Riisitunturi Snowshoe Adventure: Guided Winter Trek in Lapland

Strap on snowshoes and climb through silent forests to frost-covered peaks.

A guided snowshoe trek through Riisitunturi National Park in Lapland, where you climb to frost-covered peaks and explore snow-laden forests with a local Finnish guide. The route takes 2.5 to 4 hours depending on conditions and your pace, includes pickup from Ruka or Kuusamo, snowshoes, and a traditional campfire meal. Groups stay under eight people, and the experience suits all fitness levels from first-time snowshoers onward.

The experience

MSR Evo snowshoes and poles are strapped on before you head into the park's silent forests, where frost-laden trees, known locally as tykky, rise like frozen sculptures. Your guide, a Finnish expert who knows the region's trails and stories, reads the snow and weather to choose the best route for the day. The walk climbs toward the fell's peak, where the snowy landscape opens across the horizon. The duration runs 2.5 to 4 hours on the trail itself, plus transfers from your pickup point in Ruka or Kuusamo center.

Midway through, you stop at a campfire where a traditional Finnish trail meal waits. In normal conditions, that means nettle crepes cooked over the fire. When the cold deepens, the guide shifts to alternative snacks suited to the weather. The small group, never more than eight, means the pace and the stops bend to what the day and the group want. Whether you linger longer on the peak or move steadily through the forest, the guide adjusts.

Pickup and drop-off are included from Ruka or Kuusamo center, or you can meet directly at the starting point in Riisitunturi. The national park maintenance fee is covered. Bring outdoor clothing and boots rated for the current weather. If you don't have them, ask about rentals when you book. Dietary needs (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free) can be arranged if you flag them at checkout.

What’s included

• Pickup and drop-off from Ruka or Kuusamo center.
• MSR Evo snowshoes and poles.
• national park maintenance fee.
• a traditional campfire meal of nettle crepes (or alternative snacks in very cold weather).
• guidance from a local Finnish expert throughout the trek.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day6 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 20:00Last departure this season: 31 Oct

Book up to2d before

AgesAdult (17 and older) · Youth (6 to 16 years) · Under 6: can't be booked

GroupUp to 8

Live guideEnglish and Finnish

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 12 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 23 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPets welcome

Operated by MyTrail

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English or Finnish, so you'll follow the commentary comfortably in whichever language suits you. Groups stay small, under eight people, which means the route and the pace adjust to your preferences and fitness level, whether you're a first-time snowshoer or someone with winter hiking experience.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Finnish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (6 to 16 years). Children under 6 can't be included in the booking.

What are the frozen trees I'll see on Riisitunturi?

The frost-covered trees, called tykky, form when moisture in the air freezes on the branches and needles, building up a thick white coating that makes them look like snowy creatures. They're a signature sight of Lapland winters and a main reason the park draws visitors in the snow season.

How long does the snowshoe walk actually take on the mountain?

The time on the trail runs 2.5 to 4 hours, depending on the weather, the snow conditions, and how your group wants to move through the landscape. Your guide reads the day and adjusts the pace. Sometimes the views inspire lingering longer.

Do I need my own winter boots and clothing, or are they provided?

You bring your own outdoor clothing and boots suited to the current weather in Lapland. Snowshoes and poles are provided. If you don't have suitable boots or gear, ask about rentals when you book.

What's included in the campfire meal?

The traditional Finnish trail meal is nettle crepes cooked over the campfire. In very cold weather, the guide prepares alternative snacks instead. Dietary needs such as vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free can be accommodated if you note them at booking.

Where does the pickup happen, and how does it work?

Pickup is included from Ruka or Kuusamo center, or you can meet the guide directly at the starting point in Riisitunturi. After the trek and the campfire meal, you're dropped back at your pickup location.