Winter Activities

Your Private White World

You may book your private Villa Cone Beach winter activities at short notice during your stay, once you are sure of what exactly you would like to do.
The freedom is yours to start and quit in-house activities at any time. Fill your days or just relax. The flexibility covers one activity at a time.
Only a few activities require advance booking, as shown in the Price details.

Photo show a mother and her small daughter skiing in a sunny forest.

Cross-Country Skiing

Private cross-country ski tracks start at your Villa Cone Beach door, winding through snowy forests and across frozen lakes.

Beginners can take on easy tracks with basic ski lessons, while more seasoned enthusiasts can enjoy longer trails through the forests. The frozen lakes offer the perfect space for free-spirited skiing. Conclude your adventure with a comforting hot drink back at the warmth of your villa.

More

In March and April, freezing nights can transform wet snow into a solid crust known as Hanki, eagerly awaited by locals for free-skiing. A robust Hanki in the early morning can even support the weight of a car! In the past, horse-drawn sledges were used to transport firewood and dried hay from distant shelters on the hardened Hanki.

Price

Booking In package or during stay
Group 1-8 persons
Price 20 € / h / adult
10 € / h / child under 12 years
70 € minimum total
Free after the first hour when self-serviced near villa
Included Transportation, guide, ski gear, snacks, refreshments
Availability November-April
Start time 8 am – 8 pm
Duration No minimum, maximum 5 hours
Difficulty Very easy-vigorous
Payment In package or upon check-out
Clothing Customer: winter outdoor clothing
Operator: ski clothing if applicable
Exceptions Subject to weather conditions
Operator Arctica Estates
Photo shows a woman walking on snow shoes in a snowy sunny forest.

Snow Shoeing in Wilds

Discover the enchanting Villa Cone Beach wilderness with the perfect winter activity – snowshoeing. In just a short walk, the landscape transforms from open lake ice to a serene snowy forest.

With everything blanketed in soft white snow, the experience is pure fun, especially if you find yourself stumbling deep into the snow. Capture the moment with a good selfie! We’ll pause at a cozy fireplace for a rest, snacks, and hot drinks – a perfect opportunity for relaxation if you wish.

Price

Booking In package or during stay
Group 1-8 persons
Price 20 € / h / adult
10 € / h / child under 12 years
70 € minimum total
Free after the first hour when self-serviced near villa
Included Transportation, guide, snow shoes, snacks, refreshments
Availability November-April
Start time 8 am – 8 pm
Duration No minimum, maximum 5 hours
Difficulty Very easy-vigorous
Payment In package or upon check-out
Clothing Customer: winter outdoor clothing
Operator: extra winter clothing if applicable
Exceptions Subject to weather conditions
Operator Arctica Estates
Photo shows Vuokatti Safaris snow mobiles

Snowmobile Drive

Drive your snowmobile safely across the smooth lake ice at Villa Cone Beach or venture into the nearby wilderness on bumpy tracks. No driving license is required.

Enjoy the luxury of a private ride with minimal encounters. Focus on the experience rather than speed, taking time to observe nature. We have the flexibility to stop, make an open fire, and relish warming snacks and drinks before returning to the comfort of the villa.

On remote tracks or in specific situations, like crossing a road, participants must be at least 15 years old and hold a category T driving license (included in EEA license classes A1, A2, and A). In such cases, our guide can take the driver’s seat for you, or we can choose an alternative route.

Price

Booking In package or the day before during stay
Group Max 4 persons
Price 85 € / h / person, 2 persons on a mobile
135 € / h / person, 1 person on a mobile
255 € minimum total
Included Transportation, snowmobile gear, guide, snacks, refreshments
Availability November/December-April
Start time 8 am – 8 pm
Duration No minimum, maximum 6 hours
Difficulty Easy-average
Payment In package or upon check-out
Clothing Customer: winter outdoor clothing
Operator: snowmobile clothing, helmet
Exceptions Subject to weather conditions
Operator Arctica Estates
Option You may book here, too, when more than 4 persons:
Hotel Kalevala
Vuokatti Safaris
The lakes surrounding Villa Cone Beach offer plenty of fish.

