The snowmobile safari starts in Tromsø, where a bus carries the group inland to Camp Tamok, the base for the ride. From there you head across frozen terrain to Lake Finn, with guides leading in single file so that the group stays together on the open snow. Everything you need to stay warm is supplied: a thermal suit, boots, mittens, a balaclava and a helmet, plus coffee or tea and a traditional Norwegian soup or stew served in a lavvu, the Sámi-style tent, at the end of the ride. The whole day takes about seven hours including the transfers, so it is a serious outing rather than a quick thrill. Drivers must hold a valid driving licence and be at least 18, while passengers can be as young as seven, provided they meet the height minimum of 130 cm.
How it works
The group meets in the main entrance hall of the harbour terminal at Prostneset, or is collected from a hotel where pickup is offered, and the bus ride to the valley is part of the day. You can choose to drive a snowmobile yourself or ride behind a guide as a passenger.
Traffic insurance is included, with a capped personal liability, so ask the operator what the excess means for you before you drive. Each adult can bring only one child, and groups are capped at thirty people, which keeps the line of machines manageable.
Season and conditions
This is a winter activity that depends on snow, and the route is not guaranteed to run through the deepest part of the dark season, so check the dates before building a trip around it. Weather changes quickly in the mountains, and guests have enjoyed the ride in wind and snow as well as in clear light. It is a moderately physical day, and riders with back problems, pregnancy, or serious heart or medical conditions are advised not to join. It is not wheelchair accessible.
Planning
The day is long, so be honest about your energy before you also book an aurora chase for the same night. Many travellers put the safari on a day with nothing else planned, then follow it with a quiet evening. If you would rather be towed than steer, the husky and reindeer experiences in our roster are gentler ways to meet the same snowy landscape. Bring a warm base layer and a camera on a strap, and expect the helmet and balaclava to make photographs a little awkward.
What to expect
The experience
A guided snowmobile ride from Camp Tamok to Lake Finn, with a hot meal in a lavvu and bus transfers from Tromsø.
Best time
Daylight in the snow season, when the route is open and the mountains are lit.
How long
About seven hours including the transfers and the meal.
Tips
Drivers need a valid licence and must be 18 or older, wear the supplied thermal gear and check the route dates for the deep winter months.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Active travellers who want speed and wide-open snow.
- Families
- Children from seven can ride as passengers if they reach 130 cm, with one child per adult.
- Couples
- Share a day of landscape and a hot meal, but keep the evening free.
- Pair with
- A relaxed dinner in town rather than a second big activity.
- Time needed
- A full day, around seven hours.
Good questions
Do I need a driving licence for the snowmobile safari?+
Yes, drivers must hold a valid driving licence and be at least 18. Passengers can be as young as seven, and everyone must reach 130 cm in height.
What is included in the day?+
A guide, bus transfers to and from Tromsø, hotel pickup where offered, a thermal suit, boots, mittens, a balaclava, a helmet, coffee or tea, traffic insurance and a Norwegian soup or stew in a lavvu.
How long does it take?+
About seven hours in total, including the transfer to Camp Tamok, the ride to Lake Finn and the meal. It is a full day.
Can children join?+
Children aged seven and over can ride as passengers if they are at least 130 cm tall, with a maximum of one child per adult.
Does it run all winter?+
It depends on snow and the route, and the deep winter months can be closed to this ride, so check the dates when you plan.
