Pyhätunturi skiing or snowshoeing private tour

Ski or snowshoe into the Pyhätunturi backcountry after dark, headlamp in hand, watching for aurora

A private Northern Lights tour in the Pyhätunturi area where you ski or snowshoe through wilderness terrain after dark with an experienced local guide. You choose your equipment—skis or snowshoes fit most winter boots—and move by headlamp through snowy backcountry, stopping at a traditional campsite for hot drinks and local snacks by open fire. No prior skiing or snowshoeing experience is needed; the guide teaches technique on the go. Northern Lights sightings depend on clear skies and solar activity and cannot be guaranteed.

The Experience

You'll head out into the Pyhätunturi wilderness after dark, equipped with either skis or adjustable snowshoes—both designed to fit standard winter or hiking boots. A headlamp guides your movement through relatively easy terrain as your guide leads the way. On clear nights, starlight and moonlight illuminate the snowy landscape; with the right atmospheric conditions, the Northern Lights may appear overhead. The guide teaches proper technique as you go, so earlier experience is not required.

Midway through the tour, you'll reach a traditional campsite where the guide prepares hot beverages—tea or hot berry juice—and light meals and snacks made from local ingredients. You warm up by the open fire before heading back out into the dark. The whole outing runs about three hours, combining movement through the backcountry with time at the fire.

This is a private tour, so the pace and stops are yours alone. Your guide speaks English or Finnish and adjusts the experience to your comfort and fitness level. The Pyhätunturi area sits in Lapland, where winter darkness and clear skies create the conditions for aurora hunting, though sightings remain dependent on natural phenomena beyond anyone's control.

What’s included

• Skis or snowshoes with adjustable bindings, poles and headlamp.
• hot tea or berry juice.
• light meal and snacks made from local ingredients.
• campfire warmth and rest time.
• private guide in English or Finnish.
• instruction in technique if you're new to skiing or snowshoeing.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for heart conditions

Operated by Taste Of Outdoors

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English or Finnish, so you'll follow the commentary and instruction comfortably in your language. Choose this tour if you want a private experience tailored to your pace and fitness level, with no group schedule to keep.

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Top questions

Can I do this tour if I've never skied or snowshoed before?

Yes. Earlier experience is not needed; your guide will teach you the correct technique as you move through the terrain. Both skis and snowshoes have adjustable bindings that fit most winter or hiking boots.

What happens if the Northern Lights don't appear?

The Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon and sightings cannot be guaranteed, even on clear nights. The tour still includes skiing or snowshoeing through the Pyhätunturi wilderness, starlight and moonlight on clear nights, and time at a traditional campsite with warm drinks and local snacks by open fire.

What equipment and clothing do I need to bring?

Bring warm winter clothing in layers, waterproof outer jacket and pants, warm hat, gloves, and winter or hiking boots. The tour provides skis or snowshoes, poles, and a headlamp. Warm drinks and snacks are included.

How long does the tour last?

The tour runs about three hours, including time skiing or snowshoeing through the backcountry and a stop at a traditional campsite for hot beverages and local snacks by open fire.

Is this tour suitable for children?

Children are welcome from age 7. They should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness, as the tour involves three hours of skiing or snowshoeing in wilderness terrain after dark.