Saariselkä: Back-Country Skiing Guided Tour

Experience the Finnish Wilderness on a Back-Country Skiing Tour

Saariselkä’s back-country skiing guided tour offers a rare chance to experience Lapland’s pristine winter landscape away from crowded ski trails. For approximately $91 per person, you’ll spend between 2 to 4 hours exploring snow-covered forests and fells with a knowledgeable guide leading the way. The tour focuses on freedom, natural beauty, and wildlife spotting, making it perfect for those craving an authentic Arctic adventure.

What we love about this experience are two specific aspects: first, the unique opportunity to ski off marked trails, where the snow is deeper and softer — ideal for a more natural skiing experience. Second, the small-group setting—limited to six participants—ensures a personalized and relaxed atmosphere, perfect for beginners and experienced skiers alike.

However, a potential consideration is the weather dependency. As Elena’s review highlights, if the weather doesn’t cooperate, the tour might be canceled or rescheduled. Still, the flexibility shown by the guide in offering alternative options demonstrates a commendable level of customer care.

This tour is best suited for adventurous travelers eager to explore the wilderness in a relaxed setting. It’s also ideal for keen skiers who appreciate a less commercialized, more natural experience, and those who enjoy spotting wildlife in a peaceful environment.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

Authentic Wilderness Experience: Ski through forests and fells, far from crowded trails.
Wildlife Viewing: A good chance to see local animals like reindeer, birds, and rabbits.
Expert Guidance & Equipment: Kitted out with back-country skis and guidance in English.
Small Group for Personal Attention: Only up to six participants, ensuring a tailored experience.
Flexible Duration: Tours last between 2 to 4 hours, depending on availability.
Weather Considerations: The best experiences depend on good weather, but guides are flexible and communicative.

While in Saariselka, here are other experiences we've covered

Discovering the Back-Country in Saariselkä

Imagine gliding through untouched snow, the silence broken only by the gentle swish of your skis and the distant call of birds. That’s what this back-country skiing tour offers—an escape into the wilderness, away from the busy ski resorts. The landscape is stunning, with snow-laden trees and wide-open fells that showcase Lapland’s rugged beauty. It’s not about high-speed downhill runs but rather a peaceful, scenic glide through nature.

What makes this tour stand out is the focus on exploring outside the marked trails. You’re not just skiing in a managed park but wandering through forests where reindeer and wildlife roam freely. This element of exploration adds a sense of adventure, and we loved the chance to see animals in their natural habitat. Keep your eyes peeled for reindeer, birds, and even the elusive hare or rabbit that might dart across your path.

The guides are experienced and speak both Finnish and English, making communication clear and friendly. They will help you get your equipment—wider, longer back-country skis—which are designed to handle deep snow with more stability and comfort than traditional cross-country skis. These skis make an easier ride for most skiers, including beginners, though some skiing experience is recommended.

What the Tour Looks Like

The tour begins with a meet-up at a designated starting point, where your guide will explain safety tips, share some tips about the terrain, and help you get suited up. Expect to spend a few minutes on instruction, especially if you’re new to back-country skiing, before heading out into the snow.

Once tailored up, you’ll start skiing through the forested trails. The guides encourage you to skate freely and explore the surroundings at your own pace, with occasional stops to admire the scenery or take photos. When outside the marked trails, you’ll find yourself in quieter, less-disturbed areas where the snow is often deeper, and the views more undisturbed.

Throughout the experience, your guide points out local flora and fauna, sharing insights into the ecosystem. As Elena’s review notes, even if weather conditions prevent the tour from running as planned, guides are flexible and will provide alternatives or reschedule.

The highlight is often the pause for warm drinks—a chance to relax, chat, and enjoy the scenery. Afterward, you’ll return to the starting point, feeling refreshed and inspired by the beauty of Lapland’s wilderness.

The Value of This Experience

At $91, the tour offers a good value for travelers wanting a genuine back-country experience. It’s a relatively short outing, but packed with scenic beauty and wildlife encounters, making it a memorable adventure. The inclusion of equipment and guidance means you won’t need to worry about purchasing or renting gear elsewhere, and the small-group size enhances the overall experience, ensuring personal attention.

Compare this to more commercialized snow activities—like snowmobiling or reindeer rides—this offers a quieter, more contemplative connection with nature. Plus, the chance to spot reindeer, a symbol of Lapland, adds an extra layer of authenticity.

The flexibility in schedule—check availability for your preferred times—combined with the cancelation policy (full refund if canceled 24 hours in advance) makes this a risk-mitigated choice for planning your Arctic itinerary.

More Great Tours Nearby

Who Will Love This Tour?

This guided back-country skiing experience is perfect for adventurous travelers who enjoy outdoor activities and are comfortable skiing in varied snow conditions. It’s ideal for those who want more than just downhill, seeking a peaceful forest journey and a chance to see wildlife. Also, beginners with some skiing experience will find the wider skis and guided pace manageable, but absolute novices might prefer introductory lessons first.

Travelers who appreciate small-group tours will find the intimate setting very appealing. If you’re looking for a relaxing, scenic, and authentic way to experience Lapland’s snow-covered landscapes, this tour will hit the spot.

While in Saariselka, here are other experiences we've covered

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour?
Guidance in English, all necessary equipment (including back-country skis), and a warm drink are included, making it a convenient all-in-one experience.

How long does the tour last?
The duration ranges from 2 to 4 hours, depending on availability and weather conditions. Check the schedule when booking.

Is the tour suitable for children?
It’s not recommended for children under 8 years old, likely due to safety considerations and the physical demands of back-country skiing.

What should I wear?
Dress in warm outdoor clothing suitable for snow and winter conditions, as the activity is outdoors in potentially cold weather.

Can beginners participate?
Yes, especially if they have some skiing experience. The skis are easier to handle than cross-country skis, and guides provide guidance along the way.

What happens if the weather is bad?
Guides are flexible and may offer alternative activities or reschedule if weather conditions prevent the tour from running safely.

How many people are in the group?
The tour is limited to 6 participants, providing a more personalized and less crowded experience.

Is it possible to cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering peace of mind when planning your trip.

Final Thoughts

The Saariselkä back-country skiing guided tour delivers an authentic slice of Lapland’s winter wonderland in a manageable, well-organized package. With its focus on natural scenery, wildlife, and personal guidance, it’s a perfect choice for those craving a peaceful, outdoor adventure. The modest price, small group size, and flexibility make it an excellent value, especially for travelers who want a more personal and genuine Arctic experience.

Whether you’re a seasoned skier or a curious beginner, this tour offers a chance to see Lapland’s snow-covered forests in a new and exciting way. It’s about more than just skiing—it’s about connecting with the landscape, the wildlife, and the spirit of Lapland itself.

Final Recommendation

If you’re seeking an intimate, scenic, and slightly adventurous way to explore Finland’s wild side, this back-country skiing tour is an excellent choice. It suits travelers who love nature, enjoy outdoor sports, and are comfortable with a flexible schedule. Just come prepared with warm clothing, and you’ll find yourself immersed in the tranquil beauty of Lapland’s snowy wilderness.