Ski and snowshoe

It's a slippery slope – but if the snowshoe fits...

As exciting as it undoubtedly is to be pulled at speed on the snow by a husky dog or a reindeer, there’s also lots of fun to be had doing it on your own, as Lapland is perfectly suited for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Thanks to the pristine show, and of course fewer crowds than mainland Europe’s big resorts, the conditions are ideal for any thrillseekers who want to try their hand – and feet – at these fabulous activities. Both these popular sports are a great way to travel at your own speed and another way to see Lapland and its stunning surroundings at its finest, with no ‘mushing’ required! 

Cross-country skiing, also known as Nordic skiing, is a great way to explore your local surroundings on holiday. A good sense of balance is required for cross-country skiing so if you’re looking for a simpler activity, snowshoeing is ideal. All you need is a little snow to start exploring. And we have no shortage of that, it's fair to say. The snowshoes take a little bit of getting used to but, once you're up and running – well, walking, let's not get ahead of ourselves – the sport is a fun, calm and relaxed way to soak up Lapland's wilderness at your own pace, while also getting your step count up. 

Our four-night Northern Lights tour and seven-night Aurora Hunter tour include a Snowshoe Introduction as part of the package. We also offer dedicated snowshoeing or cross-country skiing excursions which can be added to any of the tours in our Arctic Spirit holiday collection too. Why not take a short night-time trek to a beautiful vantage point where you will hopefully see the Northern Lights? Our guides will give you a fascinating insight along the way into some of Lapland’s hidden secrets and traditions.

Enjoy this experience as part of these tours

The ski’s the limit!

If you want to learn more about these activities, our friendly staff are always available to help you get started, whether you’re a first-timer or have previous experience. There are two main techniques or ‘styles’ in cross-country skiing: skate and classic. ‘Skate’ skiing, which only came about in the 1970s, is similar to ice-skating and involves each ski moving simultaneously, with the skis forming a V.

Whereas in ‘classic’ cross-country skiing, that you may be more familiar with, the skis run parallel – broadly similar to walking. It is the latter technique that our excursions follow as beginners will generally enjoy their experience more trying classic skiing.

Even if you are a keen downhill skier, the equipment and techniques are different (Diagonal Stride, Double Pole and Kick Double Pole) so you’ll have time to get to grips with the skiing style before heading out into bumpier terrain. You’ll also need a basic level of fitness before hitting the slopes – the more active you are, the more you’ll enjoy your holiday experience, enabling you to pick up more speed as you explore. But don't worry, the team at Transun do everything to ensure both maximum safety and maximum enjoyment.

Easy glider...

Whilst snowshoeing may be slower-paced than the seemingly more adventurous activities that we offer including husky sledding and snowmobiling, that doesn’t make it less fun, by any means. Being more accessible makes snowshoeing more family-friendly, as well as open to all ages and fitness levels. And there are plenty of other pros to exploring on foot, as well, including:

1. It provides a great workout
The weight of the shoes combined with the depth of the snow provides resistance for your muscles.

2. You can enjoy your surroundings
Snowshoeing requires less concentration than skiing or snowmobiling – you can really appreciate where you are and the natural beauty around you.

3. It is easy and cheap
You won’t need any skills or prior experience to pick this activity up quickly.

Woman snowshoeing and admiring the view

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