Inari: Northern Lights Hunt Snowmobile Safari

Inari: Northern Lights Hunt Snowmobile Safari — A Deep Dive into Arctic Adventure

If you’re dreaming of chasing the elusive Northern Lights on a crisp winter night in Lapland, Finland, this Snowmobile Safari in Inari offers a solid way to do it. For around $169 per person and lasting about 5 hours, this tour combines adventure, scenic beauty, and cultural insights. It’s a well-rounded option, especially if you’re eager to combine thrills on snowmobiles with a good chance of seeing the Aurora borealis in a carefully chosen, dark, and open setting.

What makes this trip particularly appealing? First, the expert guidance from knowledgeable hosts ensures you’ll get the most from your Arctic night. Second, the fire-side snacks and warm beverages in the middle of the wilderness create a cozy contrast to the cold, making the experience both exciting and comfortable.

A key consideration is the weather variability — Northern Lights sightings are never guaranteed, but the tour’s location and timing (best hours are between 11 PM and midnight) give you a solid shot. Also, since snowmobiling can be physically demanding, it’s best suited for active travelers and those comfortable with the activity, especially if considering solo driving.

Overall, if you’re looking for an authentic, adventure-filled chance to see the Northern Lights with friendly guides and the comforts of warm drinks, this tour is hard to beat. It’s especially good for adventure lovers, photography enthusiasts, and anyone eager to experience Lapland’s natural beauty firsthand.

• Authentic Arctic Experience: Combines snowmobiling with Aurora hunting in remote, dark locations.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable hosts enhance the experience with insights into local culture and nature.
• All-Inclusive: Equipment, warm clothing, hotel transfers, snacks, and beverages are covered.
• Flexible Booking: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance, or reserve now and pay later.
• Ideal Timing: Best hours for Aurora viewing are late at night, around 11–12 PM.
• Limited for Some: Not recommended for elderly or small children due to the activity’s physical nature.

Exploring the Inari Snowmobile Safari: An Arctic Adventure

Location and Duration
Starting from Inari, this 5-hour tour takes you into the heart of Lapland’s snowy wilderness. The tour includes hotel pick-up and drop-off, making it easier to focus on the experience rather than logistics. The starting times shift with the season — typically 8 PM from November to March, later in April — reflecting the changing Arctic night.

What to Expect: A Journey into Darkness and Light
From the moment we’re picked up at our hotel, the atmosphere is eager and relaxed. The guides are friendly and knowledgeable, often sharing insights into local Finnish culture and the arctic stars. Once at the starting point, we’re outfitted with all necessary equipment and warm clothes — a big plus, as staying warm is crucial and sometimes overlooked in Arctic adventures.

The snowmobiling begins on specially designed tracks, ensuring safety and a smooth ride. We loved the way the guides took the time to teach us how to handle the snowmobiles, making it accessible even if you’ve never driven one before. The scenic ride takes you through snowy forests and open fields, where the silence of the Arctic night is only broken by the hum of the engines and the occasional call of a winter bird.

Why Snowmobiling in the Dark is Special
Driving in absolute darkness, with only the glow of the snowmobile’s headlights, transports you into a different world. The black, star-lit sky is incredibly clear, especially thanks to the microclimate that often keeps the weather calm. Riding in the dark in such an unspoiled environment adds a sense of adventure and mystery, perfect for Aurora hunting.

The Aurora Hunt: Luck and Location
The tour is carefully arranged to maximize your chances of seeing the Northern Lights. The guides choose the best possible spots — away from light pollution, on dark, open terrain. The Aurora is notoriously unpredictable, but based on years of experience, the guides recommend being out between 11 PM and midnight for the best shot.

Even if the lights don’t appear, the stellar Arctic sky offers its own kind of spectacle. Topping the night off at a tepee or hut around a campfire, we enjoyed warm beverages and BBQ snacks while gazing upward. Guides often share stories of local life and nature, making the experience both entertaining and educational.

