Searching Aurora with Snowmobile

Discover the Searching Aurora with Snowmobile Tour in Rovaniemi

The Searching Aurora with Snowmobile tour offers an exciting way to chase the Northern Lights in Rovaniemi, Finland. Priced at $161 per person and lasting approximately 4 hours, this small-group adventure takes you away from city lights to an isolated lake where chances of seeing the Aurora borealis are higher. The tour includes pickup, thermal gear, and snowmobiles, making it a practical choice for those keen on an outdoor Arctic experience.

While Northern Lights sightings are never guaranteed due to their natural unpredictability, this tour maximizes your chances through professional forecasting and expert guidance. The route takes you onto the frozen Lake Vikajärvi, a perfect spot for stargazing and aurora hunting, with the added comfort of warming around a fire and sipping hot berry juice. This tour is well-suited for adventurers, families with children, and anyone looking to combine snowmobiling with the magic of the Arctic night sky.

Key Points

• Price of $161 for a 4-hour snowmobile adventure in Rovaniemi
• Focuses on remote lake locations for better Aurora viewing
• Thermal clothing and gear are provided to stay warm outdoors
• Pickup service included if within 8 km of Rovaniemi city center
• Suitable for drivers with valid licenses and children in sledges
• Weather-dependent activity with a full refund on cancellation in poor conditions

Starting Point and Transportation Details in Rovaniemi

The tour begins at Sunny Safari, located at Tähtikuja 1, 96930 Rovaniemi. If your accommodation is within 8 km, the pickup service is included, making the start of the adventure smooth and effortless. The group size is limited to a maximum of 15 travelers, ensuring a more personalized experience with attentive guides.

Participants must hold a valid driving license to operate the snowmobile, and the activity is designed to include safety instructions before heading into the Arctic darkness. The end point is the same as the start, with no additional transportation required after the snowmobiling session, making logistics straightforward.

What Does the 4-Hour Duration Cover?

The 4-hour length includes transfer, gear fitting, snowmobiling, and time around the campfire. The actual riding time typically involves a journey across the frozen lake and into the surrounding forest, offering vast views of the night sky. The pacing allows for photo opportunities with tripods available upon request, especially if the Aurora makes a rare appearance.

Guides manage the group to ensure everyone gets a fair amount of time on the snowmobiles and a chance to warm up at the fire. The activity includes breaks for rest and warm drinks, making it comfortable despite the outdoor Arctic environment.

What to Expect During the Snowmobiling Experience

After safety instructions, the snowmobiles depart from the forest into the heart of Lake Vikajärvi. This remote, open setting becomes an ideal location for stargazing and Aurora hunting, with minimal light pollution. The vast, snow-covered lake offers a magnetic silence broken only by the hum of snowmobiles and occasional laughter.

Children under 140 cm travel in sledges pulled by guides’ snowmobiles, while drivers must hold a valid license. For those sharing snowmobiles, switching during breaks is possible. The guides are experienced in navigating the Arctic terrain and optimizing your chances of Aurora sightings, which are not guaranteed but more likely due to the forecasting expertise.

Warm Clothing and Safety Gear Provided

The tour ensures your comfort with thermal overalls, winter boots, gloves, and woolen socks provided upon arrival. Helmets and masks are also included to protect against the cold wind and snow. The gear is designed to keep you warm during the approximately 2 hours outdoors, but travelers are advised to wear additional layers underneath for extra warmth.

Participants should be prepared for temperatures around -12°C or colder, especially in February, as some reviews highlight the extreme cold. The thermal clothing greatly enhances comfort, but dressing appropriately remains essential.

The Route and Sites Visited on This Tour

The journey takes you into the dark wilderness of Lapland, away from artificial lights, to a shoreline of a remote lake. This secluded location is chosen specifically for its ideal conditions for Aurora viewing—an open, flat expanse that allows for unobstructed sky gazing.

The fire pit near the lake serves as a relaxing spot to warm up, enjoy hot berry juice, and share stories under the stars. Guides may drive further north if Aurora activity is high, as some reviews mention guides driving further to increase the likelihood of sightings.

Guides and Their Approach to Aurora Chasing

Guides like Yuca, Sami, and Carlos receive praise for their friendliness and helpfulness, with many reviews highlighting their maximizing efforts to find the Aurora. They provide important safety instructions and are attentive to group safety, especially when children are involved.

While Aurora sightings depend on weather and solar activity, guides use professional forecasting to increase the odds. Some reviews note that guides drive further north or adjust routes based on Aurora forecasts, showing a dedication to giving guests the best chance.

Physical Demands and Accessibility

The activity requires driving a snowmobile, which involves safety instructions and a valid license for drivers. Children under 140 cm ride in sledges, making it family-friendly in that sense. The bumpy terrain and outdoor conditions mean this tour is more suited for adventurous guests who are comfortable in cold, snowy environments.

The pace of the snowmobiles is generally moderate, with some reviews noting slower speeds that lack adrenaline but prioritize safety and comfort. The activity is not recommended for those with mobility issues or who dislike cold outdoor environments.

The Experience for Families and Children

Children travel in sledges pulled by guides’ snowmobiles, making the experience safe and fun for families. The fire and hot drinks provide a cozy break, and guides often manage the group to ensure young children are safe and comfortable. Some reviews mention adults sitting with children in sledges, emphasizing the family-friendly aspect.

However, the extreme cold and outdoor conditions mean this activity suits families with older children who can handle the cold and follow safety instructions.

The Allure of the Night Sky and Aurora

The primary goal of this tour is Aurora borealis hunting, with vast dark skies offering prime conditions for viewing. The remote lake location helps reduce light pollution, maximizing visibility of stars and aurora phenomena when they occur.

Many reviews mention star gazing and the beauty of the night sky, even when Aurora activity remains elusive. Cloud cover or bad weather can prevent sightings, but guests appreciate the experience of riding in Arctic darkness and the possibility of a magical display.

Flexibility and Cancellation Policy

Booking includes free cancellation up to 24 hours before the activity, providing peace of mind. The tour operates December to April, weather permitting, and the full refund is available if canceled due to poor conditions.

Since the activity depends heavily on weather and Aurora activity, some tours are canceled if conditions are unfavorable, with options for rescheduling or full refunds.

Final Thoughts on the Snowmobile Aurora Search

The Searching Aurora with Snowmobile tour in Rovaniemi offers a well-organized, practical, and adventure-packed way to experience Lapland’s wilderness and attempt to see the Northern Lights. The small-group setting and professional guides create a personalized atmosphere that maximizes your chances, especially with remote lake locations and expert forecasting.

While Aurora sightings are never guaranteed, the experience of snowmobiling in such a pristine environment, combined with warming fires and stunning starry skies, makes this tour a memorable Arctic adventure. It appeals most to adventurers, families, and those seeking a fun outdoor activity in the winter wilderness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, children under 140 cm travel in sledges pulled by guides’ snowmobiles. The activity is family-friendly, but extreme cold and outdoor conditions should be considered.

Do I need a driving license?
Yes, driving a snowmobile requires a valid license. If you do not hold one, contact Sunny Safari for alternative options.

What should I wear?
Wearing warm layers is essential. The tour provides thermal overalls, gloves, boots, and helmets, but additional thermal clothing underneath is recommended.

Can I see the Northern Lights?
The Aurora is an unpredictable natural phenomenon, so sightings cannot be guaranteed. Guides use forecasts to maximize the chances.

How long is the snowmobiling part?
The riding time is approximately 2 hours, with the total activity lasting around 4 hours including transfers and breaks.

Is transportation included?
Pickup is included if your accommodation is within 8 km of Rovaniemi. The meeting point is at Sunny Safari, and the group size is limited to 15 travelers.

What happens if the weather is bad?
In case of poor weather, the activity may be canceled for safety, with full refunds or rescheduling options available.

What is the cancellation policy?
Free cancellation is possible up to 24 hours before the activity. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refunded.

How do the guides enhance the experience?
Guides like Sami, Carlos, and Yuca are praised for their friendliness, helpfulness, and dedication to maximizing Aurora viewing opportunities.

Is this tour worth the cost?
Considering the remote location, quality gear, and expert guidance, most reviews find it worth the price for an authentic Arctic adventure.

Would you recommend this tour?
Absolutely, especially for those who enjoy outdoor winter sports, starry nights, and hope to see the Northern Lights in a controlled but adventurous setting.