From Saariselkä: Ice-skating on Frozen Lake Inari

Key Points

• Unique activity: The ONLY natural ice skating track in Lapland on Frozen Lake Inari.
• Flexible options: Choose between rental only or full experience with transfers.
• Duration: 2 to 4 hours, including equipment fitting and skating time.
• All skill levels welcome: Guides assist beginners, while experienced skaters can go solo.
• Family friendly: Kids can enjoy skating with special kicksleds available.
• Spectacular scenery: Glide across the vast, frozen lake with breathtaking winter views.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Only Natural Ice Track in Lapland on Lake Inari

This ice-skating tour from Saariselkä offers a rare chance to skate on the only track on natural ice in all of Lapland. The activity takes place on Frozen Lake Inari, a vast and pristine natural setting that provides a genuinely authentic Arctic experience. This uniqueness makes it stand out among winter activities, especially for those seeking a genuine Arctic adventure.

The skating activity lasts about 1.5 hours on the ice itself, with a total duration of 2 hours including equipment setup. The tour does not include transfer time unless you opt for the additional transfer service, which is available for extra fee. The tour is suitable for a wide range of visitors, with guides ensuring safety and comfort for beginners and experts alike.

How the Tour is Organized from Saariselkä

The tour begins with a pick-up from Saariselkä or Ivalo in a van, which takes approximately an hour to reach the Inari Lake. The meeting point is a small parking area on private land, with clear instructions to respect local neighbors. Once arrived, a brief safety briefing sets the stage for the skating adventure.

After the briefing, visitors walk to the ice track for about 20 minutes, where they get fitted with skating equipment, helmets, and balaclavas in a dedicated storage area. The on-ice experience lasts approximately 1.5 hours, during which beginners receive guidance, and experienced skaters can enjoy skating independently. The guide is present to help with technique, safety, and to explain the rules of the track.

The Variety of Skating Options and Equipment

The activity features a wide selection of skating equipment, including ice hockey skates in sizes 40.5 to 48 and figure skates in sizes 36 to 42. Helmets and balaclavas are provided to keep skaters warm and safe. For those who want to try different ways of moving on the ice, options include hockey skates, figure skates, or kick-sleds.

The tour is designed to accommodate families and children as well, with kids’ kicksleds available. This ensures that even the youngest participants can join in the fun and explore the ice safely.

Scenic Beauty of Frozen Lake Inari

While skating, visitors are treated to stunning views of the expansive frozen lake. The scenery features winter landscapes that are both tranquil and majestic. The vastness of Lake Inari creates a sense of freedom and adventure, making it an ideal setting for memorable photos and videos.

Many reviews highlight how the scenery enhances the experience, providing an inspiring backdrop to the activity. The breath-taking vistas make every glide on the ice feel special, especially with the silence of the snow-covered surroundings.

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The Group Size and Atmosphere

The tour groups are kept intentionally small, with 4 to 24 participants. This ensures plenty of personal attention from guides and creates a cozy, friendly environment for everyone to enjoy the activity. The guides are praised for their friendly demeanor and expertise, making sure all participants feel confident and well-supported.

Whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced skater, you’ll find the atmosphere welcoming. Guides are attentive to individual needs, offering tips and assistance to ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable time.

Practical Tips for a Great Skating Experience

Participants are encouraged to bring warm clothing, including gloves and hats, but should avoid wearing excessive layers during skating, as activity can be quite active. It’s best to wear layers that can be adjusted to stay comfortable.

The tour also recommends contacting the provider if you encounter issues with booking the optional transfer service, which is available for an extra 20 per person. If you prefer to meet at the track, equipment rental alone is available at no extra cost, with no need for the transfer.

For safety, intoxication and bare feet are not allowed on the ice. The physical nature of the activity means it’s not suitable for children under 4, people with mobility impairments, or those over 65 or weighing more than 243 lbs (110 kg).

The Experience of Guided Skating and Cultural Insights

The guides do more than just help with skating—they also share interesting facts about Sami culture and the local area. This adds an educational element to the adventure, enriching the experience beyond just skating on ice.

If the weather turns windy or cold, guides provide support and tips to keep everyone comfortable. The timing of the activity, typically scheduled in the morning or early afternoon, aims to maximize daylight and optimal ice conditions.

Customer Satisfaction and Real Feedback

With a rating of 4.6 out of 5 from 72 reviews, this tour receives high marks for organization, scenery, and guide friendliness. Many reviewers praise the professionalism of the staff, the well-maintained equipment, and the stunning views.

Guests also appreciate the flexibility of options, whether opting for just rental equipment or a full experience with transfer. The small group size often results in a personalized experience, with guides providing patience and support especially for less confident skaters.

Comparing Full and Rental-Only Options

Visitors can choose between renting skating gear and meeting at the track or selecting the full experience with transfers from Saariselkä or Ivalo. The full experience provides convenience, especially for those who prefer not to navigate logistics themselves.

The rental-only option is ideal for those who have transportation sorted or prefer a more flexible schedule. Both options include skates, helmets, and balaclavas—everything needed for a comfortable day on the ice.

Final Thoughts on the Inari Lake Ice-Skating Tour

This tour offers a genuinely unique opportunity to skate on natural ice on Lake Inari, combining adventure with stunning Arctic scenery. The expert guides, well-maintained equipment, and flexible options make it accessible for a wide range of visitors, from families to experienced skaters.

While the activity lasts a few hours, the memories of gliding across vast, frozen lakes surrounded by snow-capped landscapes are sure to stay long after. The tour’s high ratings and positive reviews reflect its quality and the care taken to make each participant’s experience enjoyable and safe.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the ice skating track suitable for children?
Yes, children are welcome, and kids’ kicksleds are available to make the experience fun and safe for younger participants.

What should I wear for skating?
Bring warm clothing, gloves, and hats. Avoid wearing too many layers during activity to prevent overheating; layers should be adjustable.

Can I participate if I’m an experienced skater?
Absolutely. Experienced skaters can enjoy skating independently after receiving basic instructions and equipment fitting from guides.

Do I need to book the transfer service in advance?
It is recommended to contact the provider if you encounter issues with online booking. Transfer service costs 20 per person and is optional; rental-only options are available without transfer.

How long is the skating activity?
The on-ice skating lasts approximately 1.5 hours, with the total activity lasting 2 hours including briefing and equipment setup.

What makes this tour special compared to other winter activities?
The natural ice track on Lake Inari is a rare feature in Lapland, offering a truly authentic Arctic ice-skating experience in a stunning landscape.

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