Northern Lights Adventure By Snowmobile

If you’re dreaming of witnessing the Northern Lights dancing across the Arctic sky, this Northern Lights Adventure by Snowmobile might catch your eye. While we haven’t personally done this tour, the glowing reviews and detailed itinerary paint a picture of a genuinely memorable experience. It’s an activity that combines adventure, scenic beauty, and a touch of Arctic magic, perfect for those who want more than just a casual look at nature’s most stunning light show.

What we really like about this tour is how it balances excitement with comfort. The guides are praised for their knowledge and friendliness, making sure everyone feels safe and informed. Plus, the trip’s location—far from city lights—sets the perfect stage for a potential Aurora sighting. On the flip side, the main drawback is the reliance on weather conditions, which can be unpredictable. If clear skies are a must for you, this might be a gamble, but the snowmobiling itself tends to be a highlight regardless.

This experience is best suited for adventurers who enjoy outdoor activities and are comfortable on snowmobiles. It’s also ideal for those looking to combine their Northern Lights hunt with a bit of Arctic thrill. Families with older children or travelers with a reasonable level of physical fitness should find this worthwhile, but it’s not specifically designed as a family-friendly activity for young kids.

Key Points

• Spectacular Scenery: Offers stunning views of winter landscapes and the chance to see the Aurora Borealis.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable guides ensure safety and enhance the experience with interesting insights.
• Good Value: Priced at around $317, the tour provides a comprehensive adventure that many reviewers feel is worth the cost.
• Weather Dependent: The success of seeing the Northern Lights depends heavily on weather conditions.
• Well Organized: The itinerary is clear, with pickup, briefing, snowmobiling, and return all smoothly handled.
• Equipment Quality: Warm suits, boots, and gloves are provided to keep participants comfortable despite freezing temperatures.

A Detailed Look at the Snowmobile Northern Lights Tour

What’s Included and How the Day Unfolds

The tour kicks off with a meet-up at the Æventyr Adventure Store in Alta’s city center, ideally 5-10 minutes early, giving you a relaxed start. From there, you’ll be whisked away in a vehicle to Gargia Valley, approximately 25 km from the town, setting the scene for Arctic adventure.

Once at Gargia Lodge, you’ll meet your guide and get a briefing about the day’s activities. This part is crucial—guides are praised for their friendliness and helpfulness here, and they ensure you’re dressed warmly with thermal suits, boots, and gloves. Traveling in the Arctic demands proper gear, and this tour makes sure you’re prepared before hitting the snow.

Snowmobiling Basics and Safety

Following the gear-up, you’ll receive instructions on handling the snowmobiles. For many, this is a highlight—driving through snow-covered forests and across open winter landscapes is exhilarating. Only those with a valid B class driver’s license can drive, and you’ll share a snowmobile with another passenger, each getting to drive for about half the trip.

Participants have reported that guides are very attentive to safety, stopping at challenging points and explaining what to do. This makes the experience accessible even to those new to snowmobiling, but it does require some physical coordination and confidence on snow.

The Mountain Edge and Aurora Viewing

The main destination is the Beskardes mountain range, at the edge of Finnmarksvidda. Here, you’ll stop for a brief moment to take in the panoramic views—think snow-blanketed peaks and wide-open Arctic skies.

This is the prime Aurora spot, away from city lights, where the sky often puts on its best show. Some reviews mention that visibility of the lights is weather-dependent, but even if the sky remains overcast, many still find the trip worth it for the snowmobiling thrill and the experience of Arctic night.

Returning and Final Impressions

After enjoying the views, you’ll head back down to Gargia Lodge, arriving around 21:15. The return trip is smooth, and the guides often provide hot drinks and snacks, enhancing the cozy, communal atmosphere.

By 22:00, you’ll be back in Alta, with many travelers feeling they’ve had a full, rewarding experience—whether or not the Northern Lights made an appearance on that particular night.

