Night Snowmobile Safari Rovaniemi: Arctic wilderness under stars

You control the throttle across frozen Lapland while your guide navigates the dark

A night snowmobile safari in Rovaniemi puts you behind the controls of your own machine, riding through snow-covered forests and across frozen lakes beneath the Arctic sky. The guide leads the route, shares stories of the North, and stops at a campfire for hot drinks and snacks; if conditions align, the Northern Lights may appear overhead. Pickup from Rovaniemi city center or Santa Claus Village is included, as is all winter gear and safety instruction.

The Experience

You'll spend roughly three hours in the saddle, though the actual riding time runs two to two and a quarter hours across 20 to 40 kilometers of trail. Two adults share one snowmobile, so you and a partner take turns at the throttle—one drives while the other rides behind. Before you set off, the guide walks through the controls and safety basics, so even if you've never ridden a snowmobile before, you'll know what to do when you grip the handlebars. The trails wind through peaceful Lappish wilderness, across frozen lakes and through forests where the snow sits undisturbed.

The guide leads the group through the dark, pausing partway through to gather around a campfire. There you'll warm up with hot drinks and snacks while the guide tells stories about the landscape and the traditions of the North. The Northern Lights are never guaranteed—they depend on solar activity and cloud cover—but the clear Arctic night gives you a real chance to see them if they're active overhead.

Transfers run from Rovaniemi city center or Santa Claus Village to Apukka Resort and back, so you don't need to arrange your own transport. Winter gear is provided: thermal overalls, thermal boots, woolen socks and mittens keep you warm in the cold. The guide speaks English throughout, and the group stays small enough that the pace feels manageable and the experience stays intimate.

What’s included

• Snowmobile driving and safety instruction.
• hot drinks and snacks at the campfire.
• winter clothing (thermal overall, thermal boots, woolen socks, mittens).
• transfers from Rovaniemi city center or Santa Claus Village to Apukka Resort and back.
• English-speaking guide throughout the ride.

Good to know

Easy physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Apukka Adventures

Is this one for you?You're in control of your snowmobile through the starlit Arctic wilderness while your guide navigates the trails, leaving you free to focus on the ride and the untouched landscape around you.

Traveler reviews

4.67★★★★★★★★★★

15 verified traveler reviews

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

Can I ride the snowmobile if I've never done it before?

Yes. The guide gives safety instruction and a walkthrough of the controls before you ride, so beginners are welcome. You'll be comfortable handling the throttle and steering by the time you head out onto the trail.

What happens if the Northern Lights don't appear?

The Northern Lights depend on solar activity and clear skies, so they're never guaranteed. The snowmobile ride itself—driving through the frozen landscape under the Arctic night—is the core experience; the lights are a bonus if conditions allow.

How cold is it, and will the gear keep me warm?

Rovaniemi winters are well below freezing. The thermal overalls, boots, socks and mittens provided are designed for Arctic conditions, and the campfire stop gives you a chance to warm up midway through the ride.

Do both people on the snowmobile get to drive?

Yes. Two adults share one snowmobile, and you take turns—one person drives while the other rides as a passenger, then you switch partway through so both get time at the controls.

What's the minimum age to participate?

The minimum age is 15 years old, and the minimum height is 140 cm. The driver of the snowmobile must be at least 18 years old and hold a valid driving license recognized in Finland.