Winter is officially the new summer – take the trip of a lifetime this snow season with Exodus

• 22 NEW trips for 2012/2013 including ice climbing in France and an Arctic Circle adventure

• PLUS, Exodus’ launches winter trips in Greenland, Iceland and Russia

While we are all glued to our screens at home this summer, The Big Trip may well have been put on hold. So why not opt for the ultimate remedy against those winter blues and plan something special for the winter? 

Exodus has just launched its new Winter Activities Brochure for 2012/2013, featuring 52 trips and 22 brand new itineraries, including 10 new cross-country skiing trips for all levels and a testing new ski race through Austria and Italy. For the first time, Exodus clients can also choose to go snowshoeing in Russia or on an action-packed Greenland Winter expedition.  

For beginners who want to try their hand at a variety of winter activities, there are eight Mixed Activity trips across Finland, Sweden, Norway, Czech Republic, Poland, Slovakia, France, Italy and Switzerland. Guests on these trips will get the chance to try a new activity every day, from snowshoeing, dogsledding and igloo building, to ice fishing, downhill and cross-country skiing.

Among the new itineraries, Exodus is delighted to introduce a four-star winter walking week in Austria from £1,298 per person and a week-long Austrian Skating Course from a stunning new base in Seefeld, led by Snowsport England Coast, Eric Woolley, from £1,049 per person. Those on more of a budget will be pleased to hear that Exodus has added an eight-day Czech Republic Winter Activity Week, from just £949 per person including flights. 

Chloe Knott, Exodus’ Winter Activities Programme Manager commented: “Winter trips are not just for experts and every year we strive to expand our portfolio and encourage new people to try out a winter holiday, whilst ensuring we cater for those aficionados who crave a bigger challenge each year. Many of our winter activities are so unique they can easily rival a holiday in the sun and people are beginning to recognise this. Over the last few years we have started to see a shift in booking patterns, with people saving their big holiday for the winter and we see this being even more of a trend in 2012/13”.

Early booking offer: All customers who book a cross-country ski trip between 7 July and 7 September 2012 will receive free cross-country ski hire for your trip, a saving of up to £85.

Here is a selection of Exodus’ new trips from the Winter Activities brochure 2012/2013:

Greenland Winter Expedition: From £3,799 per person for 10 days, including flights, most meals, arctic clothing and transfers by snowmobile and helicopter! This unique 10 day expedition gives travellers of all levels the chance to live alongside Inuit hunters and experience one of the world’s most remote settlements, where dogsledding is still the most popular way to get around. Starting in Reykjavik, travellers will fly to Constable Point before heading to Ittoqqortoormiit by helicopter and snowmobile. They will then embark on a remarkable four day dog sledding expedition led by Inuit hunters into the heart of the frozen wilderness. Guests will be dazzled at the views in the Scoresbysund area and there will be plenty of scope to spot arctic wildlife along the way. Next departures on 22 March, 12 and 26 April 2013.

Arctic Circle Adventure: From £2,349 per person for eight days, including flights and most meals to explore the mysterious Vesterålen Islands in northern Norway. An eight day mixed activity itinerary and a brilliant introduction to winter trips on these fantastically beautiful islands within the Arctic Circle. The itinerary includes an arctic survival skills session from a local expert, a snowshoeing trip through the mountains, dogsledding, a visit to a Sami reindeer farm and the chance to try out cross-country skiing. By night, there will be excursions to see the Northern Lights. Travellers stay in three-star accommodation in the town of Sortland on the island of Langoya. Next departures on 10 and 24 February and 3 March 2013.

Ice Climbing Skills Weekend: From £899 for four days in Italy and France including flights, equipment, expert tuition and most meals. This brand new weekend trip offers people of all levels the chance to get to grips with ice climbing or hone their skills. Start the weekend with a detailed briefing from a qualified mountain guide before setting off the next morning for two days of ice climbing in artificial and natural waterfalls, with access to over 250 ice falls ranging from 20-700 metres. Accommodation is in the picturesque UNESCO town of Briançon in the Hautes Alpes region of France. Next departures on 10, 17 and 24 January 2013.

Dolomitenlauf Ski Race: From £1,299 for eight days of skiing through the Italian Dolomites and Austrian Alps, including flights, most meals and race entry. Exodus is thrilled to introduce this classic race through some of the most beautiful scenery in Europe. This 42km Worldloppet course makes for an unforgettable cross country skiing adventure and is perfect for those looking for a real challenge. Departing on 13 January 2013, competitors will be coached throughout the week by Snowsport England coach, Eric Woolley, to make sure they are in tip top condition for the race on 19 January. A shorter 25km option is also available. Accommodation is at the family run Hotel Helm in Versciaco du Sopra.