Searching Aurora with Snowmobile

If you’re dreaming of chasing the elusive Northern Lights on a snowmobile in Lapland, this tour from Rovaniemi might catch your eye. It’s a well-rated, small-group experience designed to maximize your chances of witnessing the aurora borealis, all while enjoying the thrill of a winter ride across a frozen lake. As seasoned travelers, we’ve seen countless winter excursions, and this one offers some clear highlights — but also warrants some honest considerations.

What really stands out to us is the expert guidance and the stunning natural scenery you’ll encounter. The tour’s setup — away from city lights, on the shores of a remote lake — creates an ideal backdrop for star gazing and Aurora hunting. Another big plus? The gear and safety measures provided mean you can focus on the experience without worrying about staying warm or getting cold. However, a potential drawback is the uncertainty of seeing the Northern Lights, since it’s a natural phenomenon that no one can guarantee. That said, the tour’s forecasting and professional approach do improve your odds.

This experience is best suited for those who are comfortable outdoors for a couple of hours in winter conditions and who want an active way to chase the Northern Lights. It’s less ideal for travelers with very young children or those who prefer a more relaxed, less bumpy ride. Still, for adventure lovers and those craving a genuine Arctic experience, this snowmobile safari can be quite memorable.

Key Points

• Ideal for Aurora seekers: The remote lake setting offers a prime spot to catch the Northern Lights if they appear.
• Safety and warmth are prioritized: Thermal gear, winter clothing, helmets, and masks are provided to keep you warm.
• Family-friendly options: Children under 140cm travel in sledges pulled by guides’ snowmobiles, making it suitable for families with young kids.
• Unpredictability of Aurora: No one can guarantee sightings, but professional forecasts and guiding help increase your chances.
• Group size and experience: Limited to 15 travelers, with a focus on personalized guidance and safety.
• Good value for the experience: At $161 for around four hours, it offers a mix of adventure, scenery, and potential Aurora sightings.

An Honest Look at the Snowmobile Aurora Search

If you’re curious about this tour, here’s what you can expect on the ground. The journey starts at Sunny Safari’s meeting point in Rovaniemi, from where you’ll be transported and briefed before heading into the Arctic night. After safety instructions, you’ll hop on a snowmobile with thermal and protective gear, ready to hit the icy landscape.

The Ride into the Wilderness

From the start, you’ll notice how well-organized everything is. The snowmobiles are easy to operate, even for those with no previous experience — as several reviews pointed out, guides are clear in their instructions. The trail begins on forested paths, then moves onto the vast, open expanse of Lake Vikajärvi, which is a stunning and eerily beautiful place to hunt for the Aurora.

Traveling across the frozen lake is a highlight in itself. The silence, only broken by the hum of the snowmobiles, creates a peaceful yet exhilarating atmosphere. Many reviews mention how the darkness and stillness of the lake amplify the starry sky views. The guides are attentive and friendly, often driving at a cautious speed so everyone feels secure. As one guest put it, “the guides are very friendly and punctual,” making the whole experience smooth and enjoyable.

The Aurora Hunting

The main goal — spotting the Northern Lights — is, of course, the reason most sign up. The guides use professional forecasting and local knowledge to pick the best spots to observe. You’ll be advised to dress warmly and expect to stay outdoors for about two hours. During this time, you may sit around an open fire, sip hot berry juice, and even make use of provided tripods for better photography.

Reviews are mixed on Aurora sightings — some travelers get lucky, while others don’t see a thing due to cloud cover or poor conditions. The unpredictability is part of the game, but many travelers appreciated the effort guides make to chase clear skies and maximize chances. As one reviewer aptly said, “Yuca did his best to get us into a prime spot,” which shows the guides genuinely try their best.

Comfort, Safety, and Family Considerations

The gear provided — thermal overalls, winter boots, gloves, helmets, and masks — is designed to keep you warm and safe. Still, you should be prepared for the cold, especially if you’re sensitive or unaccustomed to winter conditions. Multiple reviews emphasize the importance of wearing extra layers. One traveler even joked about needing to “buy more layers and wear them,” which is sensible advice.

For families or those traveling with children, the tour has options: children under 140cm travel in sledges pulled by guides’ snowmobiles, a practical solution for little ones. It’s worth noting that if children over 140cm want to sit as passengers, they’ll need to pay the full adult price, and safety supervision is encouraged, especially for very young kids.

