Snowmobile Safari on Arctic Trails

A snowmobile safari is the adrenaline option in Lapland, and with a guide it is also far easier than it sounds. After a short briefing and a suit, boots, helmet and gloves, you drive a snowmobile along a snow-packed forest trail behind a guide, in a line of machines, with stops for photographs and a hot drink. The trails run through pine and spruce forest and over frozen lakes, and the pace is set by the guide so that beginners and confident drivers can both enjoy it. Small groups keep the experience personal and give the guide time to help, and newer machines are easier to handle and quieter than old ones. Drivers need a valid driving licence, and passengers sit behind, while children can ride in a heated sledge on some tours. The season depends on snow cover, so safaris typically begin in late November or December and run through to April. In early November, check whether an early-winter product is running or whether it is too soon.

Be clear about who drives and who rides. The driver needs a licence and must follow the guide's instructions, and many operators charge extra for a single rider or let two people share a machine to save money. Sharing is cheaper but less fun for the passenger, who sits behind and holds on. If you want the driving experience, choose single-rider seats or a tour with enough machines for everyone. Check minimum ages for driving and for passengers, and ask about the sledge for small children.

The dress code is the same as for other winter outdoor activities, with a few extras. A balaclava or neck warmer is essential because wind chill is serious at speed, and ski goggles or a helmet visor help. Most operators supply thermal suits, boots, gloves and helmets as part of the price, but wear thermal layers underneath. Because you are holding handlebars, hands are the first thing to get cold, so ask for heated grips or liner gloves. Fuel, insurance and guide are normally included, though a damage deposit or excess may apply if you crash, so read the terms.

Most safaris last one to three hours of riding, and longer evening versions combine a campfire stop with a chance to see the Northern Lights. Spread your Lapland experiences across different days, since snowmobiling is tiring and noisy, and the sleds, dogs and reindeer offer a quieter contrast. Good snow depth is the key condition, so book for December to March if you want a certain white landscape, and ask the operator about the conditions if you plan to come earlier.