Rovaniemi: Easy Snowmobile Safari

Planning a winter trip to Rovaniemi? If the idea of zooming across snow-covered forests on a snowmobile sounds exciting yet manageable, then this tour might catch your eye. We’ve looked into the “Easy Snowmobile Safari” offered by Wild Nordic, and let’s just say, it’s a solid choice for first-timers or families wanting a taste of Arctic fun without overdoing it.

What we really appreciate about this experience is how accessible and well-organized it is. It offers beautiful winter scenery and a chance to drive or ride as a passenger, making it suitable for a wide range of travelers. Plus, the fact that kids can hop onto a sled pulled by the guide’s snowmobile makes it a family-friendly activity. On the flip side, some might find the pace a bit gentle if they’re after adrenaline-fueled speeds. Still, for most, it’s a great way to enjoy Arctic nature comfortably.

In essence, this safari seems perfect for those wanting a relaxed, scenic, and informative snowmobile experience. If you’re a beginner, traveling with family, or simply want to tick off a must-do Arctic activity, you’ll likely find this tour hits the right spot.

Key Points

• Suitable for beginners: No prior snowmobile experience needed.
• Family-friendly: Kids can ride in a sled pulled by the guide.
• Beautiful scenery: Enjoy views of the Arctic Circle Forest.
• Flexible options: Drive yourself or join as a passenger.
• All-inclusive gear: Thermal clothing and equipment are provided.
• Round-trip transportation: Convenient hotel pickups from various Rovaniemi locations.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What Is the Rovaniemi Snowmobile Safari Like?

Imagine stepping out into a winter wonderland, with snow crunching beneath your feet, and fresh, crisp air filling your lungs. This one-hour snowmobile safari offers just that. The tour generally involves about 30-40 minutes of actual snowmobiling at a gentle pace—around 10 km/h, enough for beginners to feel confident.

You’ll start with a hotel pickup, which is included in the price, from places like Santa Claus Village, Ounasvaara Hotel, and others. The convenience of pickup cannot be overstated, especially when dealing with the short daylight hours or cold weather. You only need to be ready 5 to 60 minutes before your designated departure time, depending on your pickup point.

Once you arrive at the meeting spot, equipped with thermal overall, boots, gloves, and a helmet, you’re ready to go. The actual ride takes you through scenic forests that are striking against the snow. Stops along the way are brief but perfect for photos, chat, or just soaking in the winter beauty. Many reviews mention how friendly and professional guides like Matt, Adrian, and Bruno make guests feel comfortable and safe.

The Experience: Drive or Ride

One of the key highlights is the option to drive your own snowmobile or ride as a passenger. For those who’ve never driven in snow before, the guides are patient, providing clear instructions beforehand. As one reviewer noted, “The instructor was really friendly. The drive was nice, and the instructions were clear.”

The tour is designed to be slow-paced and manageable, especially suited for beginners or those who prefer a more relaxed experience. For couples or friends, sharing a snowmobile (two adults per vehicle) is common, but single-rider options are available for an extra fee.

Children can join in comfortably too—they’re seated in a sled pulled by the guide’s snowmobile. This setup is especially popular among families, with many reviews highlighting how safe and fun it was for kids. One reviewer mentioned, “Our guide was amazing. She was very friendly and I felt very safe,” which speaks to the quality of the guiding.

The Scenic Beauty and Stops

While the actual riding time is around 30-40 minutes, the scenery makes the whole experience worth it. The forest is magical—snow-laden trees, quiet wilderness, and the occasional glimpse of Arctic wildlife or distant hills.

Stops are short but sweet, giving you a chance to snap photos and enjoy the landscape. One reviewer said, “The scenery in the forest was beautiful,” which many others echoed. You might also get to play in the snow, have a warm beverage, or even toast some marshmallows, depending on the day’s schedule.

The Guides and Equipment

According to reviews, guides like Matt, Yngve, and Bruno are knowledgeable, friendly, and helpful. They ensure everyone understands how to operate the snowmobile safely and comfortably. Many mention how they appreciated the clear instructions and the personalized attention, especially in small group settings.

