New Year's exclusive in Karelia. Snowmobile Safari

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Spend your winter holidays on an exciting journey through snow-covered Karelia!

You will learn how to drive a snowmobile and cook national dishes, get acquainted with the inhabitants of the zoo complex, learn about the traditions of the village of Rubchoila and hear national music.

With a group request of 6 people or more, it is possible to organize a tour in individual terms.

Location

Petrozavodsk

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Weekdays: 8am - 8pm
Weekends: 8am - 7pm (GMT +3)

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Tour highlights

Snowmobile Safari

We will go to the ancient village of Rubchoyla through the expanses of the frozen lake Syamozero

Riding sled dogs

Let's get acquainted with friendly huskies and race in a sled along a forest track

Three Bears Zoo Complex

Meet bears, moose, raccoons, wolves and many others

Itinerary

Day 1 - The life of a Northern man. Sledding 10 km
We will meet at the Petrozavodsk railway station under the clock on the main building from the platform (according to the arrival time of train No. 18 Moscow — Petrozavodsk).
We go to a restaurant for breakfast to immediately set ourselves up for a great adventure.
The buffet is at your service — here everyone will find food to their liking.
During breakfast, we get to know the guide and other tour participants better.
Let's get on the buses and go on an adventure!
The first stop is the sled dog kennel, where we get acquainted with its main inhabitants — huskies.
We recommend warming up in advance.
They will tell us all about the features of sled dog breeds, what they are, we will learn a lot about the world of sled racing.
Restless huskies greet us, barking and wagging their tails.
We harness the dogs rushing forward and after a detailed briefing, we rush along the forest highway (2.5 km) after the kayur.
We get a huge charge of joy and energy from this rental!
Fluffy northern dogs are extremely friendly, their hearts are full of trust in people and the joy of life.
We have lunch and continue on our way.
Further along the route is Kivach waterfall.
We enjoy the beauty, we are charged with the power and tremendous energy of the falling stream of water.
We are surprised at the beauty of the curved trunk of the Karelian birch, which is appreciated by the original patterned texture of the wood, reminiscent of marble in pattern and strength.
Another stop is the first Russian resort, founded in 1719 by decree of Peter the Great, Marcial Waters.
Water from healing springs is still used for therapeutic and prophylactic purposes, as it contains a large amount of iron and other trace elements.
We have the opportunity to taste and appreciate the taste of healing water from 4 underground springs.
We are going to our recreation center — "Cloudberry" (1-1.5 on the way).
The recreation center "Cloudberry" is located among the centuries-old ship pines on the picturesque shore of the Syamozer, one of the largest and most beautiful lakes in Karelia.
Here you can forget about the intense rhythm of urban life, enjoy the clean northern air, relax your soul and feel inner peace.
Let's go check in.
We are participating in a master class on cooking Karelian wickets. We not only sculpt, but also taste.
Kalitka is perhaps the most "national" and very favorite dish of Karelian and Vepsian cuisine. This is an open patty stuffed with potatoes, porridge or red fish, made from rye (or a mixture of rye and wheat) flour.
We have dinner and go to rest.

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Day 2 - Snowmobiling to the ancient village of Rubchoila
We wake up and go to breakfast.
Having refreshed ourselves, we go to get acquainted with the instructors and pick up equipment, because today we are going on a snowmobile safari.
We carefully listen to the instruction on driving a snowmobile, get into the cars and go to the training ground.
We get used to the equipment a little and go along the planned route.
We overcome a section of the highway along the paths of the winter forest and begin a real safari in the expanses of the frozen lake Syamozero.
We gradually increase our speed, feel confident and incredibly free! We are heading to the ancient village of Rubchoyla.
The village of Rubchoila was founded by the Karelians more than 300 years ago.
Today it is a unique complex monument of folk wooden architecture of Karelia of the XIX century, which includes 18 peasant houses, including black baths.
The keeper of the traditions of the village tells about the history, way of life, traditions of the indigenous people.
Among all the buildings, the Ermolaev house stands out, which now houses the ethnographic museum.
Here we not only inspect the exposition, but also get acquainted with the folklore tradition of the Syamozero region, during gatherings in a real Karelian house — a folklore group performs for us, which sings folk songs in Karelian and Russian.
No one lets the guests go hungry — local housewives treat us to a rustic lunch consisting of dishes of national Karelian cuisine.
A bright and full of impressions day of immersion in the life of a typical villager is slowly coming to an end, we return to the recreation center on snowmobiles.
We have dinner and go to the sauna.
We rest our bodies, relax in a vat on the veranda, relieve fatigue and tension.