Net Fishing on Ice

Witness the fisherman’s failing coolness as he inspects the nets patiently waiting under the ice overnight. The thrill lies in the unknown, as you never know what the catch might be. If successful, we can even take the fresh fish with us, adding an exciting element to your ice fishing experience.

Our kitchen is ready to turn this truly fresh catch into a delicious meal. If you’re an aspiring chef, why not showcase your skills and prepare your favourite dish for your fellow guests? This is your authentic lake-to-table dining experience.

Price

Booking In package
Group 1-8 persons
Price 40 € / h / adult
20 € / h / child under 12 years
220 € minimum total
Included Transportation, guide, expert fisherman, snacks, refreshments
Availability November/December-April
Start time Early in the morning
Duration No minimum, maximum 2-3 h
Difficulty Easy
Payment In package
Clothing Customer: winter outdoor clothing
Operator: extra outfit if applicable
Exceptions Subject to weather conditions and fisherman’s schedule (no guarantee)
Operator Arctica Estates
Winter fun with a merry-go-round sledge in winter wonderland.

Merry Sleigh-go-Round

Experience the thrill of the traditional sleigh-go-round, locally known as Hoijakka, which has captivated the region’s children and adults for centuries.

The sleigh ensures a gentle pace for small children. Older passengers can wish for more exhilarating speeds, depending on the daring skills of the sleigh driver and the strength of the pusher. The snow serves a soft landing in case the spins get too dizzy. Challenge yourself and see how fast you can go!

After a guided instruction session, you’re free to enjoy Hoijakka anytime on your own.

Price

Booking During stay
Group 1-8 persons
Price Free
30 € / h / group when guided
Included Introductory guidance
Availability November/December-April
Start time Anytime 24/7
Duration Maximum 24/7
Difficulty Very easy, except for pusher!
Clothing Winter outdoor clothing
Exceptions Subject to weather conditions
Operator Arctica Estates
Photo shows two men ice fishing on a lake ice and the Sun shining just above the horizon in the daytime.

Ice Fishing Adventure

Drilling a wide hole through thick ice, allowing fish to surface, not only provides good exercise but also brings a rewarding experience. The satisfaction is worth the effort, even if your catch remains elusive. Sit back and be liberated from earthly worries.

Focus on the meditative movements of your small fishing rod or let your thoughts wander as time slips away. Returning to the comforts of Villa Cone Beach, you’ll find your wellbeing and hunger heightened.

Perches and other small fish are commonly caught. If you wish, gently return your catch to the hole, allowing them to continue their waterworld journey happily ever after. We wish you tight lines!

Price

Booking In package or during stay
Group 1-8 persons
Price 60 € / hour / any group size
120 € minimum total
Free after the first hour when self-serviced near villa
Included Transportation, guide, fishing gear, snacks, refreshments
Availability November/December-April
Start time 8 am – 6 pm
Duration No minimum, maximum 5 hours
Difficulty Very easy – average
Payment In package or upon check-out
Clothing Customer: winter outdoor clothing
Operator: extra clothing if applicable
Exceptions Subject to weather conditions.
Operator Arctica Estates
Photo shows a young woman kicksledding on a snowy Villa Cone Beach road.

Kicksled Fun on Ice

Zoom across the snowy roads and frozen lakes on a kicksled. This innovative foot-powered vehicle starts reliably in any weather.

Kicksleds offer a practical and exceptionally healthy mode of transport. Local people use kicksleds for commuting to school, the market, or work, while enjoying a good workout. They save money and their vehicles emit zero CO2. Kicksledding has even evolved into a sport.

Now it’s your turn to give it a try! After a guided session, you’re free to kicksled anytime on your own. However, if the route involves hard ice, public roads, or if the kicksledder is not a grown-up, your guide will ensure your safety. Experience the joy of gliding through the white landscapes of Arctic Lakeland.

