Winter activities for groups

Depending on size of the group, it might be split into smaller groups to maintain and enhance the best quality of the programs.

Survival Course

Survival course starts with a short theory indoors.  In the theory part you will hear about Finnish weather conditions, snow, frost etc. You will get good tips how to dress up correctly and warmly. We will also go through firemaking, first aid, orienteering and moving in the arctic conditions etc.

After the short theory part the group will be divided into two. First group will start Survival day with a gps- adventure trail by snowshoes.  The finish of the adventure trail is in Kettulampi.

While the first group is doing gps-adventure, the second group will march straight to the Kettulampi. In the Kettulampi the group will make guinzees. A quinzee is a shelter made by hollowing out a pile of settles snow. This is in contrast to an igloo, which is made from blocks of hard snow.  The group will also do ice fishing and make a fire.  By this time, the gps-adventure group should be arriving to the Kettulampi.  We will have a lunch by an open fire.  After the lunch the groups will switch places.

Vasatokka Olympic games

The group is divided into smaller teams. The teams will compete against each other.  Teams will light the Olympic fire. Possible Vasatokka Olympic Games are:

  • Kick sled and lasso relay race. Throw lasso to reindeer antlers and go round the kick sled racetrack.
  • Tandem skiing contest. Go round the tandem skiing racetrack
  • Snow rugby
  • Human curling. One of your teammates will be the”rock ”and others are the sweepers.
  •  Snow ball battle: There is snow ”shields" placed on the field. Two opposing teams throw snow balls at each other. When you get hit by a snowball you must leave the field immediately.

Cross-country skiing school

The best way to explore winter landscape is on cross-country skis. Glide through the silent forest and across a frozen lake... You will learn skiing techniques and how to climb up and ski down the slope.  A short skiing trip is included to skiing school.

Cross-country skiing trip (short)

About 3-4 km long trail close to the Vastaokka. Skiing at your own pace and enjoy and explore the beautiful nature.  (Own skis! Vasatokka has only a few skis for rent)

Cross-country skiing trip to Otsamotunturi fell

The challenging trail of Otsamo departs from Vasatokka. From the top of the fell, you get a great view over Lake Inarijärvi, Juutuanjoki River, Lake Muddusjärvi, Muotkatunturi Fells and Joenkielinen Fell.  20 km long trip altogether. Challenge the whole group to conquer Otsamotunturu Fell!  (Owns skis! Vasatokka has only a few skis for rent)

Cross-country skiing  trip to Pielpajärvi Wilderness Church

Cross-country skiing trip to Lake Pielpajärvi. The church, built in 1760, is one of the oldest buildings in northern Lapland. We will have snacks on an open fire.   12 km long trip altogether by skis and 26 by bus. (own skis! Vasatokka has only few skis for rent). It is possible to buy a packed lunch from Vasatokka.

Snowshoe trip

Snowshoe trip for beginners. First we will go through techniques and equipment, then we will do about 2 km trip to Lake Ahvenjärvi.  We will have a break and snacks in Ahvenjärvi. It is possible to buy a packed lunch from Vasatokka.

Snow sculpting

You will first learn snow sculpting techniques and characteristic of snow indoors, and then you will do your own snow sculptures in the yard of Vasatokka.

Making a Quinzee

A quinzee is a shelter made by hollowing out a pile of settled snow. This is in contrast to an igloo, which is made from blocks of hard snow.  You will first learn snow sculpting techniques and characteristic of snow indoors and then we make our own quinzees.

Ice fishing

A guided ice fishing trip to Kettulampi (about 1km from Vasatokka).  

Wilderness skills

In a theory part we will go through first aid, equipment and arctic conditions (snow, weather etc...). We will also study orienteering, maps and camping stoves. After the theory class we will move outside and try the learned skills in real arctic wilderness. You will do snowshoe orienteering, make a fire, cook in wilderness, make a quinzee (snow shelter) and practice first aid. During the day you will also identify animal tracks in the snow.