electricity or running water. These remote cabins do not have electricity or showers, and the toilets are in a shared outhouse, adding to the true wilderness experience. They are lit by candles and heated by wood burning stoves, which will keep us toasty after a day of adventuring in the wilds. 

Backcountry Ski Touring

Backcountry skiing is all about using skis as a way to travel, to glide across frozen terrain, explore quiet forests, and cut fresh tracks through untouched snow. It’s all about the journey: steady, self-powered movement through a remote, snow-filled wilderness.

We use wide cross-country skis with metal edges, called Fjellski in Norway, which give you the grip and control needed to move confidently in ungroomed, backcountry terrain. They’re designed to handle varied conditions, from snowy rolling hills to frozen lakes, letting you venture far beyond marked trails.

You don’t need prior ski or cross-country experience, though it certainly helps. What matters more is good balance, comfort with gliding, and a solid level of fitness and determination. This isn’t a gentle introduction. It’s a demanding and rewarding way to experience winter in the wild, where you'll pull your own pulka (sled) and cover ground in often challenging conditions.

If you're not quite sure this is your level, we recommend building up to it. Try our Lapland Expedition, Backcountry Wilderness Adventure, or start developing your cross-country ski skills on our Norway Cross Country Ski trips first. This one’s best saved for when you're ready, not thrown into at the deep end.

Self-sufficient Expedition

As the name suggests, moving between huts each day is down to you. You’ll need to pull your own provisions on your pulka, as well as those divided up for the group, whilst navigating snowy and sometimes challenging conditions. There are no snowmobiles to give you a lift, it’s just you, your pulka and your other Gutsy Girls. 

This trip is great for expedition novices however as you’ll have a qualified, local guide with you every step (glide) of the way!  They’ll help you master your backcountry skiing technique, make sure your equipment fits and is packed properly, and lead the way. 

Northern Lights

With its location right on the edge of the aurora oval, Kilpisjärvi has become increasingly popular with those chasing the northern lights. There’s never a guarantee that the Northern Lights will put on a show, however the micro climate of the mountain range means there’s less chance of cloudy days, increasing the chance of seeing the aurora. Fingers crossed!

Accommodation and Food

We will begin and end the expedition with nights in a kitted-out cabin with electricity, a restaurant, bar, sauna, inside toilets and showers.

As we delve deeper into the wilderness, our accommodations will shift to rustic wilderness cabins with no electricity or running water. There are no  showers, and the toilets are in a shared outhouse, adding to the true expedition experience. The huts are lit by candles and heated by wood burning stoves, which will keep us toasty after a day of adventuring in the wilds. You’ll be in close quarters with your other Gutsy Girls so a good sense of humour and patience is always appreciated!

Fitness and Experience Level

  • This trip is rated as challenging.

    Given its physical demands and the environment involved, we rate this trip as challenging. While you don't need any expedition or ski experience to join, a high fitness level and a positive mindset are essential.

    This trip would be ideal for those who’ve completed hut-to-hut or hiking treks, bikepacked, packrafted or taken part in any trip where you’re away from home comforts for consecutive days.

    If you’re not sure whether this trip is right for you, please do get in touch.

  • Duration: Prepare for extended days in the Arctic circle, with daily outings lasting up to 6-7 hours, including around 5 hours dedicated to skiing.

    Distance: Expect to ski between 10 km-18 km daily. Note, skiing these distances can feel more challenging than hiking equivalent lengths.

    Intensity:  Backcountry skiing is more than just sliding on snow. As we navigate diverse terrains, having good stamina is essential for the journey.

    Towing and Carrying: Our pulkas (sledges) will weigh up to 25kg as you’ll need to carry your sleeping bags, food, equipment and changes of clothes. Towing this weight will add an extra challenge. If you are unable to tow your pulka, you won’t be able to join the expedition.

    Terrain: Finnish Lapland has a variety of diverse landscapes - from icy expanses to deep snowy trails and thick forests.

    Sub Zero Living: Over 5 nights, anticipate rustic living with no running water or electricity and outhouse toilets, whilst relying on log burning stoves for warmth.

    Communal Living: Embrace the camaraderie! There are no private quarters; you'll bunk with fellow Gutsy Girls. 

    Consecutive Activity: Five continuous days of skiing in tough conditions can be taxing. Gear up and prepare for intense adventure days.

    Mindset: You don’t need to be the world’s best skier, but a “can do” attitude and sense of humour will help you make the most of your trip. When challenges arise, dig deep and lean on the group spirit.

  • On this adventure we’ll stay in the following:

    Night 1: A large cabin, with showers and heating, where you’ll share a room with your fellow Gutsy Girls

    Night 2: Wilderness huts

    Night 3: Wilderness huts

    Night 4: Small cabin with a shower, toilet and sauna

    Night 5: Wilderness huts

    Night 6: Wilderness huts

    Night 7: A large cabin, with showers and heating, where you’ll share a room with your fellow Gutsy Girls.

    Wilderness huts

    These are basic huts with no running water or electricity. There will be a stove to heat the rooms and an outhouse toilet.

    There will also be the opportunity one night to camp out under the stars for any guests who’d like to. This is entirely optional.

  • The majority of our meals on this trip will be expedition food. This is dehydrated food that we add boiling water to. It will provide all the energy we need for long days in the snow!

    Please bring your own snacks (energy / muesli bars, nuts, raisins etc) if you need extra fuel during the week.

    We can cater for most dietary requirements. Please let us know if you have any dietary requirements at the time of booking.

Itinerary

  • Day 1

    Arrive at Tromsø airport and transfer to Kilpisjärvi, a beautiful village nestled in the midst of stunning Arctic landscapes.

    After a late arrival at our log cabin, we’ll settle in and rest in preparation for starting the adventure!

  • Day 2

    Once everyone has their kit, we’ll kick off the expedition with a 15km trip to the first cabin. Our destination is the unique three nations border, where Finland, Sweden, and Norway meet. 

  • Day 3

    Today's adventure takes us on a 13 km skiing expedition past icy waterfalls and through the wilderness on our way to our base for the night in a rustic cabin.

  • Day 4

    Prepare for a more challenging day of skiing as we cover a distance of 16 km with a significant uphill climb. Tonight we’ll stay in a larger cabin close to our start point, where there will be the chance to take a hot shower and reset before the second half of the expedition.

  • Day 5

    It’s all about the uphill today, with a 10km ski to ascend a stunning mountain plateau. It might be a challenge, but  the effort will pay off when we take in the incredible panoramic views.  Then it’s back to a remote cabin for the evening. 

  • Day 6

    What goes up, must come down! Today’s trek involves an 18km downhill ski adventure, following our own trails as we make our way to our final wilderness cabin stay.

  • Day 7

    Today, we'll ski back to Kilpisjärvi, completing our incredible journey. In the evening, we'll have a well-deserved stay back at the same cabin as our first night, to enjoy a sauna and a hot shower. We’ll also be able to reflect on our remarkable arctic ski expedition.

  • Day 8

    Before our transfer back to Tromso airport we’ll enjoy a hearty breakfast and take in our last views of the Wilderness!

    • Sat 14 February – Sat 21 February 2026

    • Sat 7 March – Sat 14 March 2026

    • Sat 14 March – Sat 21 March 2026

Dates

Price

  • Gutsy Girls is a UK-based adventure company welcoming women worldwide. Prices are in pounds (£) with estimates in euros (€) and US dollars ($). The final amount depends on your card provider’s conversion rate at time of payment and may fluctuate.

  • Secure your spot with a 30% deposit; the balance is due 45 days before the trip.

February

£1950 (approx. €2260 / $2650)

March

£1850 (approx. €2145 / $2515)

Included

  • 6 day guided backcountry ski expedition

  • 7 nights accommodation:

    • 3 nights shared cabin room with facilities

    • 4 nights shared wilderness huts / camping with very basic amenities

  • Experienced and qualified wilderness guide

  • Gutsy Girls Host

  • All expedition equipment - skis, ski boots, poles, winter sleeping bag, sleeping mat, tent

  • All meals - including 2 restaurant dinners and breakfasts

  • Fixed-time group airport transfers

    • Flights

    • Drinks

    • Travel Insurance

    • Personal clothing

  • Cancellations are effective from the date we receive your written notice via email. The following fees apply:

    • 100% of the trip cost if cancelled 44 days or less before the trip.

    • 30% of the trip cost if cancelled 45 days or more before the trip.

    Full terms and conditions are available for review before you book and make payment

Travel

  • You are responsible for your travel arrangements to Tromsø airport where we will collect you and take you to the first night's accommodation.


    The transfer from Tromsø to our start point in Finland takes 2.5 hours.


    Arrival day pick up: 20:30
    Departure day drop off: 11:30

  • There are lots of flight options to Tromsø. Most involve a stop in Oslo or elsewhere, but there are some direct flights. You may need to spend a night before or after the trip to fit in with our transfer timings if you want to take a direct flight as they often have less convenient timings.

    Please read our full FAQs for more details.

Packing List

    • Touring skis and poles

    • Ski boots

    • Sled

    • Sleeping bag

    • Insulated inflatable sleeping mat

    • Shovels

    • Tent

    • Sledge and expedition gear

  • Cross Country Skiing

    • Daypack 35l - 60l volume (big enough to fit two people’s day gear as you will swap between pulling the sled and carrying the backpack with another Gutsy Girl)

    • Wicking sports underwear (preferably not cotton)

    • 2 - 3 Base layer thermal tops (a selection) (synthetic, wool or silk)

    • 1 - 2 pairs long johns (thermal) (synthetic, wool or silk)

    • 1 Fleece / Midlayer and 

    • 1 Warm wool jumper (or another warm fleece)

    • 1 Shell Jacket - windproof and waterproof

    • 1 Soft shell trousers - windproof, water repellent, breathable (or ski salopettes unlined)

    • Waterproof trousers

    • 1 warm, insulated / down jacket (for breaks)

    • 5 - 7 pairs of warm socks of different thicknesses to help you get the best fit in your boots (wool is best). We usually advise wearing two pairs of socks a day, including one thin pair and one thick pair.

