Rovaniemi: Snowmobile tour in Lapland with local guide

Summary

Feel the Arctic wind on a snowmobile ride through Lapland’s wild

You’ll ride a snowmobile from Rovaniemi into Lapland’s snowy forests with a local guide who knows every twist of the trail. Feel the cold air on your face as you cross frozen rivers, learn a bit about tracking animals in winter, and share laughs with your group along the way — moments you’ll remember long after you warm up again.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t really expect to feel nervous about driving a snowmobile, but standing outside the Access Lapland office in Rovaniemi, helmet in hand, I caught myself hesitating. Our guide, Sami, grinned and told us not to worry — “You’ll get the hang of it before you know it.” He handed out these thick thermal overalls that made me feel like a marshmallow (not complaining, it was -15°C). The air smelled sharp and clean, almost metallic. I remember my breath fogging up the visor as I climbed onto the snowmobile for the first time.

We started out slow across this wide frozen river — honestly, I kept thinking about how weird it felt to drive on something that’s usually water. Sami rode ahead and would wave his arm when we needed to slow down or watch for bumps. The forest closed in pretty quickly after that, all those frosted trees looking like they’d been dipped in sugar. There was this moment where everything went quiet except for the engine and the crunch of snow under us. It’s hard to explain but it felt peaceful and wild at the same time. My hands got cold even inside those big gloves; I guess that’s part of it.

Sami stopped us halfway through so we could swap drivers if we wanted (I let my friend take over — my arms were kind of jelly by then). He pointed out some animal tracks — maybe fox or reindeer? — and told us how locals read them like stories in the snow. Someone tried to ask him something in Finnish and he just laughed, said “English is fine!” The whole thing lasted about two hours but honestly time got weird out there; sometimes it felt fast, sometimes slow. We ended back where we started with red faces and numb toes but everyone was smiling. I still think about that stretch of silent forest sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Snowmobile Safari in Rovaniemi

• Snowmobile driving instruction
• Drive on frozen river
• Snowmobile through forest

Top questions

Do I need experience to join this Rovaniemi snowmobile tour?

No experience is needed; beginners are welcome and your guide will give full instructions before starting.

How long does the snowmobile safari last?

The snowmobile safari lasts approximately 2 hours from start to finish.

Is winter clothing provided for the tour?

Yes, all necessary winter equipment is included: helmet, balaclava, gloves, boots, and thermal overall.

Are transfers included from Rovaniemi?

Yes, transfers from Access Lapland Office to the activity starting point and back are included.

Can children join this snowmobile safari?

Children can join as passengers if they are at least 140cm tall (adult price applies), or travel in a sledge at child rate.

What license do I need to drive a snowmobile?

You must be at least 18 years old with a valid driver’s license (A1, T, A or B category valid in Finland).

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?

Yes, it’s suitable for all physical fitness levels according to the operator.

What’s included

Your experience includes twin driving on a snowmobile with all winter gear provided — helmet, balaclava, gloves, boots and thermal overall — plus guidance from a professional local guide who gives safety instructions before you set off. Transfers between Access Lapland Office in Rovaniemi and the starting point are also taken care of for you.