Lake Inari Snowmobile Tour & Reindeer Visit with Lunch

Summary

Snowmobile safari on Lake Inari with reindeer feeding and local lunch

You’ll ride snowmobiles across Lake Inari with a small group and local guides, visit a family’s island home to meet and feed their reindeers, and share homemade lunch by an open fire in a traditional teepee. Expect real conversation, warm berry juice, and moments of Lapland silence you’ll remember long after the trip.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect to feel nervous about driving a snowmobile, but there I was in Ivalo, hands awkward in borrowed mittens, listening to Tapio’s instructions. He grinned when I stalled at first — “No rush, it’s not a race,” he said. The engine’s hum felt strange under me, but after a few minutes on the trail toward Lake Inari, the cold air kind of woke me up. You can smell the pine even through the helmet sometimes. There were just five of us plus Tina and Tapio (they run this as a family), so it never felt like one of those big group tours.

The ride over the frozen river was quieter than I thought — just this low crunch and our laughter echoing out over all that white. When we reached their island, Tina waved us inside their teepee where smoke from the fire made everything smell like wood and soup. She handed me hot berry juice (I think it was lingonberry?) and told stories about winters here. Their two reindeers wandered up — not shy at all — and I got to feed one some lichen. Its nose was softer than I expected. Tapio explained how they’re part of daily life here, not just for tourists.

Lunch was salmon soup with dark bread (vegetarian option too if you ask ahead). Sitting around that fire while snow fell outside is something I still think about — it felt almost too quiet at times except for someone’s boots shifting or Tina laughing at my attempt to say “kiitos.” Afterward we took photos with the reindeers (not a farm, just their own animals) before heading back across Lake Inari. My fingers were numb but honestly I didn’t care much by then.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Snowmobile Safari and Reindeer Visit

• Get warm thermal clothing
• Drive to Koppelo village, receive safety instructions, snowmobile tour to island, meet reindeers, lunch by open fire
• Change clothing at office

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Lake Inari snowmobile tour?

Yes, transfers by minibus from Ivalo area hotels are included.

How far do we drive on the snowmobiles during the tour?

The total trail distance is about 25-30 km.

Are children allowed on this snowmobile safari?

This tour is not suitable for small children; age limit is 10 years.

What kind of lunch is served during the tour?

You’ll have homemade salmon or reindeer soup with bread; vegetarian options are available if requested in advance.

Do we visit a commercial reindeer farm?

No, you meet 2-3 reindeers owned by the family on their private island—not a farm.

Is thermal clothing provided for the snowmobile ride?

Yes, warm thermal clothing is provided at the office before departure.

Can I drive my own snowmobile?

Snowmobiles are shared between two people; single driving is available as a supplement.

Do I need a driver’s license for this tour?

Yes, drivers must be at least 18 years old with a valid license accepted in Finland (A1,T,A,B).

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup from Ivalo area hotels by minibus, all necessary thermal clothing and equipment for the snowmobile ride, guidance from local hosts Tina and Tapio throughout the journey across Lake Inari and their island home, meeting and feeding their own friendly reindeers (not at a commercial farm), homemade lunch in a traditional Lappish teepee—usually salmon or reindeer soup with bread plus hot berry juice and blueberry cake—and return transfers back to your accommodation.