Price

Booking In package or during stay
Group 1-8 persons
Price 60 € / h / group
60 € minimum total
Free after the first hour when safely self-serviced near villa
Included Guide, 1 kicksled / 2 persons, helmets, snacks, refreshments
Availability November/December-April
Start time 8 am – 8 pm
Duration No minimum, no maximum
Difficulty Very easy-vigorous
Payment In package or upon check-out
Clothing Customer: winter outdoor clothing
Operator: extra clothing if applicable
Exceptions Subject to weather conditions
Self-serviced kicksledding in safe conditions
Operator Arctica Estates
Photo shows a big herd of forest reideer, called also forest caribous, on Villa Cone Beach lake ice.

Wild Forest Reindeer Tour in Winter

Embark on a private Wild Forest Reindeer Tour and witness these wild animals roaming freely. The wild forest reindeer are larger relatives of Santa’s Rudolph.

During the winter, large herds, sometimes numbering in the hundreds, traverse the area. Join the tour to discover, observe, and capture photographs of these remarkable creatures. Successful scouting is essential. We never disturb them. While a sighting is not guaranteed, the thrill of the chase and the refreshing experience are always part of the adventure.

Note that there are no more than 800 genetically diverse Karelian wild forest reindeer left in the world, all residing in this region. Due to habitat loss and predators, some individuals have been relocated to reduce the risk of extinction.

Price

Booking In package or during stay
Group 1-8 persons
Price 35 € / h / adult
20 € / h / child under 12 years
140 € minimum total
Included Transportation, guide, snacks, refreshments
Optional lunch or dinner, when tour 4 h+
Availability October-April (see also summer program)
Start time 7 am – 4 pm
Duration Recommended minimum 3 h, no maximum
Difficulty Very easy – prolonged
Payment In package or upon check-out
Clothing Customer: winter outdoor clothing
Operator: extra clothing if applicable
Exceptions Subject to weather conditions
Operator Arctica Estates
Another campfire during winter.

Night in Winter Wilderness

Create everlasting memories with a private night beside a wilderness campfire in the snowy forest, under the twinkling Milky Way. The darkness and silence offer you luxurious solitude.

Our traditional campfire, crafted from two logs, burns slowly, providing warmth throughout the night. Sparks dance into the starlit sky, and if clouds prevail, snowflakes gently float down. The campground is a mere stone’s throw from the comforts of Villa Cone Beach, or deeper in the wilderness.

For our overnight outdoor stay, a proper tent or a cozy wilderness log shelter ensures your comfort. If conditions permit, we may even build a snow igloo for sweet dreams.

Price

Booking In package or during stay
Group 1-8 persons
Price 60 € / h / group
60 € minimum total
Free after the first hour when self-serviced near villa
Included Transportation, guide, snacks, refreshments, evening meal, sheltering
Availability November/December-April
Start time 6 pm – 8 pm
Duration No minimum, no maximum
Difficulty Easy-prolonged, near villa accessible
Payment In package or upon check-out
Clothing Customer: winter outdoor clothing
Operator: extra clothing if applicable
Exceptions Subject to weather conditions
Operator Arctica Estates
Photo shows Villa Cone Beach lakeside sauna facing the snowy Lake Korpijarvi.

Sauna Wellness in the Cold

Discover the secret to Finnish happiness by stepping into the private lakefront sauna at Villa Cone Beach. This marvel also offers a safe and gentle way to cleanse your body and relax your mind, with remarkable health benefits.

In the lakeside sauna, throw water on hot stones for a soft and steamy Löyly experience. Cool down in the fresh air or elevate your sensations by rolling in the snow. The sauna’s anti-aging effects soothe and soften the skin, and it’s particularly beneficial for aching joints.

Frequent sauna bathing is linked to significant health benefits, reducing the risk of stroke and associated with lower risks of various diseases, according to a study by the University of Eastern Finland.

In the past, local settlers always built a sauna first—a sanctuary against hardships. Get excited of this cherished Finnish tradition.

Price

Booking In package or during stay
Group 1-8 persons
Max 4 persons in the Löyly room at a time
Price 70 € / h / any group size
Included Instructions and supervising, sauna gear
Availability Year-round
Start time 10 am – 9 pm
Duration No minimum, no maximum
Difficulty Easy-average, sauna accessibility
Payment In package or upon check-out
Clothing Customer: swimsuit when applicable
Operator: sauna clothing, amenities
Exceptions
Operator Arctica Estates
Photo shows smoke sauna feeling.

Authentic Smoke Sauna Experience

Indulge in the authentic Finnish smoke sauna experience at Villa Cone Beach, where the extra gentle Löyly steam provides nourishment for your skin and tranquillity for your mind. Relax and feel the healthy results in the mysterious darkness and silence.

In the smoke sauna, embrace good habits, respecting the dwelling of Saunatonttu—a mythical elf or being, an old, bearded fellow no taller than half a meter. Saunatonttu has been part of Finnish folklore since ancient times. As you enter, he leaves you in peace, retreating to the darkest corner behind the stone pile. Saunatonttu loves being your host but can become grumpy if his rules are insulted. Don’t worry; we’ll guide you on the rules, and if necessary, take the blame.

Preparing a smoke sauna demands time and expertise. Once the sauna master has burned firewood for several hours, the space is carefully ventilated and readied for you. The health effects of the smoke sauna are equally remarkable to those of ordinary saunas.

Price

Booking In package
Group 1-8 persons
Max 4 persons in the Löyly room at a time
Price 70 € / h / adult
20 € / h / child under 12 years
340 € minimum total
Included Transportation, guide for instructions and supervising, sauna gear, refreshments, stress level measurement
Availability October-May, order by 4 pm the day before, at the latest
Start time 4 pm -8 pm
Duration No minimum, maximum 4 h
Difficulty Easy-average, sauna accessibility
Payment In package
Clothing Customer: swimsuit when applicable
Operator: sauna clothing and amenities
Exceptions
Operator Arctica Estates
Photo shows the sauna thermometer needle risen to hot 100 degrees centigrade.

Red Hot Sauna Adventure

Q: Where can you open a door and step into a place 130°C colder?
A: Up in space, or in the Red Hot Sauna at Villa Cone Beach.

While trying it in space without a million-euro suit is quite the challenge, Red Hot Sauna offers a safe experience. Exiting into the freezing winter air, perhaps rolling in the snow, not only reinforces your healthy heart but also leaves you feeling fantastically alive and well.

Open-minded explorers can comfortably cope with dry air temperatures up to 100 °C (250 °F. However, there’s no pressure – it’s fully honourable to turn back from the door! This experience is designed for eligible and fit grown-ups only.

Price

Booking In package or during stay
Group 1-6 adults
Max 4 persons in the Löyly room at a time
Price 75 € / h / adult
150 € minimum total
Included Guide at request, instructions, sauna gear, certificate
Availability October-May
Start time 10 am – 9 pm
Duration No minimum, no maximum
Difficulty Average-tough for a moment, sauna accessibility
Payment In package or upon check-out
Clothing Customer: swimsuit when applicable
Operator: sauna clothing, amenities
Exceptions Only for fit adults
Operator Arctica Estates
Photo shows the winter sightseeing road from Villa Cone Beach to Kuhmo town center. Wind flies snowflakes in a very bright sunshine.

Sightseeing Arctic Lakeland

Embark on a unique private winter sightseeing tour in Arctic Lakeland, navigating through the enchanting snowy wilderness. Our roads are made for journeys, not just destinations, and they conveniently lead to your goal.

The program is fully flexible, allowing us to customize the journey to make it exceptionally special for you. Steering as directed by you, we’ll create a personalized and memorable winter experience in Arctic Lakeland.

More

During the tour, we can include visits to places that interest you, such as:

  • Petola: Information about brown bears and other predators.
  • Atalante: A postmodern library known for encouraging extensive reading.
  • Tuupala Museum: A former farmhouse complex depicting bygone local life.
  • New Wooden School: A place for healthy learning and studies on the health effects.
  • Vartius Village: Border crossing to Russia.
  • Lentiira: A scenic village close to the Russian border.
  • Bear Centre: A location for observing wolves and wolverines while bears are asleep.
  • Winter War Museum and Sites: Exploring historical aspects of the Winter War.
  • Other Places, Exhibitions, and Events: Tailored to your specific interests.

