Snowmobile riding in Tromsø: Arctic wilderness by day

Ride across frozen Arctic terrain on a guided snowmobile through deep valleys and snow-covered plateaus.

A guided snowmobile ride from Tromsø through Arctic wilderness near Kilpisjärvi, with thermal suits, boots, gloves and helmet provided. You spend roughly 1.5 hours in the saddle (switching halfway through with your partner on the snowmobile), then warm up with an Arctic lunch before the bus returns you to Tromsø. No license or prior riding experience required. The guide handles navigation and safety briefing. The full day, including transfer time, runs about 9 to 10 hours, timed so you can join a Northern Lights tour the same evening.

Step-by-step itinerary

Arctic snowmobile adventure and transfer

• Transfer from Tromso to Kilpisjärvi
• Receive thermal gear and safety briefing
• Ride snowmobile through Arctic wilderness
• Switch drivers halfway through ride
• Enjoy Arctic lunch and hot drinks
• Return to Tromso by bus

The experience

The day starts with a scenic bus transfer from downtown Tromsø (roughly 2.5 hours each way depending on snow conditions) heading to Kilpisjärvi in northern Finland, where snow and terrain are chosen for that day's riding. Once at the basecamp, you get outfitted with a thermal suit, Arctic boots, gloves, balaclava and helmet. A guide walks you through a safety briefing and basic riding instruction, then leads you out onto the frozen landscape.

You ride for approximately 1.5 hours across valleys and plateaus, switching halfway through with the other guest on your snowmobile so each person gets equal time in control. The guide sets the pace and chooses the route through the Arctic terrain. After the ride, you come back to the basecamp to shed the gear and sit down to a warm Arctic meal with hot drinks before boarding the bus back to Tromsø.

The whole outing (transfer, gear, instruction, riding, lunch and return) is included in one price. You don't need a driver's license, and the guide handles all navigation and timing. Because the day wraps up in time for an evening Northern Lights tour, many travelers book both on the same day.

What’s included

• Private transportation from Tromsø to Kilpisjärvi and back.
• thermal suit, Arctic boots, mittens, balaclava and helmet.
• safety briefing and riding instruction.
• guided snowmobile ride with route chosen for the day's conditions.
• warm Arctic lunch.
• coffee and tea.

Before you book

Days and timesMonday, Wednesday and FridayDepartures at 07:00 and 07:30

Book up to2d before

AgesAdult (7 and older) · Under 7: can't be booked

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish

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.

Good to know

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

Operated by Arctic Explorers

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English and leads the ride at a pace suitable for all fitness levels, so you can follow comfortably whether you're a first-time rider or someone looking for an Arctic adventure without needing your own license or prior experience.

Traveler reviews

4.67★★★★★★★★★★

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Top questions

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 any snowmobile experience to book this ride?

No experience is required. The guide gives a full safety briefing and basic riding instruction before you head out, and the route is designed for beginners and first-timers as well as more confident riders.

How long do I actually spend riding the snowmobile?

The ride lasts approximately 1.5 hours total. You and one other guest share a snowmobile and switch halfway through, so each person gets equal time controlling the machine.

What's included in the price?

The price covers private transportation from Tromsø to Kilpisjärvi and back, all thermal gear (suit, boots, mittens, balaclava and helmet), the guided ride, lunch and hot drinks.

What time do I need to be ready, and when will I be back?

The full day takes about 9 to 10 hours from pickup in downtown Tromsø. The timing is arranged so you can join a Northern Lights tour the same evening if you book both.

What happens if snow conditions change?

The basecamp location is chosen each day based on current snow conditions. The scenic transfer from Tromsø takes approximately 2.5 hours each way, though this can vary depending on conditions on the day.

Is this ride suitable for someone with joint or back problems?

The ride is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health. If you have concerns about your fitness for the activity, contact the operator before booking.