Pyhä-Luosto Sliding Ski Tour: Backcountry with Local Guide

Ski into Lapland's backcountry on your own terms

A private sliding ski tour in Pyhä-Luosto National Park, Lapland, where you ski into snowy wilderness forests with a local Arctic guide. The tour includes sliding skis, poles, hot drinks and pickup from the mountain area. It runs about two and a half hours and suits beginners and experienced skiers alike. If northern lights are visible, your guide takes you to dark-sky spots away from city lights to chase them.

The experience

Sliding skis combine the grip of snowshoes going uphill with the glide of forest skis coming down, so you move through the backcountry without the effort of traditional cross-country skiing. Before you start, your guide teaches you the technique. It takes minutes to learn. The tour stays private to your group, which means your guide picks the route based on snow conditions, light and what you want to see that day, whether that's deep forest or open ridges.

Your guide is a local who knows where to go for northern lights if you're chasing them. The tour runs about two and a half hours, long enough to move into real wilderness but short enough to fit around the rest of your day. You get sliding skis, poles and a hot drink (coffee, tea or red berry juice) included. Pickup and drop-off happen in the Pyhä and Luosto mountain areas, within about 15 kilometers of the city center, so there's no separate transport to arrange.

What’s included

• Sliding skis and poles.
• private Arctic guide in English or Finnish.
• hot drink (red berry juice, coffee or tea).
• pickup and drop-off in the Pyhä and Luosto mountain areas.

Before you book

Days and timesMonday, Tuesday, Saturday and Sunday

AgesAdult (8 to 90 years) · Under 8: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Finnish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 8 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 2 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Uniq Lapland

Is this one for you?This is a private tour, so your guide adjusts the route and pace to your group's interests and fitness level. Choose it if you want to move at your own speed rather than keep to a set itinerary with other travelers.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Finnish.

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 the difference between sliding skis and regular cross-country skis?

Sliding skis have the uphill grip of snowshoes but let you glide downhill like forest skis, so you move faster and with less effort than traditional cross-country gear. Your guide teaches the technique before you start.

Can I see the northern lights on this tour?

If the aurora is active and visible during your tour time, your guide takes you to dark-sky spots away from city lights to watch for them. Clear skies and solar activity decide whether they appear, not the tour itself.

How do I get picked up, and where does the tour start?

Pickup and drop-off are included in the Pyhä and Luosto mountain areas, within about 15 kilometers of the city center. Your guide arranges the exact meeting point when you book.

Is this tour suitable for someone who's never skied before?

Yes. The tour is designed for beginners in all ages (minimum age 8, shoe sizes 35–48), and your guide teaches sliding ski technique at the start. It suits all fitness levels, though it's not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.

What's included in the tour price?

Sliding skis, poles, a private Arctic guide, hot drinks (coffee, tea or red berry juice), pickup and drop-off are all included. Lunch is not included.