5-Day Ski Expedition in Pallas–Yllästunturi National Park
Travel from Hetta to Pallas on a guided ski expedition through Finnish Lapland. Spend four days exploring snowy forests and open fells, with three nights in wilderness huts and a cottage stay before the trek.
Shorter or longer expeditions can also be arranged to suit your plans.
- Location: Rovaniemi
- Destination: Pallas Yllästunturi
- Duration: Five Days (possible modify)
- January to April
- Small Group (max. 8 participants)
- Minumum age: 15 and older
- Price from 1200€ -1450€
- Difficulty: Medium
- Guided Languages: English, French
- Operated by Partner Company
- Private Tour Possible
Why We Love This Itinerary
This ski expedition brings together what we love most about Lapland: open wilderness, simple wooden huts and days spent moving through nature. Each day offers the satisfaction of a rewarding ski journey, with time to enjoy the quiet and take in the Arctic landscape. It’s a chance to slow down, leave busy routines behind and experience life far from the roads and crowds.
Day 1 – Arrival and Welcome Dinner (D)
Arrival time: TBA | Pick-up and transfer
Meet your guide in Rovaniemi or at Kittilä Airport and travel to the cottage just south of Pallas–Yllästunturi National Park.
Afternoon/evening | Check-in
Settle into the cottage and meet the other members of your group.
18:00–20:00 | Welcome dinner
Enjoy dinner together while your guide introduces the route and explains what to expect during the expedition.
After dinner | Expedition preparations
Review the daily programme, repack your belongings into expedition sleds and collect your sleeping bag and mattress. Your guide will help with a final equipment check before you settle in for the night.
Day 2 – From Hetta to the First Wilderness Hut (B, L, D)
Morning | Breakfast at the cottage
Have breakfast and prepare for your first day on skis.
08:00–10:00 | Departure for Hetta
Transfer to the starting point in Hetta. Begin skiing across frozen Lake Ounasjärvi, then continue through snow-covered forests towards the fells. Look out for wildlife tracks as the landscape gradually opens up.
During the day | Skiing and lunch on the trail
Stop for a packed lunch and regular breaks along the route.
Distance: approximately 16 km · Skiing time: approximately 5–6 hours
Afternoon/evening | Arrival at the wilderness hut
Settle into the hut while your guide prepares dinner. After eating, relax and rest for the next day. If skies are clear and conditions are favourable, there may be a chance to see the Northern Lights.
Day 3 – Across Ounastunturi and Tappuri (B, L, D)
Morning | Breakfast at the hut
Start the day with a hot breakfast before preparing your equipment.
08:00–10:00 | Departure towards Ounastunturi and Tappuri
Ski towards the valley on the other side of Ounastunturi and Tappuri, travelling deeper into the national park.
Midday | Open-fire break
Take a break with traditional Finnish snacks prepared over an open fire.
Distance: approximately 16–18 km · Skiing time: approximately 6 hours
Afternoon | Wilderness hut and sauna
Arrive at the next hut and enjoy a traditional sauna after the day’s skiing. Sauna sessions for men and women are arranged separately.
Evening | Dinner and overnight stay
Enjoy dinner prepared by your guide, followed by a night in the wilderness hut.
Day 4 – Into the Fells of Pallastunturi (B, L, D)
Morning | Breakfast at the hut
Have breakfast and prepare for the third day of skiing.
08:00–10:00 | Departure towards Pallastunturi
Your guide will discuss the route with the group, taking the weather, trail conditions and everyone’s energy into account. Follow either a higher route across the fell tops or a more sheltered winter ski trail through the valley.
During the day | Skiing and lunch breaks
Stop for lunch and rest along the way, with views of the surrounding fells.
Distance: approximately 13–15 km · Skiing time: depends on the route and conditions
Afternoon/evening | Arrival between the fells
Reach a wilderness hut situated between two fells. Settle in, enjoy dinner prepared by your guide and spend the night in the hut.
Day 5 – The Final Ski to Pallas (B)
Morning | Breakfast at the hut
Enjoy breakfast and pack your equipment for the final stage.
Departure time: to be confirmed | Skiing to Pallas
Follow the fells past scenic viewpoints towards Pallas Ski Resort, beneath Laukukero Fell.
Distance: approximately 10 km · Arrival time: depends on conditions and the group’s pace
Afternoon | Complete the crossing
Arrive at Pallas Ski Resort, completing your winter crossing of Pallas–Yllästuntunturi National Park.
After the trek | Return transfer or an extra night
Return with your guide to the original pick-up destination, or stay an additional night at the cottage, subject to availability and an extra charge. Final transfer and arrival times will be confirmed separately.
B = breakfast · L = lunch · D = dinner
What’s Included?
- Activities: Guided trekking-ski expedition through Pallas–Yllästunturi National Park, a wilderness sauna session and opportunities to watch for the Northern Lights when conditions are suitable.
- Accommodation: One night in a fully equipped cottage and three nights in wilderness huts.
- Guide: A personal guide throughout the expedition.
- Equipment: Equipment needed for the trek, including expedition sleds, a sleeping bag with a cotton liner and a sleeping mattress.
- Meals: Meals specified in the itinerary, with trekking meals prepared by your guide. B = breakfast · L = lunch · S = snack · D = dinner.
- Transport: Pick-up and drop-off in Rovaniemi or at Kittilä Airport, plus transportation during the trip.
- Fees: All taxes and handling fees.
Not Included
- Flights.
- Accommodation before or after the trip, including an optional additional cottage night.
- Optional winter-overall rental.
- Gratuities.
Booking & Group Size
- The trip departs from Rovaniemi or Kittilä Airport.
- Book in advance, as availability may be limited during peak season.
- A minimum of 2 adult participants is required for the trip to operate.
- The maximum group size is 8 participants. For larger groups, contact us to discuss a separate package.
Fitness & Suitability
- Good physical fitness is required for consecutive days of skiing over long distances.
- We do not recommend this expedition for children.
- The trip takes place in wilderness conditions, and the route and schedule may change with the weather, snow conditions and the group’s pace.
Accommodation & Meals
- Accommodation consists of one cottage night and three nights in wilderness huts, booked for the group.
- The wilderness huts are simple wooden cabins without electricity or running water, with dry toilets.
- Water is collected from natural sources during the expedition.
- Your guide prepares trekking meals. Included meals are marked in the daily itinerary.
Luggage & Equipment
- Minivan transfers allow one piece of luggage and one handbag per person.
- Your personal clothing and equipment for the expedition should fit into a 40-litre backpack.
- The backpack can be carried on your back or transported in an expedition sled, making it easier to move your belongings over snow.
- A sleeping bag, cotton liner and sleeping mattress are provided.
What to Bring
- Warm, breathable layers suitable for cold and rapidly changing weather.
- Clothing that allows comfortable movement during long days on skis.
- Your own comfortable winter footwear. Wear it before the trip to check the fit and avoid arriving with untested shoes.
- Winter overalls can be arranged in advance for an additional charge. Contact us for availability and pricing.
- Overalls are generally not recommended for prolonged skiing, as they may be too warm.
Cancellation Policy
61–365 days before departure: a cancellation fee of 20% of the booking price applies.
60 days or less before departure: a cancellation fee of 100% of the booking price applies.
Travel Insurance
Please check that your travel insurance includes cancellation cover appropriate for your trip.