Price

Booking During stay
Group 1-8 persons
Price 25 € / hour / adult
15 € / hour / child under 12 years
150 € minimum sightseeing total
Included Transportation, guide, snacks, refreshments and, when available along route, optional lunch or dinner when tour 4 h+, optional lunch and dinner, when tour 6 h+
Availability October-April
Start time 8 am – 6 pm
Duration No minimum, recommended min 3 hours, max 10 hours
Difficulty Easy-prolonged, no disabled access vehicles
Payment Upon check-out
Clothing Winter outdoor clothing
Exceptions
Operator Arctica Estates
Photo shows Villa Cone Beach under magnificent Northern Lights and stars.

Chasing the Northern Lights

Witness the enchanting dance of the Northern Lights above Villa Cone Beach, situated further north than Iceland. If the celestial show decides to perform elsewhere, we’re prepared to chase them with you immediately!

The amazing display often appears at a distance or under clearer skies elsewhere. Our chauffeur will swiftly transport you to the best vantage point if the forecast allows. Be prepared for a potentially lengthy ride to various locations in Arctic Lakeland or Lapland.

More

Various beliefs surround the Northern Lights. For Finns, they are thought to be a fox running in flames across the skies, reflected in their Finnish name. In other cultures, the Northern Lights are connected to fertility matters.

The Northern Lights season spans from mid-August to April, with the peak show usually occurring before midnight, lasting for magical moments.

Some people and scientists argue that the Northern Lights create sounds, a phenomenon worth checking for yourselves!

Price

Booking During stay
Group 1-8 persons
Price 35 € / h / adult
20 € / h / child under 12 years
115 € minimum total
Included Transportation, guide, snacks, refreshments
Optional lunch or dinner, when tour 4 h+
Availability October-April
Start time The Aurora destination shall be reached in time
Duration No minimum, maximum 10 hours, negotiable
Difficulty Easy- prolonged, no disabled access vehicles
Payment Upon check-out
Clothing Customer: warm winter outdoor clothing
Operator: extra clothing if applicable
Exceptions Subject to weather conditions
Operator Arctica Estates
camp-fire-in-the-night.

Picnic by Snowy Fire

Experience the magic of a snowy picnic lunch or snacks with hot drinks at a private campfire in the enchanting Villa Cone Beach back forest, easily reachable by foot in no time.

Ideal for families with small children, this easy camping adventure allows you to stay close to your villa’s comforts. In the early darkness of midwinter, the crackling fire illuminates the snowy surroundings, with sparks flying to the starry sky. The nearby snowy trees create beautiful walls around your sheltered camp, and if the temperature is mild, building a small snow castle adds to the experience.

Entertain the kids with campfire stories or relish the luxury of silence by the crackling fire. The warmth from the fire and hot drinks will keep you cozy.

Price

Booking In package or during stay
Group 1-8 persons
Price 60 € / h / any group size
60 € minimum total
Free after the first hour when self-serviced near villa
Included Transportation, guide, snacks, refreshments
Availability October/November-April
Start time 9 am – 8 pm
Duration No minimum, no maximum
Difficulty Easy, accessible when near the villa
Payment In package or upon check-out
Clothing Customer: winter outdoor clothing
Operator: extra clothing if applicable
Exceptions Subject to weather conditions
Operator Arctica Estates
Photo shows Villa Cone Beach white wonderland during winter.

Good to Know about Arctic Lakeland Winter

Villa Cone Beach winter begins in November and lasts until the end of April, featuring sub-zero temperatures, guaranteed snow, and frozen lakes. Certainly, the beginning and end of winter are obligatory small talk topics among locals.

Night temperatures can briefly reach -30 ºC as early as October, becoming no surprise by December. The coldest weeks typically occur in January or February, with temperatures very rarely dropping to -40 ºC. However, the warmth of your villa remains comfortable and cozy even in extreme cold.

March and April bring longer, warmer, and sunnier days. As snow starts to melt away in April, the transition to summer becomes inevitable. While winter is wonderful, the change in seasons is always a welcome shift.

Snowfall occurs throughout the winter, with the snow’s thickness reaching around half a meter by year’s end and up to a maximum of one meter in March. During snowy months, temperatures rise above zero several times, providing opportunities for snowman-building and other snowy activities. Feel free to join in the winter fun!