The Real Value of the Tour

This tour is priced at $317.27 per person, which might seem steep at first glance. However, considering what’s included—gear, guides, transportation, and the chance to snowmobile in pristine Arctic wilderness—the value holds up well. Many reviewers feel it’s money well spent, especially given the professionalism of the guides and the quality of the equipment.

It’s noteworthy that this experience is often booked 78 days in advance, which suggests it’s popular among those planning their Arctic adventures early. The maximum group size of 17 travelers keeps things intimate, allowing for personalized attention.

Weather and Aurora Chances

One of the most common themes in reviews is the weather’s influence. Overcast skies prevented some from seeing the Aurora, but the guides were praised for their knowledge and efforts—stopping to look for clear spots, providing hot drinks, and making the best out of a cloudy night.

Remember, the Northern Lights are always unpredictable, but the snowmobiling itself is consistently described as fun and exhilarating, regardless of Aurora visibility.

Equipment and Safety

Participants consistently mention the high-quality gear—warm suits, boots, gloves—that makes the cold much more manageable. Guides are attentive to safety, making sure everyone feels comfortable on the snowmobiles, which is a huge plus for beginners or nervous travelers.

What People Love Most

Reviewers often highlight the friendly and knowledgeable guides, with one stated, “Our guide was very knowledgeable and helped us find Aurora Bliss.” Many also comment on the stunning landscapes and the fun of snowmobiling through snowy forests and across frosty plains.

Potential Downsides

The primary consideration is the weather dependency. If the sky is overcast, you might not see the Northern Lights, but many still find the experience worthwhile. Plus, the cost might be high for some, but most agree that the adventure and memories justify the price.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This adventure suits adventurers, outdoor enthusiasts, and nature lovers comfortable with snowmobiling. It’s a great choice if you want to combine a thrilling ride with a chance to see the Northern Lights, especially if you’re okay with the possibility of weather preventing Aurora sightings.

It’s not ideal for young children or those with mobility issues, as the ride involves handling snowmobiles and dressing for cold conditions. But for travelers with a dash of adventure and a love for Arctic landscapes, this tour strikes a good balance between fun and scenic beauty.

FAQs

Do I need a driver’s license to participate?
Yes, only those with a valid B class driver’s license can drive a snowmobile in Norway. Guests without licenses are only permitted to be passengers.

What is included in the price?
The tour includes snowmobile gear (thermoguards, boots, gloves), transportation from Alta, guidance, and safety instructions. Hot drinks are often provided during stops.

Can I expect to see the Northern Lights?
While the tour takes you to an optimal Aurora viewing spot, visibility depends on weather and sky conditions. Clear nights offer the best chance, but it’s not guaranteed.

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts approximately 4 hours, including transportation, briefing, snowmobiling, and return.

What should I wear?
Participants are provided with thermal suits, but it’s wise to wear warm layers underneath, along with insulated gloves and boots.

Is the tour suitable for families?
It’s best for travelers comfortable on snowmobiles; younger children or those with mobility restrictions might find it challenging.

How many people are on each tour?
Up to 17 travelers can join, which keeps the group intimate and manageable.

What happens if the weather is bad?
If the weather prevents Aurora viewing or makes the trip unsafe, the tour can be canceled or rescheduled, and a full refund is available if canceled more than 24 hours in advance.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after an exciting Arctic adventure with a good chance of seeing the Northern Lights, this Snowmobile Tour in Alta offers an experience that’s both scenic and adrenaline-filled. The guides are praised for their professionalism and friendliness, making sure everyone has a safe and enjoyable time. While Aurora sightings are weather-dependent, the snowmobiling itself consistently garners positive reviews and is a fantastic way to experience Norway’s winter wonderland.

This tour best suits those who are adventure-hungry and comfortable on snow, and who value quality guides and equipment. It’s a solid choice for travelers looking for more than just a quick glimpse of the Aurora—offering a full Arctic experience that’s hard to forget.

Happy travels, and here’s to hoping the skies clear for that spectacular Aurora show!