Ski Trekking under the Northern Lights

Key Points

• Duration: 3.5 hours, including transportation, skiing, and a campfire snack
• Location: Remote wilderness outside Rovaniemi, Finland
• Experience: Backcountry skiing with no need for advanced skills, suitable for beginners
• Highlights: Chance to observe the Northern Lights away from city light pollution
• Group Size: Limited to 8 participants for a personalized experience
• Weather: Operates in all weather conditions, regardless of the Northern Lights forecast

You can check availability for your dates here:

Discover the Unique Arctic Adventure in Finnish Lapland

This Ski Trekking under the Northern Lights tour offers a 3.5-hour experience that combines the thrill of backcountry skiing with the chance to witness the majestic Northern Lights. Starting from Rovaniemi, the tour takes you into the untouched, snow-covered landscapes of Lapland, far from the city’s bright lights. Whether you’re new to skiing or looking for an authentic Arctic adventure, this activity provides a gentle and accessible way to explore the wilderness.

The tour is designed for small groups, with a maximum of 8 participants, ensuring a personalized touch. It’s an ideal choice for those wanting a wilderness escape that balances adventure, learning, and the possibility of a natural phenomenon that captivates many visitors each winter.

From Rovaniemi to the Pristine Arctic Wilderness

The journey begins with transportation from Rovaniemi, where participants are directed to the tour starting point at Rovakatu 24. The tour emphasizes sustainable tourism, with no city pickups for those staying in the city center, aligning with the Sustainable Travel Finland badge the operator holds. If accommodations are outside the city, an additional pickup can be arranged, sometimes at a charge.

Once at the meeting point, the guide provides you with warm clothing and safety instructions, preparing everyone for the backcountry skiing experience. The emphasis is on accessible snow-covered terrain, making this activity suitable even for beginners. The small group size means the guide can focus on your needs, answering questions and teaching techniques for sliding on fresh snow and uphill travel with skis equipped with skins on the bottom.

Exploring Deep Snow with Backcountry Skis

Unlike alpine or cross-country skiing, backcountry skiing in this tour requires no specialized boots and allows for easy movement through deep snow. The skis are designed with skins on the bottoms, enabling participants to ascend slopes at a comfortable pace without excessive speed. The experience is friendly for beginners, as it does not demand prior expertise, and techniques are taught during the activity.

The guide will select a location suited to the group’s level and weather conditions, ensuring the best chance to see the Northern Lights if they appear. The focus remains on enjoying the serene snow-covered landscape, with the opportunity to learn about Arctic nature and local life from the guide.

Midway Campfire Snack and Learning about the Aurora

Halfway through the 90-120 minutes of skiing, the group gathers around a campfire lit by the guide. This warmth and social moment offers a chance to recharge and enjoy a typical Finnish snack. During this break, the guide shares insights into the Northern Lights, explaining the science, myths, and best chances to observe this natural display.

This campfire experience enhances the sense of connection with the Arctic environment and provides a relaxed setting for learning and conversation. The guide’s local knowledge and storytelling make this pause memorable, especially in the tranquil winter landscape.

More Great Tours Nearby

Weather Conditions and the Northern Lights

The activity runs regardless of weather, meaning participants are out on skis even in snow or low visibility conditions. While the Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon with no guarantees, the tour locations are carefully chosen away from Rovaniemi’s light pollution to maximize chances of seeing the aurora should it appear.

If the Northern Lights are visible, you’ll experience a spectacular display of colors and movement in the night sky. Keep in mind that the vibrancy and colors of the aurora cannot be guaranteed, as they depend on solar activity and atmospheric conditions.

A Relaxed Pacing Suitable for All Levels

The tour timing is flexible to accommodate different paces, with skating or walking options available, depending on the group’s preferences and abilities. The overall experience is designed to be easy and enjoyable, with no need for advanced skiing skills. Participants should bring warm clothing and water, but no prior experience is necessary.

The entire activity, including transportation, skiing, and the campfire snack, spans 3.5 hours. The small group size allows for a more personalized experience, with guides attentive to individual needs.

Logistics: Meeting Points and Group Size

Participants staying in Rovaniemi city center are asked to walk to the tour office for check-in. This aligns with the sustainable practices of the provider, who no longer offers city center pickups. For those outside the city center, pickup arrangements can be made by prior arrangement.

The maximum group size of 8 ensures a personalized experience and minimizes the feeling of mass tourism. This small group approach allows guides to create a more engaging and tailored adventure, addressing individual questions and skill levels effectively.

What to Wear and Bring

Guests are advised to dress warmly, as the tour takes place in Arctic winter conditions. The provider supplies cold weather clothing, but layering is recommended. Bringing water is also suggested to stay hydrated during the activity.

The tour prohibits alcohol and drugs, ensuring safety and a clear mind for skiing and observing the Northern Lights. Participants should be prepared for endurance, especially if weather conditions are cold or challenging.

Reviews Highlight the Guide’s Expertise

While the tour has a rating of 4.3 based on 3 reviews, the knowledgeable guides are often praised for their friendly explanations and ability to find magical spots in the forest. One review mentions a guide named Guille who took guests to a winter wonderland deep in the woods, sharing fire-making skills and stories about the Northern Lights.

The reviews also note that, even if the Northern Lights are not visible due to weather, the skiing experience and the natural beauty of the snow-covered landscape** make for a memorable adventure.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour Most

This activity is best suited for adventurers eager to combine light wilderness skiing with the possibility of Northern Lights viewing. It’s an excellent choice for beginners or those with limited skiing experience, as the activity is easy to learn.

Participants should be prepared for cold weather and moderate physical activity, making it less suitable for those with serious medical conditions or heart problems. The small group setting ensures personalized attention, which is particularly beneficial for those new to backcountry skiing.

Final Thoughts on Ski Trekking in Lapland

The Ski Trekking under the Northern Lights tour offers a genuine Arctic experience that combines nature, gentle adventure, and the chance to witness one of the world’s most beautiful natural phenomena. The small group size and expert guides enhance the experience, making it accessible and engaging.

While Northern Lights sightings depend on atmospheric conditions, the journey itself through snowy Lapland landscapes provides a peaceful, scenic escape into Arctic wilderness. This tour is a great option for those seeking a relaxed, authentic outdoor activity that balances adventure and learning in the heart of Finnish Lapland.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for beginners?
Yes, backcountry skiing in this tour requires no prior experience, and the equipment is easy to handle. The guide teaches techniques and adjusts the route to the group’s ability.

What should I wear during the ski trek?
Guests should dress warmly, layering with thermal clothing and waterproof outerwear. The provider supplies cold weather clothing, but bringing additional layers is recommended.

Can I see the Northern Lights on this tour?
The tour offers a good chance to see the Northern Lights if they appear. However, as the phenomenon is natural, it cannot be guaranteed, especially if weather conditions are unfavorable.

What is included in the 3.5-hour experience?
The experience covers transportation from Rovaniemi (or pickup if outside city center), 90-120 minutes of skiing, safety instructions, a campfire snack, and time for learning about the Northern Lights.

How many participants are in each group?
Groups are limited to 8 people maximum to ensure a personalized and engaging experience.

Is the tour operated in all weather conditions?
Yes, the tour runs regardless of weather, making it a reliable Arctic activity even in snow or low visibility conditions.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby