PELKOSENNIEMI WINTER ACTIVITIES FIELD GUIDE
Into the Breach: Practicing Ice Rescue on a Lappish Lake
A focused 3.5-hour Arctic Water Rescue course in Pelkosenniemi where participants practice self- and assisted-rescue in drysuits and finish by warming in a lakeside sauna.
Into the Breach: Practicing Ice Rescue on a Lappish Lake.
Test your courage on a frozen lake outside Pelkosenniemi: this hands-on Arctic Water Rescue experience walks you through safety theory, simulated falls and practical rescue drills in drysuits, then closes with a restorative lakeside sauna so you leave both skilled and warm.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Lifesaving techniques you can use
Learn practical, repeatable rescue moves — the course is designed to teach you how to rescue yourself and others from ice in a controlled, confidence-building way.
Safe exposure to real conditions
This is a daring, playful drill session that turns the fear of falling through ice into muscle memory and preparedness.
Warm up and digest the lesson
After practicing rescue techniques and simulated falls, the group finishes with time in a lakeside sauna — a measured transition that helps consolidate skills and comfort.
What the day feels like
What the day feels like
The session begins with a compact theory briefing, then moves onto the ice for hands-on practice in drysuits: simulated falls, self-rescue drills and assisted-rescue techniques practiced repeatedly until they feel natural. The practical work is brisk and focused, and the day concludes back at the lake with a warm sauna to recover and reflect on the skills learned.
THE SKILL
Lifesaving techniques you can use
Learn practical, repeatable rescue moves — the course is designed to teach you how to rescue yourself and others from ice in a controlled, confidence-building way.
THE CHALLENGE
Safe exposure to real conditions
This is a daring, playful drill session that turns the fear of falling through ice into muscle memory and preparedness.
THE RITUAL
Warm up and digest the lesson
After practicing rescue techniques and simulated falls, the group finishes with time in a lakeside sauna — a measured transition that helps consolidate skills and comfort.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this course suits — and who should sit it out.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The scheduled activity length is 3 hours and 30 minutes.
Meet at Kairosmaja, Pyhätunturi before the session starts.
Warm clothes that fit under the drysuit, your own towel and swimming suit, and warm clothes to change into after the activity; if you plan to try self-rescue without a drysuit, bring spare clothes for that.
A lakeside sauna is part of the session to help you warm up and recover after the practical drills.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
Can I try self-rescue without a drysuit?
Yes — participants may attempt self-rescue without a drysuit if they bring spare clothes for changing afterward.
What should I bring to the session?
Bring warm clothes that fit under the drysuit, your own towel and swimming suit, and warm clothes to wear after the activity; spare clothes are needed if you try self-rescue without a drysuit.
How long is the Arctic Water Rescue activity?
The activity runs for 3 hours and 30 minutes.
Where do we meet?
The meeting location is Kairosmaja, Pyhätunturi.
Are there any participant requirements?
There is a minimum height requirement of 140 cm due to drysuit sizing; age guidance applies (participants 15 and older).