All necessary equipment, including thermal clothing, boots, gloves, and helmets, are provided, so you don’t need to worry about bringing your own. Many travelers found this gear to be warm and comfortable—crucial since temperatures can plummet to -30°C.

More Great Tours Nearby

Value for Money

At $112 per person, this activity offers a decent value, particularly when you consider the included transportation, gear, and guided experience. The reviews consistently mention that it’s well-organized and worth the cost, especially given the scenic vistas and professional guidance.

Keep in mind that the actual riding time is about 30-40 minutes, which may seem brief, but the overall package—convenience, safety, and scenery—adds to the experience’s worth. Some travelers, who previously had no snowmobile experience, felt reassured by the guide’s thorough instructions and safety measures.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This safari is ideal for beginners, families, and adventurers who want a relaxed but authentic snowmobiling experience. If you’re traveling with children, they’ll enjoy the sled rides, and you’ll appreciate the professional guides ensuring everyone feels secure.

It suits those who prefer a slow-paced, scenic ride over high-speed thrills. Also, it’s a good pick if you want an activity that complements other Arctic excursions, like visiting Santa Claus Village or exploring local forests.

Important Practicalities

• Driver’s license: The driver must be at least 18 with a valid B category license—so, no need to worry if you’ve never driven a snowmobile before, as long as you meet that age and license requirement.
• Group size: Small groups of up to 6 snowmobiles mean you won’t feel lost in a crowd.
• Duration: About 1 hour total, with approximately 30-40 minutes on the snowmobile.
• Weather considerations: The tour may change due to weather but expect the experience to proceed in most conditions.
• Not suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems, or mobility issues.
• Things to bring: Driver’s license, warm clothing, and a sense of adventure.
• Restrictions: No drones, and alcohol or drugs are not permitted.

FAQs

Is this activity suitable for beginners?
Yes, it’s designed for those with no snowmobile experience. The guides give clear instructions, and the pace is relaxed.

Can children join the tour?
Yes, children can ride in a sled pulled by the guide’s snowmobile. They are secured and supervised, making it family-friendly.

What should I wear?
All thermal clothing and gear are provided, but be sure to dress warmly in layers, especially hats, scarves, and insulated gloves.

How long is the actual snowmobiling part?
You’ll spend approximately 30-40 minutes on the snowmobiles during the ride.

Is the tour flexible?
Yes, you can choose to drive or join as a passenger. Single-rider options are available at extra cost.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins and ends at Santa Claus Village, with convenient pickup points around Rovaniemi.

What’s included in the price?
Guide, all equipment, thermal clothing, snowmobile ride (for two people per snowmobile), and round-trip transportation.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is this tour suitable for pregnant women or those with back issues?
No, it is not recommended for pregnant women or people with back problems or mobility impairments.

What’s the best time of day to do this?
Check availability for the starting times; typically, morning or early afternoon rides are popular, but it depends on the day’s schedule.

Final Thoughts

If you’re heading to Rovaniemi and craving a scenic, family-friendly, and beginner-oriented snowmobiling experience, this tour by Wild Nordic is a solid pick. It combines beautiful Arctic scenery, professional guides, and the chance to enjoy snowmobiling without the pressure of high speeds or complex handling.

While the ride duration might be brief, the quality of the experience—guided safely through picturesque forests—makes it worth considering. It’s especially good if you want a relaxing, scenic activity that complements your Arctic itinerary.

For those who love the idea of exploring the snowy wilderness at a gentle pace, this safari offers a memorable taste of Lapland’s winter magic. Just be prepared for the cold, dress warmly, and bring your curiosity. It’s a fun, safe, and straightforward way to tick snowmobiling off your Arctic travel list.

Whether you’re a first-timer or traveling with family, this tour offers a manageable yet authentic Arctic adventure that you’ll remember for years.

You can check availability for your dates here: