First Arctic Expedition on Altai Skis

Explore Your First Arctic Expedition on Backcountry Skis in Rovaniemi

The First Arctic Expedition on Altai Skis offers a unique introduction to Arctic skiing, perfect for beginners and more experienced skiers alike. This 6-hour tour takes place in the snowy wilderness outside Rovaniemi, Finland, at a price of $197.81 per person. It features small group sizes, ensuring a personalized experience, and includes pickup, lunch, and all necessary gear.

What makes this tour especially appealing is its focus on exploring remote, wild areas of Lapland, far from the busier tourist spots. The guide leads you through snow-covered forests and hills, giving you a true sense of adventure in the Arctic. It’s suitable for those with moderate physical fitness and offers a balanced mix of education, scenery, and hands-on experience.

While the tour provides all required equipment, travelers should be prepared to bring their own winter overalls and boots. The experience is designed to introduce beginners comfortably, but seasoned skiers will also find enough challenge and scenic beauty to enjoy.

Key Points

• Duration: 6 hours, departing at 9:30 am from Rovaniemi
• Price: $197.81 per person, with options for group discounts
• Included: Altai skis, poles, expedition sleigh, lunch, private transport, coffee/tea
• Highlights: Exploring Lapland wilderness, learning how to prepare an Arctic expedition, panoramic views, wild barbecue
• Physical level: Suitable for travelers with moderate fitness, no prior skiing experience required
• Group size: Limited to 8 travelers for a more intimate experience

Starting Point and Transport Logistics in Rovaniemi

The tour departs from Pekankatu 7 in Rovaniemi at 9:30 am, with pickup options offered by the provider, Nordic Odyssey. This private transportation ensures a smooth start to the day, taking you directly into the Arctic wilderness away from the town’s light pollution and crowds.

The ride provides a comfortable setting to get ready for the day ahead, and the small group size guarantees personal attention from the guide. After the tour concludes, you return to the same meeting point, making logistics straightforward and convenient.

Learning How to Ski with Altai Skis in the Finnish Wilderness

The focus of the tour is on ski trekking using Altai skis, also called sliding snowshoes in Finnish. These skis are equipped with skins that enable you to hike uphill and slide downhill, making them ideal for exploring deep snow and remote areas where cars cannot reach.

Guides teach you how to prepare your expedition, including what to pack in the expedition sleigh (pulka) that you will pull yourself. This practical element gives a real sense of being an Arctic explorer, adding an adventurous edge to the experience. The skiing itself is designed to be easy for beginners, but the scope of the terrain offers enough variation for more advanced skiers to stay engaged.

Discovering Remote Lapland Forests and Snowy Hills

Once in the wilderness, the guide leads your small group through Lapland’s forested landscapes, snowy hills, and expansive snowfields. The emphasis is on getting away from the crowds and enjoying pristine Arctic nature.

The trail takes you to a beautiful panoramic viewpoint, where you can admire the snow-covered wilderness stretching in every direction. The silence and wide-open vistas create a perfect setting for the day’s highlight—reaching this scenic spot.

The Art of Preparing an Arctic Expedition and Safety Tips

Throughout the tour, the guide shares valuable tips on preparing for Arctic conditions, including what to bring in the expedition sleigh and safety precautions. Participants learn about how to handle the gear, navigate snowy terrains, and stay safe in this extreme environment.

This educational component enhances the adventure, making it not only a physical activity but also an opportunity to gain insight into Arctic survival techniques. The focus on safety and preparation helps ensure that even newcomers feel confident and well-informed.

Enjoying a Wild Barbecue Lunch in the Arctic

A key highlight of this tour is the lunch break at the panoramic viewpoint. Here, a fire is lit amidst the snow, and everyone gathers to enjoy a wild barbecue. The lunch is included in the tour price and features hot drinks like coffee or tea to warm you up.

This outdoor meal adds a rustic charm to the experience, creating a memorable moment amidst nature’s quiet beauty. Sharing a meal in the Arctic landscape fosters a sense of camaraderie and appreciation for the environment.

The Equipment and Gear You Need to Bring

While Altai skis, poles, and an expedition sleigh are provided, travelers should bring their own winter overalls and boots. This ensures a proper fit and warmth during the day on the snow.

All other fees, taxes, and gear are included, meaning you only need to be prepared for the physical activity and cold conditions. The air-conditioned vehicle transports you comfortably into and out of the wilderness.

Weather Dependence and Flexibility in Scheduling

The tour requires good weather to operate, as snow conditions and safety depend on it. If canceled due to poor weather, a full refund or a different date is offered. The tour also has a minimum of 8 travelers to proceed, ensuring small groups but meaning availability can be limited during peak times.

Travelers should keep this in mind when planning, and the provider offers quick confirmation upon booking, barring last-minute bookings within 12 hours.

Prices and Overall Value of the Arctic Ski Expedition

Costing $197.81 per person, this tour provides a well-rounded Arctic experience, including transport, gear, lunch, and guiding. The focus on small group sizes and personalized instruction offers good value for those looking for a hands-on, authentic Arctic adventure.

The inclusion of a wild barbecue and the opportunity to learn about Arctic expedition techniques enhances the overall experience, making it more than just a scenic ride. It’s a chance to try skiing in a remote environment with expert guidance.

Who Will Love This Arctic Ski Adventure?

This tour suits beginners eager to learn ski trekking with Altai skis and more experienced skiers interested in exploring Lapland’s wilderness. The moderate physical fitness requirement makes it accessible, but participants should be comfortable in cold conditions and be prepared for a full day outdoors.

Travelers seeking a scenic, educational, and active day in Arctic Finland will find this tour engaging, especially if they are curious about expedition skills and wish to capture stunning views like the Northern Lights or snowy landscapes.

The Unique Appeal of a Small-Group Arctic Adventure

Limited to 8 travelers, this tour emphasizes personal attention and safety. Smaller groups allow guides to tailor the experience, teach practical skills, and share insights about the environment. This intimacy enhances the sense of discovery and makes the day feel more like a personal expedition.

The focus on exploration, learning, and scenic beauty—including the chance to see auroras boreales—sets this experience apart from larger, more generic Arctic tours.

The Sum Up: An Authentic Arctic Skiing Experience for Curious Explorers

The First Arctic Expedition on Altai Skis offers a genuine taste of Lapland’s wilderness, blending scenic beauty, adventure, and education in a well-organized package. The small group size and personal guidance make it ideal for beginners and adventurers wanting to learn ski trekking and explore remote snowy landscapes.

While equipment logistics require bringing your own winter gear, the included gear, transport, and lunch provide excellent value. The chance to pull your own expedition sleigh, learn safety tips, and enjoy a fire-lit barbecue in the Arctic adds a rustic charm that makes this tour memorable.

This experience is perfect for those who value authentic exploration in a quiet, snow-covered environment. Expect stunning views, nature encounters with reindeer or arctic hares, and the thrill of being a true Arctic explorer.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the duration of the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 6 hours, starting at 9:30 am from Rovaniemi.

What is included in the price?
The price covers Altai skis and poles, expedition sleigh, private transportation, lunch, coffee and tea, and all fees and taxes.

Do I need to bring my own clothing?
Yes, travelers should bring winter overalls and boots, as these are not included.

Is the tour suitable for beginners?
Yes, the tour is adapted for beginners and designed to introduce you to Arctic ski trekking in a safe, guided environment.

What are the weather conditions for this tour?
The tour requires good weather for safe operation. Cancellations due to poor weather result in a full refund or rescheduling.

How many people are in each group?
Small groups are limited to 8 travelers, allowing for personalized guidance.

Can I see the Northern Lights on this tour?
While not guaranteed, the guide’s location and timing offer the possibility of stunning views, including auroras boreales in the right conditions.

What is the main highlight of this experience?
The scenic snow landscapes, learning expedition skills, and wild barbecue lunch are the key highlights of this Arctic adventure.