Try snowshoeing for a relaxing winter break
If you'd rather spend a winter breaks trying a relaxed pursuit, instead of zipping down the piste on skis or a snowboard, snowshoeing could be the solution for you. This activity allows you to walk through stunning winter landscapes at your own pace.
The idea behind snowshoeing is simple - you pull on the specialist footwear, which is larger than a standard shoe and designed to distribute your weight over a greater surface area to ensure you don't sink too deeply into the powder, and then you head out for a wander.
One of the beauties of snowshoeing is that you don't necessarily need to follow a dedicated trail - it's perfectly possible to simply wander off across the snow, as long as you go prepared with a map, suitable clothing and have told your hotel where you are planning to walk and how long you intend to be out.
Many winter sports centres offer guided walks, too, so if you would rather follow someone who knows the area you can head out in total confidence. The added advantage to this approach on snow walking holidays is that you are likely to be taken to places you would not otherwise have found on your own - and you can expect to see stunning views of the wintry, and often mountainous, landscapes around you.
Of course, there are also trails dedicated to the activity, with plenty suitable for complete beginners and others that are designed to be more of a challenge for experienced walkers. Harder tracks typically include steeper up and downhill sections, which are more strenuous than flatter paths.
If all this sounds like your kind of trip, consider booking walking holidays in Lapland, as the Finnish region is a haven for all manner of winter sports - including snowshoeing. The resort of Yllas in particular is very snow-sure, due to its northerly position, so you needn't worry you'll arrive to little powder coating the mountains.
Although daylight hours can be quite short in the winter months, there are often torch lit walks around the area, so you can still make the most of your time in Finland and will be able to appreciate the winter landscapes in a different light. Strolling in the evening will also give you the opportunity to see the bright stars of the night sky and possibly even the Northern Lights if the conditions are right. In addition, Yllas boasts several illuminated trails, so you can stride out once the sun goes down in confidence if you fancy taking a walk at dusk.
Snowshoeing is a great activity to try if you enjoy spotting wildlife while you are out and about, as you will be moving slowly and relatively quietly, giving you the chance to see creatures you would usually miss while whizzing down the slopes on skis or a snowboard.
While in Yllas you can explore the vast swathes of pine forest that cover the mountain slopes and fells. It is possible to walk between traditional villages and along the shores of lakes, allowing you to take in a variety of landscapes on your winter walking break.
After discovering the area on foot for a few days, you can always treat yourself to a session in one of the traditional spas to unwind and soothe your body before your holiday comes to an end.
