Backcountry Ski Trekking in Rovaniemi: Small Groups, Deep Snow

Ski into untouched forest where your tracks are the first ones

Backcountry ski trekking in Rovaniemi takes you into the Taiga forest on skis designed for deep snow, with a professional guide leading groups of no more than 8. You'll learn the technique in about an hour of skiing, then gather around an open fire for Finnish snacks and hot drinks. Hotel pickup, winter clothing, boots and all gear are included.

The experience

You arrive at Rovaniemi with a free afternoon or morning, and backcountry skiing lets you move through the Arctic landscape without the groomed-trail limits of cross-country skiing or the resort structure of alpine runs. Your guide picks a route that matches the group's level and the snow conditions that day, then teaches you the basics (how the wider skis float on deep powder, how to move uphill and down) before you head into the forest. The technique takes an hour or so to feel natural, even if you've never skied before.

The route itself is the point: you're moving through hilly terrain and across frozen lakes, leaving your own track in snow where no one has been that season. A professional guide handles navigation and safety, and the group stays small, never more than 8 people, so you're not waiting for a crowd to regroup or following a line of other skiers. Around the midpoint, you stop at an open fire for coffee or tea and a typical Finnish campfire snack, a moment to warm up and take in the quiet.

The whole outing runs about 4 hours from hotel pickup to drop-off, with roughly an hour to 90 minutes of actual skiing depending on pace and terrain. Winter boots, skis, poles and professional winter clothing all come with the booking, so you only need to show up. The operator handles the rest. A guide speaks English and leads the day, and children from age 8 can join.

What’s included

• Private transportation from your hotel.
• backcountry skis, boots and poles.
• professional winter clothing.
• winter boots.
• coffee and tea.
• Finnish campfire snack.
• hotel pickup and drop-off for accommodations outside the city center.
• all fees and taxes.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 08:30 and 14:00Last departure this season: 31 Oct

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (15 to 90 years) · Child (8 to 14 years) · Under 8: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 8

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Wild About Lapland

Is this one for you?Groups stay under 8 people, so you move through the forest without the rhythm of a larger crowd or the wait for stragglers. This works best if you want to ski at your own pace and have time to absorb the quiet of the Taiga rather than rush through a set itinerary.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (8 to 14 years). Under 8: they can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What's backcountry skiing, and is it different from cross-country or downhill?

Backcountry skiing uses wider skis that float on deep, ungroomed snow, letting you move through forests, hills and frozen lakes instead of staying on prepared trails like cross-country skiing or descending a groomed run like alpine skiing. The technique is simpler to learn than either one, and the guide teaches you everything you need on the day.

How much actual skiing time is there, and what happens if I'm a beginner?

You'll ski for about an hour to 90 minutes depending on the group's level and snow conditions. Your guide chooses the route to match the group's ability, so beginners and experienced skiers both get a day that fits them. The guide teaches you the technique at the start, and it doesn't require prior experience.

What does the campfire stop include?

You'll gather around an open fire for hot coffee or tea and a typical Finnish campfire snack, a chance to warm up and rest partway through the outing.

What's included in the booking, and what do I need to bring?

Backcountry skis, boots, poles, professional winter clothing, hotel pickup and drop-off, all gear, snacks and hot drinks are included. You only need to bring yourself and wear comfortable layers underneath the winter clothing provided.