First Ray of Light of the New Year

Start the new year on snowshoes, high above the snowy forests of Kuusamo.

On the first morning of the year, we set out before daylight and climb through the snow-covered forest towards the summit of Valtavaara, the highest point in Kuusamo.

Our headlamps light the trail while the forest around us is still dark. As we climb higher, the darkness slowly gives way to the deep blue shades of the Arctic morning.

There is no hurry. This morning is about experiencing the transition from one year to another in the quiet winter landscape.

At the summit of Valtavaara, we welcome the new year with a glass of alcohol-free sparkling spruce shoot drink.

On our way, we stop at a traditional Finnish kota, light a fire and enjoy a warm smoked reindeer sandwich and hot wild berry juice for breakfast. The weather decides what the first morning of the year will look like. It may be clear, softly snowing or wrapped in winter clouds. We cannot promise sunshine, but the changing light, snowy forest and winter morning on Valtavaara are there to be experienced.

This is a small-group experience with a maximum of eight participants.

The first adventure of the year

The experience begins at the foot of Valtavaara while it is still dark.

After fitting our snowshoes and switching on our headlamps, your local MyTrail guide leads the way into the winter forest.

The route climbs through snow-covered spruce forest towards the summit of Valtavaara. Moving on snowshoes makes the climb a little more demanding, but we take our time and stop along the way.

As morning approaches, the colours around us begin to change. Black becomes blue, the shapes of the surrounding hills appear and eventually the snowy landscape of Kuusamo opens around us.

Reaching the summit on the first morning of the year deserves a small celebration.

We raise a glass of alcohol-free sparkling spruce shoot drink to the new year and take a moment to enjoy the landscape before continuing our journey.

A warm fire and breakfast await us at a nearby kota. We prepare warm smoked reindeer sandwiches by the fire and enjoy them with hot wild berry juice before returning from the fell.

A simple way to begin a new year: snow, fire, food and a few hours outside.

Experience highlights

• Snowshoe to the summit of Valtavaara on New Year's Day

• Experience the Arctic morning changing from darkness to daylight

• Explore snow-covered forests with a local nature guide

• Reach the highest point in Kuusamo

• Raise a glass of sparkling spruce shoot drink to the new year

• Enjoy a warm smoked reindeer sandwich by the fire

• Small group of maximum 8 participants

First Ray of Light at a glance

When: New Year's Day, 1 January
Starting time: 8:30
Duration: approximately 4 hours

Distance: 6km
Location: Valtavaara, Ruka-Kuusamo, Finland
Meeting point: Valtavaara / Saarua parking area
Pick-up: Available in the Ruka area
Group size: 2–8 participants
Minimum age: 12 years
Difficulty: Moderate to demanding
Languages: English and Finnish

What's included?

• Professional local nature guide

• Snowshoes and poles

• Headlamp

• Alcohol-free sparkling spruce shoot drink for our New Year's toast

• Warm smoked reindeer sandwich prepared by the fire

• Hot wild berry juice

• Pick-up and drop-off in the Ruka area

Is this snowshoe tour suitable for me?

This experience requires a moderate level of physical fitness.

Valtavaara is the highest point in Kuusamo, and the route includes both uphill and downhill sections. Moving on snowshoes in fresh or soft snow can also be physically demanding.

We are not racing to the top. We travel as a small group and take time to experience the changing light and winter landscape along the way.

The minimum age for the experience is 12 years.

If you have a medical condition or physical limitation that may affect your ability to participate in approximately four hours of winter outdoor activity, please contact us before booking.

What should I wear?

January mornings in Kuusamo can be very cold, and conditions at the summit of Valtavaara can be colder and windier than down in Ruka Village.

Wear warm winter clothing and dress in layers. You will need warm winter boots, warm gloves or mittens and a hat.

Snowshoes, poles and a headlamp are provided by MyTrail.

Need winter clothing?

Winter clothing and winter boots are not included in the experience.

If you don't have suitable clothing for Arctic winter conditions, you can rent a warm winter outfit and winter boots from Winterent in Ruka.

Read more about winter clothing rental →

https://www.mytrailfinland.com/info/winter-clothing-rental

Winter weather is part of the experience

Valtavaara is an exposed fell environment and winter conditions can vary considerably.

Snowfall, wind, cold temperatures and changing visibility are all natural parts of winter in Kuusamo.

The experience is planned for Valtavaara and takes place in winter conditions. Your guide continuously assesses the conditions and makes any necessary safety decisions during the tour.

Direct sunlight or a visible sunrise cannot be guaranteed.

And that is part of the idea.

The first light of the new year looks different every year.

Book your First Ray of Light

1 January | 8:30 | Valtavaara, Ruka-Kuusamo

Only 8 places are available for this small-group New Year's Day experience.

Check availability and book below.

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