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Day 3 - To visit the inhabitants of the forest in the zoo complex "Three bears"
We wake up and go to breakfast.
Today is the last day of our Karelian adventures, so before we set off, we vacate the rooms.
Today we are waiting for another snowmobile day, this time our goal is the Three Bears zoo complex, so we put on snowmobile equipment, sit on snowmobiles and gain speed.
The zoo complex "Three Bears" is located in a pine forest, on the shore of Lake Syamozero.
Bears, moose, striped raccoons, raccoon dogs, lynxes, wolves, ferrets, chinchillas, arctic foxes and many others live in wooden pavilions on the territory of the complex.
Many consider the energetic and graceful Far Eastern leopard Musya to be the main "star" of the zoo complex.
Dima the mountain goat, appetizingly eating carrots in his pen, greets people with a piercing bleat.
One of the most remarkable places of the zoo complex is the bear house — the guests are presented in turn to the white-breasted Himalayan Mota, our two brown "compatriots" Sasha and Masha and, finally, the young giant Timofey, a native of distant Kamchatka.
However, the biggest beast here is the Potap, which is striking in its size.
We arrange a real winter picnic lunch in the gazebo.
While we are getting to know the amazing inhabitants of the zoo complex, the instructors prepare for us a ruddy smoked red fish with fragrant potatoes and pickles.
We drink hot tea, treat ourselves to jam made from local berries and fragrant Karelian pastries.
We return to the base, change clothes and take buses to Petrozavodsk.
On the way, we remember the highlights of these days and are already making plans for future trips.
We have dinner in a familiar place and say goodbye to the fairy tale.
We leave by evening trains from the Petrozavodsk railway station.

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Difficulty

Involves moderate physical activity

Accommodation

Camp Site

2 nights

Comfort

Midscale

The tour provides accommodation at the recreation center "Cloudberry".

The cost of the tour for 1 person depends on the accommodation:

Landing on a snowmobile	Accommodation in the room	Price
2 people on a snowmobile	2 people in the room	62,700 rubles/person.
1 person on a snowmobile	2 people in the room	92,700 rubles/person.
1 person on a snowmobile	1 person in the room	108,700 rubles/person.

Discounts:

when placed on an additional place — 8,000 rubles/person.;
for children from 10 to 12 years old (inclusive) — 10%.

The recreation center "Cloudberry" is an excellent place for a country holiday, located among the century—old ship pines on the picturesque shore of the Syamozer, one of the largest and most beautiful lakes in Karelia.

At our base, you will get a great opportunity to forget about the eternal rhythm of urban life, and, inevitably enjoying the clean northern air, choose something for yourself.

Double Room (two single beds):

A separate entrance from the street, its own porch, a vestibule for outerwear and outdoor shoes, an entrance hall, a bathroom equipped with a shower cabin and underfloor heating.

Each room has 2 single beds, a mirror, a desk, a wardrobe, a TV, bedside tables, chairs according to the number of seats, a bathroom, a shower cabin. Solid wood furniture (pine). Heating, electricity.

Double room (double bed + extra bed (sofa)):

A separate entrance from the street, its own porch, a vestibule for outerwear and outdoor shoes, an entrance hall, a bathroom equipped with a shower cabin and underfloor heating.

Each room has one double bed, a mirror, a desk, a TV, bedside tables, chairs according to the number of seats, a bathroom, a shower cabin. Solid wood furniture (pine). Heating, electricity.

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Tour conditions

Group

up to 16 tourists

Minimum age

10 years old

Duration

3 days 2 nights

Group meets at

Petrozavodsk

Included in price

transportation services according to the program;
meals specified in the program;
accommodation according to the program: 2 people in a double room (2 nights);
visit to the sauna and Siberian vat;
visit Kivach waterfall and the first Russian resort Marcial Waters;
the work of instructors and an accompanying/guide translator
snowmobile and equipment rental, fuel;
tour of Karelian villages, with a visit to ancient chapels;
participation in master classes on the preparation of wickets;
dog sledding.