Duration and Group Size

The tour lasts around 4 hours, including pickup, gear, and the actual snowmobiling time. The actual riding time may be slightly shorter, as some reviews pointed out, but the experience feels substantial. The group size is capped at 15 travelers, ensuring a more personalized experience. Smaller groups tend to get better guidance, which can be crucial in Arctic conditions.

Cost and Value

At $161 per person, this tour offers a reasonable price for an Arctic adventure. When you factor in the included gear, transportation, and the opportunity to chase the Northern Lights, it’s a fair deal. Many reviews indicate that the guides’ enthusiasm and professionalism add value, making the expense worthwhile even if the Aurora remains elusive.

The Realities of Aurora Hunting

It’s important to remember that Northern Lights are unpredictable. We read reviews where some guests saw the lights, and others only experienced the snowmobile ride and starry skies. Despite the uncertainty, many appreciated the effort and the thrill of riding across the icy landscape. One reviewer remarked, “It was all snowy the day we chose to snowmobile and weren’t expecting any northern light show, but our guide didn’t give up and drove us further north — and it was worth it.”

The guides’ expertise, local weather forecasting, and strategic stops significantly elevate your chances. Still, patience and a bit of luck are needed.

Practicalities and Tips

• You should wear enough warm clothes and prepare for outdoor exposure of around 2 hours.
• Pickup services are included if your accommodation is within 8 km of Rovaniemi city center.
• For the snowmobile drivers, a valid driver’s license is required.
• Children over 140cm can sit in the snowmobile as passengers for an extra cost.
• Cancellation policy allows for full refunds if canceled more than 24 hours in advance, which offers peace of mind.
• Be aware that poor weather can lead to cancellations or rescheduling.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re looking for an active, outdoor experience in the Arctic, this snowmobile Aurora hunt offers a memorable way to connect with Lapland’s wild side. It’s perfect for adventurous travelers who want to maximize their chances of seeing the Northern Lights with the help of professional guides. If you’re traveling as a family, the sled options make it feasible for kids, but the ride can be bumpy and cold, so proper preparation is key.

It’s less suited for those seeking a relaxed, comfortable tour or with very young children under 140cm, unless they’re happy to stay in sledges. Those with a penchant for photography will appreciate the availability of tripods and the chance to capture starry skies and possibly the Aurora Borealis.

Final Thoughts

This snowmobile tour from Rovaniemi offers a genuine taste of Arctic adventure, combining the thrill of riding across a frozen lake with the hope of catching the Northern Lights. The guides’ friendliness and professionalism shine through, and the scenery is spectacular. While Aurora sightings remain a matter of luck, the journey itself is memorable.

If you’re prepared for cold temperatures and enjoy outdoor activities, it’s a good way to spend a winter evening in Lapland. The experience balances adventure, comfort, and natural beauty, making it ideal for those who want more than just a sightseeing drive — they want an active, authentic Arctic experience.

In the end, whether you see the lights or not, you’ll leave with stories of an exhilarating ride, star-gazing in the darkness, and the chilly magic of the Arctic night.

FAQs

Do I need a driving license to participate? Yes, you must have a valid driver’s license if you plan to drive the snowmobile. If you don’t have one, contact Sunny Safari for alternative options.

How long is the actual snowmobiling part? The total experience lasts around 4 hours, but the snowmobiling itself typically takes about two hours, including stops and breaks.

Can children join this tour? Yes, children under 140cm travel in sledges pulled by guides’ snowmobiles, making it suitable for families with young kids.

What should I wear? Dress warmly in layers, and wear all the thermal gear provided. The tour recommends extra layers under the suits given the cold conditions.

Is the Northern Lights guaranteed? No, Aurora sightings depend on weather and solar activity. The guides do their best to find clear skies, but there’s no certainty.

What if the weather is poor? The tour operates only in suitable weather conditions. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

How far in advance should I book? Since the tour relies on weather and Aurora activity, booking early is recommended to secure your spot, especially during peak season from November to April.

If you’re after a memorable Arctic adventure with a good shot at seeing the Northern Lights, this snowmobile tour offers a solid option. It’s a blend of excitement, stunning scenery, and expert guidance that can truly make your Lapland trip special.