Last Light of the Year

Spend the last daylight hours of the year outside.

On 31 December, we travel to Valtavaara and set out on snowshoes through the snow-covered forest towards the higher landscapes of the fell.

Our destination is the summit area, highest point of Kuusamo.

Our timing is guided by one particular moment: the last sunset of the year.

Along the way, we stop by the fire for a warm outdoor lunch and take a quiet moment to leave something from the old year behind.

Then, when the time is right, we make our way to the summit.

There is no countdown and no celebration programme waiting for us there.

We simply stand quietly and watch the last daylight of the year disappear.

The Last Day of the Year

New Year's Eve in Ruka does not have to begin with fireworks and celebrations.

It can begin in the forest.

We start snowshoeing at Valtavaara at 11:00 and gradually climb through the winter landscape.

The journey towards the summit area usually takes approximately 1.5–2 hours.

There is no need to rush.

Near the summit, our campfire site is only about 300 metres away. This gives us the freedom to adapt the afternoon according to the group and the light.

If sunset is approaching, we go directly to the summit.

If we have more time, we visit the fire first.

The guide makes the decision on the day based on the group's pace, snow conditions, weather and available light.

Leaving the Old Year Behind

At the fire, we stop for a warm outdoor lunch.

Before continuing, we take a quiet moment for the year that is ending.

Each of us takes a little snow in our hands.

You can think of something from the past year that you are ready to leave behind. It can be something small or something significant. There is no need to tell anyone else what it is.

We hold the snow for a moment and let it begin to melt.

As it melts, we let the thought go with it.

Finally, we wash our hands with fresh snow.

Nothing is written down, burned or left in the forest.

It is simply a small symbolic gesture: leaving something from the old year behind before continuing towards the new one.

A Warm Lunch by the Fire

During our campfire stop, we enjoy a warm Finnish lunch.

Salmon soup with rye bread is a familiar Finnish meal and particularly welcome after climbing through the winter forest.

Hot wild berry juice is served alongside the meal.

A vegetarian alternative is available when requested in advance.

The Last Light

Eventually, we make our way towards the summit of Valtavaara.

Here, the programme stops.

No speeches.

No countdown.

For a while, we simply stand quietly together and watch the last daylight of the year fade over the snowy landscape.

If the sky is clear, we may see the sun itself disappear below the horizon.

If clouds or snowfall hide it, the moment is different but the day still comes to an end around us.

A visible sunset is never guaranteed.

The purpose is to be outside, high on Valtavaara, as the final daylight of the year gives way to twilight.

Back Through the Blue Moment

After sunset, darkness does not arrive immediately.

The landscape gradually moves through twilight and the blue tones of the winter afternoon.

We begin our descent through the forest, using the remaining natural light for as long as conditions allow.

Headlamps are provided and we switch them on when needed.

By the time we return, the last daylight adventure of the old year is behind us – and the evening is still ahead.

Experience Highlights

• Spend New Year's Eve outdoors at Valtavaara

• Snowshoe approximately 5–7 km through the winter landscape

• Climb towards the summit during the last daylight hours of the year

• Leave something from the old year behind during a quiet moment by the fire

• Enjoy warm Finnish salmon soup, rye bread and hot wild berry juice

• Experience the final sunset and twilight of the year from Valtavaara

• Descend through the blue moment and winter forest

• Small group with a professional local nature guide

At a Glance

Date: 31 December
Snowshoeing starts: 11:00
Snowshoeing duration: approximately 3.5 hours
Distance: approximately 5–7 km
Location: Valtavaara, Ruka-Kuusamo
Pick-up: Ruka area and Kuusamo centre
Group size: minimum 2, maximum 8 participants
Difficulty: Moderate
Languages: English and Finnish
Price: €189 / person

Transportation time is additional to the approximately 3.5-hour snowshoe adventure.

What's Included

• Professional local nature guide

• Pick-up and drop-off from the Ruka area and Kuusamo centre

• Transportation to and from Valtavaara

• Snowshoes and poles

• Headlamp

• Warm Finnish salmon soup and rye bread

• Hot wild berry juice

• Small-group experience

Is This Experience Suitable for Me?

Previous snowshoeing experience is not required.

Your guide will show you how to use the snowshoes and poles before we start.

The route is approximately 5–7 kilometres and includes uphill and downhill sections in natural winter terrain.

Deep or soft snow can make snowshoeing considerably more demanding than walking on a prepared winter trail.

A moderate level of physical fitness is required.

What Should I Wear?

Warm winter clothing is essential.

We recommend several warm layers, insulated winter boots, warm gloves or mittens and a winter hat.

The summit of Valtavaara is exposed and can be colder and windier than the forest below.

Snowshoes, poles and a headlamp are provided.

Need Winter Clothing?

Winter clothing and boots are not included.

If you do not have suitable clothing for Arctic winter conditions, winter clothing can be rented separately.

Winter Weather Is Part of the Experience

A clear sky or visible sunset cannot be guaranteed.

Snowfall, wind, cold temperatures and limited visibility are natural parts of winter at Valtavaara.

The guide follows the conditions throughout the adventure and adapts the route, pace and order of the programme when necessary.

The summit and campfire site are close to each other, allowing us to decide on the day whether we visit the fire or summit first.

Safety always comes first.

Book Last Light of the Year

31 December | Valtavaara, Ruka-Kuusamo

Leave the old year by the fire.

Watch its last light from the summit.

Then return through the blue winter twilight with the whole New Year's Eve still ahead.

Small group, 2–8 participants.

Book your Last Light of the Year snowshoe adventure below.