Snowshoeing Adventure with Ice-Fishing, Fire and Survival

A Unique Arctic Adventure: Snowshoeing, Ice-Fishing, and Survival Skills in Rovaniemi

When you think of Lapland, visions of the Northern Lights dancing across starry skies and snow-covered forests come to mind. But beyond the usual tourist attractions, there’s a tour that truly immerses you in the raw beauty and traditional skills of the Arctic — the Snowshoeing Adventure with Ice-Fishing, Fire, and Survival. For just $148.23 per person, this roughly four-hour experience combines scenic winter trekking, practical survival techniques, and a taste of local culture.

What we love about this experience is how it balances fun with education. First, the personal guidance from knowledgeable locals makes all the difference; you’ll pick up real skills like how to navigate with a map and compass, and how to build a fire without matches — skills that are as valuable as they are exciting. Second, the opportunity to fish in a pristine frozen lake and then cook your catch over an open fire makes it feel genuinely authentic, more than just a tour — it’s a mini adventure in survival.

One thing to keep in mind is that weather conditions can impact the experience. Since it’s outdoors in Arctic winter, you’ll want to dress warmly and be prepared for potentially cold or snowy weather, which might cause slight cancellations or adjustments. But overall, this tour appears well-suited for those eager to connect with nature and learn survival skills, especially if you’re traveling with family or friends interested in outdoor adventures.

This experience is ideal for active travelers who want more than just sightseeing. It suits those curious about Lapland’s traditional ways, eager to learn practical skills, or simply looking for a memorable outdoor experience that combines education with adventure.

Key Points

• Authentic survival skills: Learn to use a map and compass, build fires without matches, and identify local flora and fauna for food or medicine.
• Scenic snowshoeing: Trek through Lapland’s tranquil, snow-covered forests with expert guidance, enjoying beautiful winter scenery.
• Ice-fishing experience: Drill a hole in a frozen lake, try catching fish, and grill your catch over an open fire — a genuine Arctic skill.
• Local knowledge: Guides share insights about how indigenous cultures use trees, mushrooms, and other natural resources for survival.
• Family-friendly: The tour has been praised by families, with children aged 7+ enjoying the hands-on activities and engaging guides.
• Practical and educational: This isn’t just sightseeing; it’s a chance to gain real survival techniques in a stunning setting.

Exploring the Details of the Tour

The Itinerary: A carefully crafted blend of adventure and learning

Your meeting point is at Jaakonkatu 4-6 in Rovaniemi, a convenient location accessible by public transport. Once you gather with your small group (maximum of 8 travelers), your guide — who is clearly passionate and knowledgeable, as reflected in glowing reviews — will lead you into the quiet wilderness just outside the town.

The journey begins with snowshoeing through Lapland’s silent forests, where every step crunches softly on the snow. The guide explains basic but essential survival concepts — from orienting yourself using a map and compass to recognizing which trees can help you start a fire or find food. This is especially valuable for those interested in outdoor skills or simply wanting to deepen their connection with nature.

Reaching the Frozen Lake: A picturesque setting for fishing and fire-building

After about an hour of trekking, you’ll arrive at a vast frozen lake, its smooth, icy surface shimmering under the winter sun. Here, your guide will demonstrate how to drill a hole in the ice — a surprisingly straightforward process that reveals the pristine water below. Expect to try your hand at ice-fishing, a quintessential Arctic activity.

Many reviews highlight the joy of this part of the experience. One reviewer mentions that their family, including young children, found the activity to be a highlight of their holiday, praising the guide’s teaching style and patience. Even if luck isn’t on your side and you don’t catch a fish, the guide will prepare a delicious Finnish barbecue snack over the fire, emphasizing the convivial, community aspect of Arctic living.

Building a Fire and Cooking Over Open Flame

Next comes the satisfying task of building your own fire — a skill that’s both practical and empowering. The guide shares tips on how to ignite a blaze without matches, using natural materials found nearby, such as specific trees or mushrooms. The fire isn’t just for warmth; it’s your cooking station.

If you manage to catch a fish, you’ll learn how to grill it right there, over the open flames. If luck isn’t with you, don’t worry — the guide’s tasty barbecues and snacks will keep the mood lively. These moments around the fire are praised for their warmth and camaraderie, giving you a small taste of Lapland’s traditional way of life.

