Night skiing Ylläs: Northern Lights across a frozen lake

Ski through silence under the Arctic night sky

A night skiing tour in Ylläs, Lapland, where you ski through snow-covered forests and across a frozen lake in darkness, with stops to watch for Northern Lights and a midway break in a traditional kota with fire and hot drinks. The tour runs 3.5 hours with a small group (max 8), includes backcountry skis and a headlamp, and departs from Äkäslompolo and Ylläsjärvi with a live English or French-speaking guide.

Step-by-step itinerary

Night skiing through Arctic wilderness

• Start skiing in Ylläs forest at night
• Ski through quiet snow-covered trails
• Observe night sky and Northern Lights
• Break in traditional forest shelter
• Enjoy hot drinks and Lapland treat
• Return skiing through peaceful forest terrain

The experience

What does it feel like to ski when the landscape has gone completely silent? You start after dark, moving into forest trails where the only sounds are your skis on snow and the quiet around you. The terrain is gentle enough that you don't need expert technique: moderate fitness and the ability to control your speed on skis are what matter. As you move deeper into the wilderness, the snow reflects whatever light exists: stars, moonlight, or if conditions align, the Northern Lights themselves. There's no artificial light out here, no crowds, nothing but the forest and the sky.

Midway through, you stop at a traditional kota, a forest shelter, where the guide lights a fire. This is where you warm up, drink something hot, and eat a sweet Lapland treat while sitting in the quiet. It's the kind of break that resets the whole experience. Then you ski back through soft terrain, the return following the same calm, atmospheric route you came in on.

The tour includes backcountry skis, poles, and a headlamp that clips to your jacket. You'll need your own winter boots (rentals are available if you ask). Transportation picks you up from either Äkäslompolo or Ylläsjärvi, and the guide speaks English or French. Children from age 10 are welcome, though the tour isn't suitable for pregnant travelers or anyone with cardiovascular concerns. Bring warm layers, gloves, and a hat. The cold at night is real, and staying warm is what lets you stay out long enough to see what the sky might offer.

What’s included

• Transportation from Äkäslompolo or Ylläsjärvi.
• backcountry skis, poles, and headlamp.
• fire and shelter in a traditional kota.
• hot drinks and a sweet Lapland treat.
• small-group experience with a maximum of 8 participants.
• live guide in English or French.
• photography tips for capturing the Northern Lights if they appear.

Before you book

Days and timesTuesday, Thursday, Saturday and SundayDeparts at 19:30Last departure this season: 31 Oct

Book up to10h before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (10 to 12 years) · Under 10: can't be booked

GroupUp to 8

Live guideEnglish and French

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 3 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Nordx Adventures

Is this one for you?This tour is built for skiers with moderate fitness who want to experience Lapland's quietest, most atmospheric side. The night itself is the point, not the speed or the distance. Book it if you're willing to ski in darkness and cold for the chance to see the landscape transformed and the sky fully visible. It's not a high-speed backcountry run, but a slow, immersive journey through silence.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and French.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (10 to 12 years). Children under 10 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.

Can I see the Northern Lights on this tour?

The Northern Lights depend on clear skies and solar activity, so they're never guaranteed. The tour is designed to give you the best chance: you're out in the darkness far from artificial light, and the guide will pause to watch the sky if conditions look promising. Even without the Aurora, the stars and the silence make the night skiing itself the main event.

Do I need to be an experienced skier to do this?

You need at least moderate fitness and the ability to control your speed on skis, but the terrain is gentle. The guide leads you through soft forest trails and across the frozen lake at a pace that lets everyone stay together. If you can ski on groomed runs during the day, you can do this tour at night.

What happens at the kota break?

Midway through the tour, you stop at a traditional forest shelter where the guide lights a fire. You warm up, drink hot beverages, and eat a sweet Lapland treat while resting. It's a chance to catch your breath and experience the forest from a still point before you ski back out.

What do I need to bring for winter clothing?

Bring warm layers, gloves, and a hat. The Arctic night is cold, and staying warm is essential. Winter boots are required. If you don't have your own, you can request a rental when you book. The tour provides the skis, poles, and headlamp.

How long is the tour, and when does it start?

The tour runs 3.5 hours total, starting after dark when the landscape has settled into night. Transportation picks you up from Äkäslompolo or Ylläsjärvi, so the exact start time depends on sunset and your location, but the guide will confirm the details when you book.