Finnmarksvidda Snowmobile Adventure from Alta

The Arctic plateau stretches in every direction with nothing but snow and sky.

A 4-hour snowmobile adventure from Alta takes you to a historic lodge in Gargia valley, then out across Finnmarksvidda, one of Europe's last wilderness areas, following the old postal road to the mountain range Beskades. You ride in pairs, switching driver and passenger seats during the trip, with a certified guide teaching you how to handle the snowmobile and sharing stories of Arctic life and local traditions. The tour includes thermal gear, hot drinks and snacks.

The experience

The day starts at a 150-year-old mountain lodge in Gargia valley outside Alta. After a safety briefing and driving instruction from your certified guide, you'll ride in pairs on the snowmobiles: one driver and one passenger per machine, with the chance to swap seats partway through. No previous experience is needed. A valid B-class driver's license is the only requirement. The actual riding time is roughly 2 hours, though the full outing runs 4 hours with the preparation, instruction and breaks built in.

You follow the old postal road up onto Finnmarksvidda, the vast mountain plateau that forms one of Europe's last true wilderness areas. The route climbs to Beskades, the highest point of the plains, where the landscape opens into snow-covered forests and then onto the expansive plateau itself. Weather on the plateau shifts unpredictably (temperatures can range from a few degrees above freezing to well below), but whatever conditions arrive, the scale of the place stays constant: snow and sky in all directions with almost nothing else. Your guide shares the history of the region and the lifestyle of Arctic communities as you ride.

Hot drinks and locally made snacks arrive during a break in the outdoor experience, giving you a moment to take in the surroundings. The thermal suit, mittens, winter boots and helmet are all provided. Children from age 8 are welcome on the trip. Cancellation is possible if weather becomes unsafe, though the guide will work within the conditions to deliver the adventure.

What’s included

• Thermal suit, mittens, winter boots and helmet.
• certified guide in English or Norwegian.
• safety instruction and snowmobile driving lesson.
• hot drinks and locally made snacks.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:00 and 11:45

Book up to2d before

AgesAdult (13 to 70 years) · Child (8 to 12 years) · Under 8: can't be booked

GroupUp to 17 · max 8 per booking

Live guideEnglish and Norwegian

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancy

Operated by Æventyr

Is this one for you?The lodge sits outside Alta with public transport nearby, so you don't need a rental car to reach the starting point. You'll ride in pairs and switch seats during the trip, meaning both driver and passenger get equal time at the controls: useful if you're traveling with someone who also wants to drive but neither of you has done it before.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Norwegian.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (8 to 12 years). Children under 8 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Do I need to know how to drive a snowmobile before booking?

No previous snowmobile experience is required. Your certified guide gives a thorough safety introduction and driving instruction before the trip starts, teaching you how to operate the machine. You'll ride in pairs, switching between driver and passenger seats during the outing so each person gets to drive roughly half the time.

What's the actual time spent riding versus the total 4-hour duration?

The snowmobile riding itself takes approximately 2 hours. The remaining time covers the safety briefing, driving instruction at the lodge, and a break for hot drinks and snacks on the plateau.

What do I need to bring or wear?

Bring a valid B-class driver's license for verification before the ride. Thermal suits, mittens, winter boots and helmets are all provided. Dress in layers underneath the thermal gear, as temperatures on Finnmarksvidda can drop well below freezing.

What is Finnmarksvidda like when you reach it?

Finnmarksvidda is one of Europe's last wilderness areas: a vast mountain plateau where the landscape opens into snow-covered forests before reaching the expansive plains at Beskades. Once you're on the plateau, the view extends in every direction with only snow and sky surrounding you.

How do I get to the lodge in Gargia valley from Alta?

The tour departs from the mountain lodge in Gargia valley outside Alta. Public transportation options are available nearby if you're staying in the city and don't have a car.