Snowshoe hike near Alta: Bonfire and Arctic wildlife

Walk through snow-covered forests and warm up at a bonfire in the Arctic

An easy snowshoe hike starting just outside Gargia Lodge near Alta takes you through Arctic forests and quiet fields at a relaxed pace with a local guide who shares stories about the wildlife and history. Midway through, you gather around a bonfire for a hot drink and local snack. The tour runs about four hours and suits all ages and fitness levels. No prior snowshoeing experience is required.

The experience

The hike begins at Gargia Lodge and moves through snow-covered forests and open fields at a pace anyone can manage. Your guide (fluent in English or Norwegian) walks with you the whole way, pointing out details about the local wildlife and the history of the region as you go. The relaxed rhythm means you can take in the stillness of the Arctic landscape without rushing.

Midway through the four-hour outing, the group stops in a sheltered spot to light a bonfire. This is where the day shifts from movement to stillness: you stand around the fire with a hot drink and a local snack, warming up and letting the quiet of the north settle around you. It is the kind of pause that makes the walk feel less like exercise and more like being invited into the place.

Transportation to Gargia Lodge is included, along with snowshoes, poles, and thermal clothing to wear during the hike. Children from age two are welcome. The tour works for all fitness levels, and you need no prior snowshoeing experience. Just the willingness to walk in snow and the curiosity to listen to what your guide has to say about the land.

What’s included

• Transportation to Gargia Lodge.
• snowshoes and poles.
• thermal clothing.
• hot coffee or tea.
• a local snack at the bonfire stop.
• a local guide fluent in English or Norwegian for the full four hours.

Before you book

Days and timesWednesday and FridayDeparts at 09:00

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (2 to 12 years)

GroupUp to 15

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 4 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Æventyr

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you want a slow-paced introduction to Arctic winter without technical difficulty or long days of hiking. The bonfire stop and the guide's stories about local wildlife and history make it as much about pausing and listening as it is about moving through the landscape.

Traveler reviews

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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 (2 to 12 years).

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.

What should I wear on a snowshoe hike in the Arctic?

Thermal clothing is provided for the hike. Wear warm layers underneath and bring a hat, gloves and waterproof boots. The guide can advise on specifics when you book.

How long does the snowshoe walk actually take?

The full outing is about four hours, including the bonfire stop midway through. The walking pace is relaxed and suits all fitness levels.

What happens at the bonfire stop?

Midway through the hike, the group gathers around a bonfire in a sheltered spot to drink something hot and eat a local snack while warming up and taking in the Arctic quiet.

Do I need snowshoeing experience to join this tour?

No prior experience is necessary. The hike is designed as a gentle introduction to snowshoeing in the Arctic, and your guide will help you get comfortable with the snowshoes before you set out.