Snowshoe trek for team wellbeing day
Snowshoe trek for team wellbeing days
A wintry forest, crisp frosty air and a good dose of exercise with your team. On a snowshoe trek we move on snowshoes or gliding snowshoes along trails and through deep snow, and test how the equipment works in different terrain. How well do the skins of the gliding snowshoes grip on an uphill? And how about the crampons of the snowshoes on a steep climb?
The trek starts with an introduction to the equipment, after which we head into nature with our guide. You'll be on the move for 1–1.5 hours depending on your wishes, usually covering 2–4 kilometres. The pace is always adapted to the group, but be prepared for some physical effort: moving through deep snow is clearly harder than walking on a lightly snow-covered trail.
We recommend a campfire break halfway through, which makes the whole trek about 2–2.5 hours. You can order campfire coffee and stick bread or blueberry pie for the break.
Snowshoes or gliding snowshoes?
You can choose either, and both can be used within the same group. No previous experience is needed.
What are gliding snowshoes?
Gliding snowshoes are short, wide skis with a permanent climbing skin on the base. They are a cross between snowshoes and skis: instead of lifting your foot with every step, you slide it forward. The skin grips on uphills and slows you down on downhills. On steep descents, however, gliding snowshoes behave like skis, so they require a bit more balance than snowshoes.
We use Altai Hok gliding snowshoes with steel edges and universal bindings. The bindings fit ordinary winter boots in sizes 35–47.
The differences in brief
- Gliding snowshoes: a gliding, less tiring way of moving, especially noticeable on longer distances. At their best in snowy terrain and, for example, on lake ice.
- Snowshoes (TSL): moving is just like normal walking, so they're the easiest option. They're stable even on sloping trails, and the crampons give good grip on steep climbs and especially when there's little snow and ice on the ground.
When there's little snow, the forest may not have much snow cover, and gliding snowshoes aren't at their best. We'll help you choose the most suitable equipment for the conditions.
Where do we go?
We organise snowshoe treks widely across South-East Finland. In Lappeenranta we start, for example, from the Mikonsaari area or Hämmäauteensuo, a protected bog area right next to the city. In Kouvola we trek in the Käyrälampi area at Tykkimäki. We also organise treks in Savitaipale, Repovesi National Park, Imatra, Kotka, Hamina and Mikkeli, and the location is always chosen according to your wishes.
Snowshoe trek prices and practical info
- Price with snowshoes: €40 per person (incl. 13.5% VAT)
- Price with gliding snowshoes: €45 per person (incl. 13.5% VAT)
- Minimum charge: €240
- Included: snowshoes or gliding snowshoes, poles and a guide
- Snacks: we recommend a campfire break halfway through. Campfire coffee, stick bread and other campfire meals are ordered separately.
- Group size: 1–24 people
- Duration: 1–1.5 hours without a break, about 2–2.5 hours with a campfire break
- Distance: usually 2–4 km
- Season: January–March, depending on snow conditions
- Locations: Lappeenranta, Kouvola, Savitaipale, Repovesi National Park, Imatra, Kotka, Hamina, Mikkeli and nearby areas
- Language: guidance in Finnish or English
- Payment: cash, card or invoice. Advance invoice for private customers.
- Bring: warm outdoor clothing. Winter hiking boots work best. Large rubber boots or similar are not suitable.
Snowshoe trek FAQ
How much does a snowshoe trek cost?
A trek costs €40 per person with snowshoes and €45 per person with gliding snowshoes (incl. VAT). The minimum charge is €240. Campfire coffee and stick bread can be ordered in addition.
What are gliding snowshoes and how do they differ from snowshoes?
Gliding snowshoes are short, wide skis with a permanent climbing skin on the base. You move with a gliding stride, which is less tiring than walking on snowshoes over longer distances. With snowshoes you walk almost normally, and they're more stable in steep, icy and low-snow conditions. Gliding snowshoes are at their best in snowy terrain and on lake ice.
How long is the trek and how demanding is it?
You'll be on the move for 1–1.5 hours, usually covering 2–4 kilometres. We recommend a campfire break halfway through, making the whole trek about 2–2.5 hours. The pace is adapted to the group, but be prepared for some effort, as moving through deep snow is harder than walking on a lightly snow-covered trail.
Where are the snowshoe treks held?
Widely across South-East Finland. In Lappeenranta we start, for example, from the Mikonsaari area or Hämmäauteensuo, and in Kouvola from the Käyrälampi area. We also organise treks in Savitaipale, Repovesi, Imatra, Kotka, Hamina and Mikkeli.
When are snowshoe treks available?
From January to March, depending on snow conditions. When there's little snow, we choose the equipment that best suits the conditions.
What footwear do I need?
Winter hiking boots work best. The gliding snowshoe bindings fit shoe sizes 35–47. Large rubber boots or similar don't fit the bindings.
Nuotioruokailut
Päivän kruunaa ruoka. Meiltä onnistuvat niin pienet evästykset kuin isommatkin ruokailut luonnon helmassa, ja nuotioruokailun voi tilata minkä tahansa aktiviteettimme yhteyteen. Tässä suosituimmat vaihtoehdot:
- Tikkupullaa ja nokipannukahvi tai -tee – 13 € / hlö. Pullat paistetaan itse nuotiolla. Onnistuu useimmissa kohteissa.
- Mustikkapiirakkaa ja nokipannukahvi tai -tee – 20 € / hlö. Tuoretta, itse tehtyä mustikkapiirakkaa.
- Lohikeitto, ruisleipää, kahvi tai tee – 27,50 € / hlö. Paikan päällä valmistettu lohikeitto lämmittää erityisesti talvella.
- Loimulohi, caesar-salaatti, ruisleipä, kahvi tai tee – 35 € / hlö. Lohi loimutetaan paikan päällä avotulella.
Huomioimme erityisruokavaliot, kuten gluteenittoman, laktoosittoman ja kasvisruokavalion – kerro niistä varauksen yhteydessä. Hinnat sisältävät arvonlisäveron. Huomioithan, että metsäpalovaroitus voi vaikuttaa nuotioruokailun järjestämiseen.
