Rovaniemi: Snowmobile tour with reindeer & husky rides

Summary

Chasing winter light by snowmobile, with huskies and reindeer

You’ll speed through snowy forests by snowmobile from Rovaniemi, meet local reindeer and ride their sleighs, then feel the rush of a husky sled run. With pickup included and warm gear provided, you’ll share laughs with guides and taste real Lapland flavors — moments that’ll stick with you long after your boots dry out.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the way the cold air bit at my cheeks as we zipped out of Rovaniemi on our snowmobiles — that sharp, clean smell you only get in Lapland. Our guide, Jukka, handed me these thick gloves and laughed when I tried to pull them over my already-gloved hands (I was nervous, okay?). The engine’s hum felt weirdly soothing after a minute or two. I kept glancing sideways at the pine trees flashing past, all heavy with snow. It’s quieter than you’d think out there — just the crunch of the track and sometimes a crow cawing somewhere above us.

We stopped at this reindeer farm where everything seemed to move slower. The woman running it — Sari? — showed us how to sit on the sleigh without spooking her “boys.” She called one of them “the philosopher” because he always looked like he was thinking about something serious. The ride itself was gentle, almost sleepy; you could hear the runners sliding over packed snow and little bells jingling on their harnesses. I caught myself grinning like an idiot when she handed me a cup of hot berry juice afterward. It tasted sweet and a bit earthy — not what I expected but honestly perfect for thawing out your fingers.

I thought the husky sled would be scarier but it was just pure chaos and joy. The dogs barked like mad until we started moving, then suddenly they were all business — focused and fast. My partner tried to thank our musher in Finnish (“kiitos!”) but totally butchered it; everyone laughed, even the dogs seemed amused somehow. There’s this moment where you’re flying down a little hill and all you can see is white ahead of you — no tracks yet, just possibility. That’s stuck with me since.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Snowmobile, Reindeer & Husky Rides

• Snowmobile, reindeer sleigh, and husky sled tour

Top questions

How long is the snowmobile ride on this tour?

The snowmobile ride lasts approximately one hour.

Are hotel pickups included for this day trip from Rovaniemi?

Pickup is included from Santa Claus Holiday Village or Nordic Unique Travels Office.

Is winter clothing provided for the activities?

Yes, overalls, boots, gloves, and helmets are provided for participants.

Can children join the snowmobile tour?

Yes, but children under 140 cm ride in a sleigh; those taller can ride on the snowmobile at adult price.

Do I need a driving license for the snowmobile?

Yes, drivers must have a valid driving license and be at least 18 years old.

Are guides available in languages other than English?

Yes, guides are available in German, French, Italian, Spanish, and Chinese upon request.

Is lunch included during this tour?

No lunch is included; however, hot berry juice is served at the reindeer farm.

How many people are needed for this tour to run?

A minimum of 2 people is required on weekdays/Saturdays; 4 on Sundays/public holidays.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from Santa Claus Holiday Village or Nordic Unique Travels Office in Rovaniemi, an English-speaking local guide (other languages available), all necessary winter clothes like overalls and boots to keep you warm outside, about an hour riding snowmobiles through snowy forests, short rides with both reindeer sleighs and husky sleds (plus that hot berry juice at the farm), before drop-off back where you started.