Apukka Snow and Fun, Rovaniemi

If you’re considering a day of winter activities outside Rovaniemi, the Apukka Snow and Fun tour offers a smorgasbord of snow-based experiences. From husky rides to snow sculpting, it promises a taste of Arctic life — perfect if you’re eager for variety. We’ve looked into what past travelers say, and here’s the scoop to help you decide if it’s right for your trip.

What we like about this tour? First, it provides a convenient way to try several classic Arctic activities in one go, especially with transportation included. Second, the friendly staff and well-managed activities often get good reviews, making it a generally smooth experience. On the flip side, a common concern is the value for the price — some feel it’s a bit overpriced considering what’s included and what’s not.

Ultimately, this experience suits families looking for a fun, all-in-one snow day or travelers eager to sample a variety of Arctic activities without booking multiple separate adventures. If you’re after a relaxed, engaging day full of snow play, it might be just what you’re after. But if you’re seeking a deep, authentic or exclusive experience, this might not hit all the marks.

Key Points

• All-in-One Experience: Combines husky rides, reindeer sleighs, snowshoeing, snow sculpting, and mini snowmobiles.
• Convenient Transport: Includes round-trip bus pickup from Rovaniemi city center.
• Family Friendly: Activities are designed to be suitable for all ages, including children.
• Variable Value: Good for a quick, fun snow day but potentially pricey for what’s offered.
• Weather Dependence: Activities are weather-dependent, and cancellations due to poor conditions are possible.
• Lunch Not Included: You’ll want to budget extra for lunch at the on-site restaurant.

What You Can Expect from the Tour

The Apukka Snow and Fun tour is designed as a full day of winter enjoyment, roughly four hours long, starting at 10:00 am. All activities are centered around the Apukka Resort, just outside Rovaniemi, with convenient transportation included. The experience begins with a pick-up from Rovaniemi’s city center, easing the logistics of getting out into the snow.

Morning: Pickup and Introduction

Once you’re on the bus, the journey gives you a chance to enjoy the scenic views en route to the resort. As you arrive, you’ll be greeted at the Apukka Resort, where winter gear is provided — a thoughtful touch to keep everyone warm, regardless of the outdoor chill.

Activities Galore

The core of the day is packed with a variety of activities suitable for all ages. You’ll get to:

• Try dogsledding with huskies, which is often highlighted as a highlight, though some reviews mention it’s a bit short.
• Experience a reindeer sleigh ride, an iconic Arctic adventure, giving you the chance to glide quietly through snowy landscapes.
• Explore snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, offering a gentle way to enjoy the winter scenery, although some find snowshoes and skis on flat ground a bit boring.
• Engage in snow sculpting, which can be a fun, creative break, especially if you enjoy arts and crafts.
• Let the kids have fun on a mini snowmobile or slide down a toboggan — activities that tend to be popular with children.
• Finish up with a snowball fight to embrace the playful side of snow adventures.

Lunch and Relaxation

After all that activity, you’ll probably be ready for lunch, which is available at the on-site restaurant, Aitta. It offers Lappish dishes, though reviews mention the lunch is not included in the tour price and can be a bit pricey. Some travelers found the lunch to be a highlight, while others felt it could be better value.

Ending the Day

The tour concludes back at the meeting point, roughly four hours after it starts. It’s a straightforward schedule, designed to give you a snapshot of Arctic winter fun without overloading your day.

Real Experiences and Honest Criticism

Looking at past reviews, most travelers appreciate the friendly guides and well-organized activities. One reviewer praised the husky ride, calling it “amazing,” despite its brevity. Others appreciated the variety of activities, feeling it offered a well-rounded introduction to Lapland’s snow scene.

However, there are some notable criticisms. Several mention the overpriced nature of the tour relative to what’s included. For example, one review states, “Very Disappointing & Overpriced — AVOID,” citing limited snowmobiling and closed toboggan runs. Others felt that many activities could be repetitive or somewhat superficial, especially if you’re already staying at Apukka resort, as some found that they had already experienced much of this without needing to pay extra.

