If you’re dreaming of the true Lapland winter experience, this snowmobile safari offers a perfect blend of adventure, culture, and scenic beauty. For around three and a half hours, you’ll zip across frozen trails along the Ivalo River, visit a cozy reindeer village, and enjoy a hearty lunch by an open fire. With a price tag of about $202.38 per person, it’s an investment in a memorable Arctic day, especially since pickup from nearby hotels ensures a hassle-free start.
What we love most about this tour is the personal nature of the experience. The shared snowmobiles for two make it perfect for thrill-seekers who want a bit of companionship while exploring. Plus, the opportunity to meet reindeer and learn about their importance in Lapland’s culture adds a genuine, authentic touch that many tours overlook. One small consideration: the tour’s group size is limited to eight, which might mean booking well in advance during peak season.
This experience suits adventurous travelers, couples, or even families with older children who are comfortable with snowmobiling. If you enjoy outdoor activities that combine adventure with cultural insights, this safari hits the mark.
Key Points
- Scenic snowmobiling along the Ivalo River immerses you in winter’s quiet beauty.
- Hassle-free hotel pickup and all necessary gear make it easy to enjoy.
- Authentic Finnish lunch by an open fire provides a warm, flavorful break.
- Meeting and feeding reindeer offers a memorable cultural encounter.
- The small group size ensures personalized attention and safety.
- The tour’s balance of adventure and culture makes it a well-rounded experience.
Exploring the Arctic: A Detailed Look at the Snowmobile Safari
Planning more time in Lapland? We've covered other experiences worth considering.
Starting Point: Ease and Comfort with Thermal Gear
Your journey begins at the Venevalkamantie 3 in Inari, where you’ll be warmly dressed with thermal clothing supplied by the tour operator. We appreciated how this small step sets the tone—making sure you’re comfortable before you even step outside. 15 minutes is enough to gear up and get ready for the adventure ahead.
The Drive to Lake Inari: A Scenic Ride
After a short 15-minute transfer by minibus, you arrive in Koppelo village, the hub for snowmobiling in this part of Lapland. The ride itself is not just transportation but an introduction to the landscape—frozen lakes, snow-covered forests, and the quiet hush of the Arctic wilderness. The guide provides driving and safety instructions, which are clear and reassuring—especially if you’re new to snowmobiling.
The Snowmobiling Experience: Thrills and Scenic Views
The highlight of this tour is the shared snowmobile for two, which makes it accessible for those who want a taste of speed without the full responsibility of solo driving. The guide’s experience and friendly demeanor shine through, making sure everyone feels safe and respected.
Expect to explore the frozen Ivalo river, which provides a beautiful backdrop for your ride. The scenic surroundings are often described as breathtaking, with some reviews mentioning the serenity of the snowy landscape and the vast, quiet wilderness that feels worlds away from busy city life.
Visiting the Reindeer Village: A Cultural Treasure
One of the most praised aspects of the tour is the time spent at the small island reindeer farm. Here, you’ll meet friendly reindeer, a hallmark of Lapland’s culture and livelihood. The reindeer are not just cute—they’re an integral part of Sámi traditions, and feeding them gives you an authentic glimpse into local life. Reviewers have particularly enjoyed this personal touch, with one saying, “fed some cute reindeers that they are keeping which was nice.”
Lunch in the Wilderness Camp: Warmth and Flavor
Wrapped in the wilderness, you’ll sit around a fire in a traditional Lapland teepee, enjoying a hearty lunch. Choices include reindeer or salmon soup, BBQ sausages, bread, and blueberry cake—vegetarian options are available on request, which shows attention to guest needs. The hot berry juice and the countryside atmosphere make this meal memorable, especially after a brisk snowmobile ride.
Wrapping Up: Changing and Reflecting
After the meal, a quick 15-minute stop at the office allows you to change out of your thermal gear and reflect on the day’s adventures. Many reviewers mention how smoothly the process is handled, reinforcing the professionalism of the operation.
Practical Details That Matter
Duration and Group Size
The entire experience lasts about 3 hours 30 minutes, with most of that time spent outdoors. The group size is limited to eight, fostering a more intimate and flexible experience—ideal if you prefer smaller, less crowded tours.
Cost and Value
While $202.38 might seem steep for some, the inclusive price covers snowmobile rental, transfers, gear, lunch, taxes, and insurance. Considering the quality of the guides—who are praised for their friendliness and professionalism—and the authentic experiences, many find this to be good value.
Safety and Requirements
You must be at least 18 with a driver’s license valid in Finland to operate a snowmobile. Children are seated in sledges behind the guide, making it safe and suitable for families with older kids. The self-liability fee of 700 euros in case of accidents is standard in outdoor adventure tours but worth noting.
Cancellation Policy
Flexibility is a plus here—free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour means you can reschedule or get a refund if weather or plans change.
Authenticity and Guest Experience
Feedback from previous travelers highlights the well-organized nature of the tour. One reviewer notes, “It was very professional and well organised,” while others appreciated the knowledgeable guides who made safety a priority. The reindeer feeding and lunch in the teepee stood out as authentic moments that give this tour a genuine feel.
Some mention that the tour stays mostly on the lake, which can feel a bit monotonous if you’re craving more varied scenery, but most agree that the quiet beauty of the frozen landscape outweighs this minor downside.
Who Is This Tour For?
This tour is best suited for adventurous travelers eager to explore Lapland’s winter landscape by snowmobile. Families with children over 140 cm tall will appreciate the safety features and personalized experience. If you’re into cultural encounters and want a taste of Sámi traditions, the reindeer visit makes it especially worthwhile.
It’s perfect for small groups seeking an intimate, well-organized adventure with warm, hearty food and memorable scenery. Those who prefer more varied scenery or longer excursions might find the scope somewhat limited but will still enjoy the authentic atmosphere and knowledgeable guides.
The Sum Up
This snowmobile safari offers a well-rounded introduction to Lapland’s winter wilderness. It balances thrilling rides with cultural insights, all wrapped up with the warmth of a traditional camp lunch. The small-group setting and professional guides create a safe, personal experience that feels special and genuine.
If you’re after an authentic, scenic, and fun Arctic adventure that includes feeding reindeer, savoring local cuisine, and cruising along pristine landscapes, this tour delivers. Its value lies in its ability to combine adventure with cultural education, making it a great choice for couples, families, or solo travelers looking for a memorable day in Lapland.
FAQ
Is hotel pickup included in the tour?
Yes, pickup by minibus from the Ivalo area hotels is included, making it easy to start your adventure without extra hassle.
What should I wear for the snowmobile ride?
Thermal clothing is provided, but it’s recommended to dress warmly in layers, including waterproof outerwear, gloves, and a hat for extra comfort.
Can children participate in this tour?
Children over 140 cm in height are allowed to sit on the snowmobile behind an adult, provided the adult has a valid driver’s license and is paying the adult rate.
What is the maximum group size?
Up to 8 travelers can participate, which helps keep the experience intimate and manageable.
Is the tour suitable for beginners?
Yes, with safety instructions and supervision, beginners can enjoy snowmobiling, especially since the ride is shared with a guide.
What’s included in the lunch?
The meal includes BBQ sausages, reindeer or salmon soup, bread, hot berry juice, and blueberry cake. Vegetarian options are available on request.
How flexible is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the tour. Less than that, and the fee is non-refundable.
What if the weather is poor?
If canceled due to bad weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund, so your plans are protected.
This tour is a solid choice for anyone wanting to combine adventure, culture, and beautiful scenery in Lapland’s winter wonderland—authentic enough to make your Arctic trip truly memorable.