Paid extra

air and railway tickets to Petrozavodsk and back;
meals not specified in the tour program;
additional day of accommodation;
insurance of medical and other unforeseen expenses — from 100 rubles/person/day.

It's important to know

Backpack or travel bag. It is highly undesirable to bring things in a suitcase, because it does not fit into the trunk of a snowmobile and is inconvenient to transport.
A form of clothing for an active snowmobile day:
- Thermal underwear (pants and jacket).
- Comfortable warm sportswear. The best option is a suit for snowboarding or downhill skiing. We recommend that you do not come in jeans, because they restrict movement and do not warm you.
- A fleece jacket or sweater.
- Socks should be on your feet (thin cotton + warm wool socks are required).
- Gloves and a hat.
- During the snowmobile route, the travel agency provides: insulated boots, snowmobile overalls, gloves, balaclava, helmet. The jumpsuit is put on top of your clothes. If there are no severe frosts, then the jumpsuit can be worn on thermal underwear + sweatpants and a fleece jacket / sweater.
A uniform for an active day on the husky:
- The same as for a snowmobile day, BUT it is important to note that no additional equipment is provided when riding a husky. You're riding in your clothes. The exception is the programs in which you come to the sled dog kennel on snowmobiles. In this case, you will remain in snowmobile gear.
- We recommend having a protective mask (for snowboarding), it will protect your face from wind and small splashes while riding a husky. If there is no such mask, you can use a balaclava or an ordinary scarf for this purpose.
A set of clothes for the night:
- A set of spare underwear.
- Comfortable shorts/sweatpants and a T-shirt.
- Slippers or warm socks.
For a trip to the sauna:
- A swimsuit (if you need one),
- Slates/sandals for sports.
Shoes: comfortable warm shoes without heels.
Personal items:
- personal hygiene products (at the recreation centers "Alekka" and "Kizhi grace" in the rooms there are individual shower kits (shampoo, soap), at the recreation centers "Aviaretro" and "Ostrov" in the rooms there is only liquid hand soap in dispensers),
- an individual first aid kit,
- hair dryer (if you need it),
- if you wear glasses, then you should remember that under the helmet the shackles can press and cause discomfort. Also, from your breathing under the helmet, the glasses fog up, and freeze quickly in the cold. Also, the glasses fog up when you want to go into a warm room from the cold. If possible, lenses should be provided.
Documents:
- passport, medical insurance policy (photocopy is possible).
Money:
- We recommend that you always have a small amount of cash with you so that, if desired, you can quickly buy the necessary things at stops along the route.

Active recreation tours are associated with physical activity and exposure to adverse climatic factors. An important requirement for safe passage of the route is compliance with these instructions, which, however, is not exhaustive.

The tourist is obliged to comply with the rules of personal safety, as well as not to allow or perform actions that endanger the personal safety of others.

Preparing for the tour

To reduce the risk factors for life and health, a tourist should prepare for an active tour:
carefully study the information sheet for the tour with active modes of transportation (Appendix 2);
evaluate your physical abilities when choosing a tour;
undergo a medical examination, follow the recommendations of doctors;
take personal equipment with you in accordance with the recommendations of the travel agency;
take a personal first aid kit with you;
if necessary, consult with the tour operator.

The group is led by an instructor.

Tourists are obliged to follow the instructions of the instructor.

Transport safety

To avoid injury during transportation (on transport):
it is necessary to be in the places provided for this purpose;
securely pack and fix objects with sharp corners, piercing, breaking;
on the move, it is forbidden to stick body parts out of windows, throw objects out of windows, move around the cabin.

Clothing and equipment

Clothing should be suitable for outdoor activities (extreme types of tourism), that is, not to interfere with movement, protect from adverse environmental factors, and meet special safety requirements for the type of extreme tourism.

Health

No one knows better than you about the state of your health, so carefully monitor the body's reaction to unusual conditions and the effects of adverse factors.

Warn the instructor about possible health problems, individual deviations, and discomfort during the tour.
Use disease prevention products at low air temperatures, prolonged exposure to damp clothes, etc.
During treatment, warn the instructor about allergies, contraindications, chronic diseases, etc.

Safety instructions for driving a snowmobile:

Snowmobiling while intoxicated is not allowed!
One of the main elements of safety is your correct landing on a snowmobile:
- The driver is sitting (not standing and lying or otherwise ...) on a snowmobile, holding tightly to the steering wheel with both hands, feet on the running boards.
- The passenger sits on the snowmobile, holding tightly to the handles specially designed for this purpose, and not to the driver, with his feet on the running boards.
Before starting off, make sure that the path is free of obstacles (people, other snowmobiles, etc.):
1. In order to move off, gently press the throttle lever until the required speed is set. Remember, the lower the speed, the more time you have to make a decision in case of an obstacle.
2. To stop the snowmobile, you need to release the throttle lever (reset the gas). Due to the fact that the snowmobile has a small roll, it stops quickly enough, but in an emergency it is necessary to press the brake lever.
3. On turns and U-turns, it is necessary to reduce the speed and turn along the largest possible radius.
4. If the snowmobile tilts to the side during movement, it is necessary to shift the weight of the body in the opposite direction from the tilt in order to balance the moving snowmobile. It is strictly forbidden to restore the snowmobile's balance with the help of legs, as this can lead to injury.
5. If the snowmobile gets stuck in the snow, you need to wait for the instructor.
6. When driving with a passenger, the maneuverability of the snowmobile decreases, therefore, plan turns and stops in advance.
Remember the basic hand signals (the signals are given by the head snowmobile, then transmitted along the chain):
- Left turn: left arm extended to the side.
- Right turn: left arm extended to the side, bent at the elbow at an angle of 90 degrees.
- Stop, danger: raised straight left arm up. When you see this signal, be sure to slow down and increase your attention.
When crossing roads, stop the snowmobile completely and make sure that the road is clear of vehicles. Then cross the road at right angles to the direction of travel on the intersected road.
The distance when driving on the lake is 80-100 m., when driving through the forest is 40-50 m.
- When moving through the forest, try to keep a rolling trail.
- When driving along the lake, a column of snow dust rises behind the snowmobiles in front, move a few meters away from it, this will slightly increase visibility for you.
The maximum speed is 60 km/h.
- Do not apply sudden pressure on the throttle and brake knobs.
- Keep the speed at which you feel comfortable and safe (no more than 60 km/h). There is no need to catch up with the snowmobile going fast ahead. Take your time, they'll be waiting for you.
- Carefully monitor the traffic situation and observe the speed at which you can stop or slow down in advance when various obstacles appear in the way of movement (icing, deep ruts, close-standing or fallen trees, protruding tree roots, stones, etc.).
- If you need to stop (helmet glass is frozen, hands, signs of fatigue, insecurity, etc.), do not wait for the group to stop. Raise your left hand up (the stop signal for snowmobiles following you) and stop smoothly. After stopping, call (wait) for the instructor in order to conduct additional instruction, continue traveling as a passenger with an instructor or a more experienced tourist, or find another way out of the situation.

It is forbidden to:

Overtaking!
Snowmobile jumping!
Distance from the group by more than 100 meters!

Remember that it is you, attentive drivers (and not the instructor), make the snowmobile ride safe. Many problems can be avoided by using common sense.

In case of any discomfort, discomfort or other possible problem, contact the instructor immediately.

Tourists must comply with these rules to reduce the risk to life and health associated with participation in active tours (extreme types of tourism), in order to avoid breakdowns and losses of equipment and equipment, which may entail financial liability, program changes, etc. These rules are not exhaustive, and the tourist is obliged to take all measures aimed at for the safety of the transferred equipment and equipment.

The list of equipment on the tour and its features

The full list of equipment provided and its description are indicated in the tour program (Appendix No. 1).

It may include:

A snowmobile is designed to travel along specially prepared routes.
A trunk is a bag designed for transporting things (attached to the trunk of a snowmobile).
Snowmobile equipment (overalls, gloves /mittens, warm shoes, helmet and balaclava) is designed to ensure a safe, comfortable stay on the street and riding a snowmobile.
Ski equipment (cross-country skis, insulated boots, poles).

Getting equipment from an instructor

Upon receipt of the equipment, the tourist must inspect it, and if any malfunctions are detected, inform the instructor about it. In the event of a malfunction, the equipment can be replaced, repaired or allowed to operate if the malfunction is minor.

Operating rules

General rules:

use the equipment only for its intended purpose;
do not allow actions that can lead to damage, damage, or contamination of equipment;
follow the requirements of the equipment instructor;
pack your personal belongings in trunks in such a way that they cannot be damaged or lost when riding a snowmobile.

Rules of operation of snowmobiles:

before starting operation of the snowmobile, listen to the instruction on safety and snowmobile management, sign the safety form;
it is forbidden to carry goods that interfere with the control of a snowmobile, and the transportation of a third passenger is also prohibited;
It is forbidden to ride a faulty snowmobile;
you can not crash into high snow hummocks and jump off high (more than one meter) trampolines;
It is forbidden to use the gear lever on a moving snowmobile. All gears (rear, front and lowered) are switched when the snowmobile stops completely;
if a malfunction is detected, it is necessary to immediately inform the instructor about it and try to prevent further destruction of the snowmobile parts;
when driving on a snowmobile, it is necessary to follow the rules of the road and use special signals;
the driver and passenger must sit on the snowmobile: the driver — holding tightly to the steering wheel with both hands, the passenger — holding tightly to special handles with both hands; the legs of the driver and passenger must be located on special footrests;
it is very important to keep a distance: when driving on the lake 80-100m., when driving through the forest 40-50m (80% of all accidents occur due to distance violations);
the movement must be organized and only in a column, any overtaking is prohibited;
the maximum speed when driving on a snowmobile does not exceed 60 km/h on the lake and 40 km/h on forest roads;
when driving on a snowmobile, the helmet must be worn and fastened.

Rules of equipment operation:

choose a jumpsuit, gloves, helmet, shoes according to size;
upon arrival from the safari, put your personal equipment to dry in the place indicated by the instructor;
it is forbidden to dry equipment near an open fire;
Upon arrival at the guest house/base, do not leave your equipment outside.

Helmet operating rules:

Wear the helmet outdoors to avoid fogging and icing of the windscreen due to temperature differences.;
at the end of the safari, do not leave the helmet on the street, but take it to the place indicated by the instructor.

Rules of operation of gloves/mittens

if you are going to drive a snowmobile, it is better to choose gloves, if you plan to conduct a snowmobile tour as a passenger, it is recommended to wear gloves;
when removing gloves, always fasten them together (with hooks or Velcro provided for this purpose);
Upon arrival at the guest house, put the mittens/gloves to dry.

Rules of operation of snowmobile shoes:

upon arrival from safari, put the shoes to dry, separating the boots and chunis;
dry your shoes in pairs, without scattering them in different places.

Rules for the operation of skis, ski boots and ski poles:

do not store skis near a heat source;
put the skis away at the end of the running day in the place designated by the instructor;
do not put the skis on the snow as soon as they are taken out of the room, let them take the temperature of the street to avoid sticking snow;
do not stick the skis with the backs into the snow to avoid delamination of the backs;
at the beginning and end of each running day, check the strength of the fasteners, in case of non-durable fastening, contact the instructor to fix the problem;
It is forbidden to leave skis and ski poles outside at night;
Put your shoes to dry on arrival;
dry your shoes in pairs, without scattering them in different places;
It is forbidden to dry shoes near an open fire.

Handing over the equipment to the instructor

The tourist hands over the equipment to the instructor, shows its serviceability or defects.

Equipment and equipment must be clean (cleared of snow and ice) and intact.

If there is a deviation from these parameters, the tourist informs the instructor (for example, equipment malfunction, lack of packaging, etc.), as well as the reasons for the deviation. The tourist must compensate for the damage caused by his fault (breakdown, loss, damage to equipment, etc.).

Dates and Prices

The tour dates are not confirmed yet. Please, for clarification

from
$613

31 Dec, 2024 – 2 Jan, 2025 3 days 2 nights

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from
$613

2 – 4 Jan, 2025 3 days 2 nights

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