Real Feedback from Travelers
Many reviews praise the knowledgeable guides like David, who made the trip memorable with attentiveness and cultural stories. One guest noted, “David was an amazing guide, attentive and friendly, helping with pictures and warm clothing while explaining Finnish culture.” Others appreciated the scenic snowmobile rides even when the Aurora didn’t show, highlighting the beauty of the snowy landscape and the fun of the activity itself.

The Practical Side: What’s Included and What’s Not
The tour price covers hotel transfers, all equipment and winter clothes, boots, warm beverages, snacks, and the snowmobile ride itself. If you prefer to drive solo, this can be arranged at an extra cost. It’s a good idea to note that the activity involves off-road snowmobiling, which might not be suitable for those with mobility issues or very young children.

Safety and Comfort
The guides prioritize safety, providing a detailed briefing before heading out on the snowmobiles. The group size tends to be small, allowing for personalized attention and a more intimate experience. However, because snowmobiling involves a degree of physical activity and balance, it’s best suited for active travelers comfortable on a vehicle.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Why You Should Consider This Tour

This adventure is particularly appealing for those who crave authentic Arctic experiences. The combination of a nighttime snowmobile ride, dark skies, and the potential sighting of the Northern Lights makes it a memorable pursuit. The inclusion of warm drinks and snacks provides a cozy touch, especially after braving the cold.

It’s a tour that offers value for money considering the expert guidance, all gear included, and beautiful, untouched scenery. For photographers, the opportunity to capture the Aurora in a dark, open sky with no light pollution is invaluable. Plus, the chance to learn about local Finnish culture and nature from guides enhances the experience beyond just chasing lights.

However, keep in mind that the activity is not suitable for everyone — particularly the elderly or small children — due to the physical demands of snowmobiling. Also, since Aurora sightings depend on weather and solar activity, there’s an element of luck involved. But even without a sighting, the Arctic night landscape and starry sky are worth the trip.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Right for You?

If you’re looking for a thrilling, authentic, and well-organized Arctic adventure, this snowmobile safari ticks many boxes. It’s a great value — with experienced guides, all gear included, and the chance to witness one of nature’s most stunning displays in a dark, open sky setting.

This tour suits adventure seekers, photographers, and nature lovers eager to experience Lapland’s wilderness. It’s particularly recommended if you’re comfortable on snowmobiles and want to combine exhilaration with cultural insights and spectacular views.

On the flip side, if you prefer a more relaxed or less physically demanding experience, or are traveling with young children or elderly relatives, you might want to consider alternative Aurora tours, such as the Auroras Northern Lights car trip.

FAQ

Is hotel transfer included?
Yes, hotel transfers are included, so you don’t need to worry about transportation to and from the starting point.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience lasts about 5 hours, with the actual snowmobile ride and Aurora viewing taking place in the late evening.

Can I drive a snowmobile alone?
Yes, solo driving is available at an additional price, but it requires an extra booking.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, a hat, water, gloves, and a waterproof camera are recommended to stay warm and capture the experience.

Is the Northern Lights guaranteed?
No, Aurora sightings depend on weather and solar activity. The guides select the best spots for viewing, but sightings are not guaranteed.

Is this activity suitable for children?
It’s generally not recommended for small children or the elderly due to the physical demands of snowmobiling.

What about safety?
Safety is a priority, with a briefing before the ride and group sizes kept small for personalized attention.

What happens if I cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, making it flexible to plan your trip.

Inari’s Northern Lights Snowmobile Safari offers a genuine taste of Arctic adventure, blending adrenaline, natural beauty, and cultural storytelling. Whether you see the Aurora or not, it’s a night you won’t forget — the quiet, vast wilderness, the star-studded sky, and the thrill of riding through snow-covered forests. Perfect for those willing to embrace the cold for a chance at one of the world’s most breathtaking light shows.

You can check availability for your dates here: