Winter Quad Bike Ride

Quad bikes, also known as ATVs, are not only for summer. In Lapland they run through winter on snowy forest tracks, and a guided quad safari gives you a different feel from the more familiar snowmobile. The machine has four wide tyres, a seat and handlebars, and the drive is relaxed rather than extreme, with the guide leading a line of riders along a prepared route through spruce and pine. The route often passes frozen marshes and open clearings, where the horizon feels huge, and some tours stop at a campfire for a hot drink and a snack. For travellers who have already done a snowmobile safari or who find the snowmobile awkward, the quad is a pleasant variation. It is also a good choice for groups with mixed ages, since some programmes allow younger riders as passengers.

Tours start with a briefing on the controls and safety rules, and a short practice drive before you head into the forest. Drivers normally need a valid driving licence, and passengers may have age or height limits, so check the conditions for your group when you book. Operators supply helmets, thermal overalls and boots in most cases, which saves you from buying heavy gear. Even so, bring warm base layers, thin gloves for under the provided mittens and a neck warmer, because the wind on a moving quad can be bitter, especially on open sections.

The pace is controlled, and the route is usually a loop of a few kilometres with stops for photographs and a break by a fire. You follow the guide in single file, and you take care to keep a safe distance. On a clear night, some operators run evening drives that finish under the stars, but you should not count on the Northern Lights during a general drive.

Snow conditions determine the route, and in a thin winter the tracks may be icier and shorter, so ask the operator how the season is going when you book.

Quad bike safaris suit confident adults, couples and groups of friends, and some families with teenagers. They are not ideal for people with back problems, since the bumps on uneven tracks can be tiring. A typical outing lasts two to three hours, which leaves enough time in the day for another activity, such as a reindeer visit or a sauna. If you want a sense of speed and adrenaline, a snowmobile safari may be a better match, while a quad is more about the ride through the forest and the chance to drive yourself.

A few practical tips help the outing run smoothly. Tell the operator about any neck, back or knee problems before you book, because the bumps on a rutted track can be tiring. Do not wear loose scarves that could catch on the machine, and tuck any hanging straps into your overalls.

Keep your phone in a zipped inner pocket, and bring a neck warmer that sits snugly under the helmet. If you want to share driving, ask whether the programme lets guests swap seats, since some operators do and others prefer a fixed arrangement for safety. Always follow the guide's speed and spacing instructions.