Lapland: Snowmobile safari with guide & barbecue break

Summary

Glide across Lapland’s wild tundra on a snowmobile adventure

You’ll pull on warm gear and ride out into Lapland’s snowy forests with a local guide leading the way. Learn to drive your own snowmobile or relax as a passenger, then stop for hot drinks and snacks by an open fire in the woods. It’s equal parts adrenaline and quiet wonder — moments you’ll remember long after you’ve shaken off the snow.

What’s the experience like?

Pulling on the thick winter suit, I fumbled with the zipper — my fingers already clumsy from the cold, even inside the heated safari desk. Our guide, Olli, grinned and handed me an extra pair of gloves (“Trust me, you’ll want these”). The air outside was sharp and clean; you could almost taste the pine. I’d never been on a snowmobile before and honestly, my heart thudded louder than the engine when we first started up.

After a quick briefing (Olli’s English was way better than my Finnish), we practiced steering in slow circles on a packed track. The snowmobiles were surprisingly quiet — not what I expected at all. Once we hit the open field, it felt like flying low over white velvet. Sometimes I’d catch a whiff of woodsmoke drifting from somewhere deeper in the trees. My friend rode behind me and kept shouting “Faster!” but I was too busy trying to take it all in — the soft crunch under us, the way sunlight bounced off every branch.

We stopped for a break by a little firepit tucked into the woods. Olli brewed coffee over open flames and passed around sausages to roast on sticks. There’s something about eating outside in that kind of cold — everything tastes richer, somehow. Someone tried to tell a joke about reindeer but nobody really got it; we just laughed anyway, cheeks burning from wind and heat together. After that, getting back on the snowmobile felt easier — maybe because we’d warmed up or maybe because it just started to feel right.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Snowmobile Safari Experience

• Snowmobile driving briefing and practice
• Drive through snowy forest and open fields
• Barbecue and warm beverages break

Top questions

Can beginners join this Lapland snowmobile safari?

Yes, it’s suitable for all fitness levels and includes instruction before heading out.

Is hotel pickup included for this day trip?

The tour includes transportation to and from the starting point.

What happens if there isn’t enough snow?

If snow is too low (usually November or early December), they offer a similar tour by ATV instead.

Are snacks or drinks provided during the tour?

Yes, snacks and warm beverages like coffee or tea are included during a longer break.

Can I ride as a passenger instead of driving?

Yes, each snowmobile has a passenger seat so you can choose to ride or drive.

What’s included

Your day includes transportation from your accommodation, full winter adventure gear (so you won’t freeze), guidance from a local expert throughout the safari, modern Lynx Adventure ACE snowmobiles that are easy to handle, plus snacks and hot drinks by an open fire before heading back through Lapland’s snowy landscape.