Rovaniemi: Arctic Snowmobile Tour with Local Guide & Pickup

Summary

Snowmobile adventure in Lapland’s wild forests with transfers

You’ll ride your own snowmobile through snowy Lapland forests near Rovaniemi, guided by a local who knows every trail. Warm up with hot drinks and cookies during breaks, snap photos at scenic stops, and hear stories about life in the Arctic Circle — all with transfers and thermal gear included for comfort you’ll appreciate long after you return.

What’s the experience like?

“You ever tried to zip up a thermal suit with gloves on? I hadn’t, and honestly, it’s trickier than it looks. Our guide, Jari, just grinned and handed me an extra balaclava — apparently my cheeks were already turning pink before we’d even started the snowmobile safari from Rovaniemi. The air smelled sharp and clean, almost metallic, and the only sound was boots crunching over packed snow while everyone figured out helmets. I kept thinking: is it always this quiet out here?”

Once we got moving, the snowmobiles hummed low and steady under us. The keyword here is “Arctic wilderness” — you really feel it when you’re weaving between trees so heavy with snow they look like they might tip over. Jari pointed out some animal tracks (maybe fox?) but I was too busy trying not to steer into a drift. At one point we stopped on a frozen lake; the light was blueish and everything felt kind of suspended. Someone tried to take a selfie but their phone froze up — which made all of us laugh for a good minute.

I didn’t expect the hot drinks to taste so good — maybe it’s just that anything warm feels like a miracle after 45 minutes in Lapland’s cold. We huddled around the thermos and passed cookies back and forth, steam curling up into the air. There were kids bundled into sledges behind the guide’s snowmobile (they looked half-asleep but happy), and Jari told us stories about growing up here — something about how he could tell what kind of bird had passed just by looking at tracks in the snow. I still think about that view across the lake sometimes; it wasn’t dramatic or anything, just… wide open.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Snowmobile Safari in Arctic Wilderness

• Receive driving and safety instructions
• Drive snowmobile through Arctic nature
• Stop for hot drinks and cookies
• Take photos of snowy landscapes

Top questions

How long does the Rovaniemi snowmobile tour last?

The snowmobile adventure lasts around 45 minutes to 1 hour, plus time for transfers, changing clothes, and instructions.

Is hotel pickup included for this Arctic snowmobile safari?

Yes, transfer service is included in your booking for convenience.

Do I need a driving license to join this tour?

You need a valid driving license if you want to drive your own snowmobile; otherwise you can ride as a passenger.

Are children allowed on this Lapland snowmobile tour?

Yes, children under 140cm sit in a sledge pulled by the guide; over 140cm can ride as passengers at adult price.

What should I wear for the Rovaniemi snowmobile safari?

Thermal overalls, boots, helmets, and balaclavas are provided; dress warmly underneath as well.

Is food or drink provided during the tour?

You’ll get hot drinks and cookies during one of the scenic breaks on the tour.

Can two people share one snowmobile?

Yes, two people can share one snowmobile and switch drivers during breaks if both have licenses.

Where does this Arctic Circle snowmobile tour operate?

The tour operates each year from late November to early April near Rovaniemi in Finnish Lapland.

What’s included

Your experience includes transfer service from Rovaniemi, all necessary winter clothing like thermal overalls and helmets, guiding throughout your Arctic Circle adventure, safety instructions before setting off, about an hour riding your own or shared snowmobile through snowy forests or across frozen lakes (depending on conditions), plus hot drinks and cookies during breaks before heading back warmed up inside and out.