    • Sunglasses with UV protection

    • Ski googles if you have them

    • Warm hat

    • Buff (you might want two - one for your neck, one as a headband), scarf or balaclava

    • Thick mittens (2 pairs, ideally, in case one gets wet - normal ski gloves will do - warm mittens are best if you are prone to getting cold)

    • Glove liners if you suffer from cold hands

    • Disposable hand warmers (optional, but good if you suffer from cold hands) 

    • Gaiters (optional)

    • Insulated over trousers (or salopettes) (optional - useful in camp when wild camping)

    Off the skis

    • Warm evening clothes - one or two changes

    • Snow boots or hiking boots

    • Nightwear (best to use thermals - not cotton pjs)

    • Toiletries

    • Swimwear for the sauna if you wish

    • Towel for the sauna

    • Eco friendly biodegradable soap for sauna washing (optional)

    • Sleeping bag liner (optional)

    • Pillow case

    • Mug for drinks (preferably thermos-type)

    • Sunscreen (high factor) and lip salve

    • Any prescription medication 

    • Other medication (paracetamol/ibuprofen) is significantly more expensive in Finland so bring some if you need to

    • Compeed or moleskin for blisters, just in case!

    • Slippers / shoes for the cabins

    • Earplugs and eye mask for sharing rooms / tents

    • Headtorch

    Other Stuff

    • Camera 

    • Fully charged power banks (there is no electricity).

    • Dry bags for inside your day pack to keep stuff dry

    • Waterproof case for your phone might be handy

    • Snacks -  choose snacks that won’t freeze and become hard to eat. Previous guests recommend. nut and raisins mix, fruit pastels and jelly babies.

    • Insulated water bottle - 1 litre

    • 1 litre Thermos flask for warm drinks

    • Daypack 35l - 60l volume (big enough to fit two people’s day gear as you will swap between pulling the sled and carrying the backpack with another Gutsy Girl)

    • Wicking sports underwear (preferably not cotton)

    • 2 - 3 Base layer thermal tops (a selection) (synthetic, wool or silk)

    • 1 - 2 pairs long johns (thermal) (synthetic, wool or silk)

    • 1 Fleece / Midlayer and 

    • 1 Warm wool jumper (or another warm fleece)

    • 1 Shell Jacket - windproof and waterproof

    • 1 Soft shell trousers - windproof, water repellent, breathable (or ski salopettes unlined)

    • Waterproof trousers

    • 1 warm, insulated / down jacket (for breaks)

    • 5 - 7 pairs of warm socks of different thicknesses to help you get the best fit in your boots (wool is best). We usually advise wearing two pairs of socks a day, including one thin pair and one thick pair.

    • Sunglasses with UV protection

    • Ski googles if you have them

    • Warm hat

    • Buff (you might want two - one for your neck, one as a headband), scarf or balaclava

    • Thick mittens (2 pairs, ideally, in case one gets wet - normal ski gloves will do - warm mittens are best if you are prone to getting cold)

    • Glove liners if you suffer from cold hands

    • Disposable hand warmers (optional, but good if you suffer from cold hands) 

    • Gaiters (optional)

    • Insulated over trousers (or salopettes) (optional - useful in camp when wild camping)

    Off the skis:

    • Warm evening clothes - one or two changes

    • Snow boots or hiking boots

    • Nightwear (best to use thermals - not cotton pjs)

    • Toiletries

    • Swimwear for the sauna if you wish

    • Towel for the sauna

    • Eco friendly biodegradable soap for sauna washing (optional)

    • Sleeping bag liner (optional)

    • Pillow case

    • Mug for drinks (preferably thermos-type)

    • Sunscreen (high factor) and lip salve

    • Any prescription medication 

    • Other medication (paracetamol/ibuprofen) is significantly more expensive in Finland so bring some if you need to

    • Compeed or moleskin for blisters, just in case!

    • Slippers / shoes for the cabins

    • Earplugs and eye mask for sharing rooms / tents

    • Headtorch

    Other Stuff:

    • Camera 

    • Fully charged power banks (there is no electricity).

    • Dry bags for inside your day pack to keep stuff dry

    • Waterproof case for your phone might be handy

    • Snacks -  choose snacks that won’t freeze and become hard to eat. Previous guests recommend. nut and raisins mix, fruit pastels and jelly babies.

    • Insulated water bottle - 1 litre

    • 1 litre Thermos flask for warm drinks

Questions?

If you have any questions, check our FAQs or drop us a message below!