Learning About Local Flora and Fauna

Throughout the tour, your guide will share interesting tidbits about the natural environment: which trees make good firewood, which mushrooms are edible or medicinal, and how local indigenous cultures have used these resources for centuries. This adds a layer of depth that elevates the experience from simple outdoor fun to meaningful cultural learning.

End of the Tour: Returning with New Skills and Memories

After about four hours, the tour concludes back at the starting point. Many travelers leave feeling proud of what they’ve accomplished — having snowshoed, fished, built fires, and learned survival tips. As one reviewer succinctly put it, “you should be ready to become the next Arctic adventurer,” and that’s not far from the truth.

The Practicalities: What You Need to Know

Price point: At just over $148, the tour offers excellent value for the comprehensive experience. It includes expert guidance, all necessary equipment (like snowshoes and fishing gear), and the chance to learn genuine survival skills. The small group size ensures personalized attention, which many find enhances the learning experience.

Duration: Approximately four hours makes it a manageable half-day activity, fitting well into broader holiday plans. It’s perfect for those who want a substantial outdoor experience without a full-day commitment.

Weather considerations: Since the activity is outdoors in Arctic winter, dressing warmly is essential. The tour is weather-dependent — if conditions are too poor, the tour may be canceled with options for rescheduling or refunds.

Booking and accessibility: The experience is popular, often booked about 18 days in advance, so planning ahead is wise. Meeting at a central location in Rovaniemi makes it accessible, and pickup options may be available.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re interested in learning practical survival skills, love outdoor activities, or want to experience authentic Lapland culture firsthand, this tour will suit you well. Families with children aged 7 and up have found it engaging and fun, making it an excellent choice for adventurous families.

Those looking for an active outdoor adventure that combines education with scenic beauty. It’s also ideal for travelers who want to connect more deeply with the natural environment and learn how locals survive in such extreme conditions.

Final Thoughts: A Genuine Arctic Experience

This snowshoeing and survival skills tour offers more than just a day in the snow — it’s a rare chance to step into the shoes of traditional Arctic dwellers. With expert guides, engaging activities, and breathtaking scenery, it delivers a memorable taste of Lapland’s wilderness.

You’ll love the way it combines scenic exploration with practical skills, giving you confidence to navigate snowy terrains and understanding of how indigenous cultures thrive in such a stark environment. Plus, the social, fireside moments create a warm, convivial atmosphere that’s hard to find in typical sightseeing tours.

If you’re looking for a hands-on adventure that’s both fun and educational, this tour is hard to beat — especially for those prepared to dress warmly, engage fully, and come with an open mind to learn new skills in a stunning setting.

FAQ

Is pickup offered for this tour?
Yes, pickup options are available, making it easy to start your adventure right from your accommodation in Rovaniemi.

How long does the tour last?
The tour is approximately four hours in total, providing a full but manageable outdoor experience.

What’s included in the price?
Your fee covers guided instruction, snowshoes, fishing gear, and all necessary equipment. Food and snacks, such as the Finnish barbecue, are provided during the fire-building segment.

Can children participate?
Yes, families with children aged 7 and above have enjoyed this tour, praising the guide’s engaging approach and the fun activities.

What should I wear?
Dress warmly in layers, including waterproof clothing, gloves, hats, and sturdy boots. The Arctic winter can be very cold, and staying comfortable is key.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour relies on good weather conditions. If canceled due to weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

How many people are in each group?
A maximum of 8 travelers ensures a personalized experience and plenty of opportunities for questions and hands-on learning.

What makes this tour different from others?
It’s a well-balanced mix of outdoor activity, cultural learning, and practical survival skills, all led by passionate local guides.

Is it suitable for solo travelers?
Absolutely, the small group size and welcoming environment make it a great choice for solo adventurers eager to meet others and learn.

This tour is a fantastic way to experience Lapland beyond the usual tourist sights. It’s perfect for active travelers, families, or anyone curious about Arctic survival and culture. Prepare to learn, laugh, and create memories in the quiet beauty of the snow-covered Finnish wilderness.