One reviewer pointed out that lunch and activities could be more economical if booked separately, as many of the included activities are accessible without the tour if you are staying at the resort. This suggests that for some, the tour may be more about convenience than value.

What’s the Bottom Line?

If you’re after a quick, fun introduction to Arctic snow activities, and want the convenience of transport and equipment, this tour can be a good choice. It’s especially suitable for families who want to keep children engaged with a variety of snow-based play. But if you’re looking for a more exclusive or authentic experience, or want to avoid feeling like you’re paying a premium for a rate that includes activities you can do independently**, you might want to explore other options.

Pricing and Value

At $234.75 per person, this tour isn’t the cheapest, but it offers multiple activities in one package. Keep in mind that lunch is not included, so you’ll need to set aside extra funds if you’re hungry after all that snow fun. Several reviews mention that paying separately for meals and activities can make the overall experience feel less cost-effective.

It’s important to weigh whether the convenience of having everything organized and included offsets the higher price tag. For travelers who prefer to avoid logistical planning and want a structured day, this could be a great option.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is best suited for those who want a family-friendly, all-in-one Arctic adventure. It’s ideal if you’re traveling with children or simply want to sample a variety of snow activities without booking multiple excursions. If you’re not overly concerned about the cost and prioritize ease and variety, this tour delivers on those fronts.

However, if you’re a traveler seeking a more authentic or exclusive experience, or if you prefer to tailor your snow adventures more precisely, you might find this tour somewhat limited. Also, those who are on a strict budget or don’t plan to eat at the resort might want to consider alternatives or booking activities separately.

Final Thoughts

The Apukka Snow and Fun tour offers a solid, family-friendly introduction to Arctic winter pleasures. The convenience of transportation, a broad selection of activities, and friendly staff make it a hassle-free way to enjoy some snow time. But its perceived value for money varies, with some travelers feeling it’s a bit pricey for what’s included.

If you’re looking for a light, fun-filled day with plenty of snow play—and don’t mind paying a little extra for the convenience—this tour could be a good fit. Just be prepared for the weather-dependent nature of the activities and consider budgeting for lunch separately.

In short, it’s a practical choice for those wanting to experience the Arctic in a structured, family-friendly setting, especially if your main goal is to try many traditional snow activities in one go without hassle.

FAQ

Is transportation included? Yes, round-trip bus transportation from Rovaniemi city center is part of the package, making it easy to get to and from the resort.

How long does the tour last? The experience lasts approximately four hours, starting at 10:00 am, which provides plenty of time for activities without feeling rushed.

Are activities suitable for children? Yes, activities like mini snowmobiles, reindeer rides, and snow slides are designed to be family-friendly and enjoyable for kids.

What should I wear? The tour supplies winter outerwear, so you’ll be kept warm during outdoor activities. Still, dressing in layers and waterproof gear is advisable.

Is lunch included? No, lunch is at the resort’s restaurant Aitta and is at your own expense. Some reviews found the lunch to be tasty but pricey.

Can I cancel? Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance. If canceled less than 24 hours before, the full amount isn’t refunded.

What’s the main highlight? Many travelers mention husky and reindeer rides as memorable parts of the tour, along with the variety of snow activities offered.

Is this a full-day experience? No, it’s about four hours long, making it a good half-day option that leaves time for other plans.

Are the activities weather-dependent? Yes, activities could be canceled or altered due to poor weather conditions, with options for rescheduling or full refunds.

Would this be suitable for solo travelers? Absolutely, especially if you’re eager for a diverse, organized Arctic experience, though the group size is limited to 26 travelers.

If you’re after a straightforward, fun, and family-oriented Arctic snow day, the Apukka Snow and Fun tour offers a decent snapshot of Lapland’s winter magic. Just keep in mind the cost and consider if you might get more value by exploring some activities independently or booking à la carte. Happy snowy adventures!