Ylläs: Snowmobile Tour to Arctic Snow Village & Snack

Ylläs: Snowmobile Tour to Arctic Snow Village & Snack — A Detailed Look

If you’re considering adding a snowmobile adventure to your Lapland itinerary, the Ylläs Snowmobile Tour to Arctic Snow Village promises a mix of adrenaline, stunning scenery, and unforgettable ice artistry. Guided by the experienced Safartica team, this 3.5-hour trip combines the thrill of riding through snowy wilderness with the wonder of exploring a uniquely crafted ice village.

What we love about this tour is how smoothly it balances excitement with cultural charm — the scenic snowmobile trail offers incredible views, the Snow Village itself is a stunning feat of ice architecture, and the included warm drink and doughnut provide cozy comfort after braving the cold. One consideration is that driving a snowmobile requires a valid license, so it’s not suitable for young children, but for adult thrill-seekers or families with older kids, it’s a fantastic choice.

This tour is ideal for those who want a genuine Arctic experience, appreciate scenic drives, and love exploring intricate ice sculptures. It suits adventure lovers and curious travelers eager to see Lapland’s iconic winter wonderland from the seat of a snowmobile.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Good To Know

• Scenic Snowmobile Ride: Cross 25 km of Arctic wilderness with guidance from attentive, multilingual guides.
• Visit the Snow Village: Explore themed ice rooms, sculptures, a snow chapel, and ice restaurant.
• Authentic Arctic Experience: Warm drinks and doughnuts in the ice hotel add a cozy touch after the adventure.
• Inclusive and Practical: All necessary winter clothing, transfers, and instructions are provided, making it accessible.
• Insightful Guides: Reviews highlight guides’ friendliness, attentiveness, and local knowledge, enriching the experience.
• Excellent Value: At $229, this tour offers a mix of adventure, culture, and comfort that’s hard to beat in Lapland.

What to Expect on This Snowmobile Tour

Starting Point and Transportation

The journey begins with pickup from your accommodation within the Ylläs area, or you can meet at the designated safari house in Ylläsjärvi. Transfers are included if your stay is within 15 km of the starting point, making logistics straightforward. Once you arrive, you’ll receive warm, insulated winter clothing — essential for comfort and safety in the freezing temperatures.

Snowmobile Instructions and Ride

Before hitting the trails, you’ll get a briefing from your guides about snowmobile safety and operation. The ride itself spans approximately 25 km, with two persons sharing each snowmobile. The group size tends to be small, fostering a more personalized experience, and reviewers mention that guides are attentive and often speak excellent English, with some even being native speakers, like the French-speaking guide Camille appreciated.

The route winds through the enchanting Lappish landscape, featuring dense forests, snow-covered trees, and occasional frozen lakes. Reviewers frequently mention the stunning views and the bumpy but fun ride — a perfect balance of adventure and scenery. Guides like Andrej are praised for their sensitivity and ability to explain everything clearly, making even newcomers feel confident behind the wheel.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Arrival at the Snow Village

The highlight is the Snow Village — a marvel built entirely from snow and ice. Each year, the village has a different theme; this year’s “sea” theme provides a fresh artistic perspective. The rooms are decorated with intricate sculptures, each themed and illuminated with colorful lights, making them photographic gold.

Visitors have about 50 minutes to wander independently, exploring ice rooms, sculptures, the chapel, and the ice restaurant. Reviewers mention how mesmerizing the sculptures are, with some noting the attention to detail that makes each space feel like a enchanted icy realm. You might find yourself taking dozens of photos or just marveling at the craftsmanship.

Refreshments and Relaxation

After the exploration, you’ll head to the ice restaurant for a warm drink and a doughnut. This small but meaningful gesture provides a cozy break after the outdoor activity, giving you a chance to chat about what you’ve seen and warm up. Many past guests remark that these moments of comfort really complete the experience, especially after the cold ride.

Return Journey

The trip wraps up with a scenic drive back through the snowy terrain. The journey gives you time to reflect on the day’s highlights and enjoy the peaceful winter landscape. Some reviews highlight how the guides create a friendly atmosphere, making the return trip feel like a shared adventure rather than just transportation.

Practical Details and Tips

• Price: $229 per person — an excellent value considering the included transfers, equipment, and guided tour.
• Duration: 3.5 hours — perfect for fitting into a day without feeling rushed.
• Age & Licenses: Drivers must be at least 18 with a valid license (B). Children 4-12 are seated in sledges; older children over 140 cm may sit as passengers, with full adult pricing.
• Group Size: Usually small, often private if you’re lucky, with two per snowmobile, which enhances the experience.
• Included: Transfers, winter gear, instructions, snowmobile safari, visit to Ice Village, hot drink, and doughnut.
• Cancellation & Payment: Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance; flexible booking with pay later option.

What to bring

• Valid driver’s license
• Warm layers, although winter clothing is provided
• Camera for capturing sculptures and landscape views

Reviews and Authentic Insights

Guests consistently praise the friendly, knowledgeable guides like Andrej, who takes care to explain everything clearly and makes sure the group feels comfortable. One reviewer from Switzerland appreciated the “great ride through beautiful forests and lakes,” noting the guides’ attentiveness and humor made the trip memorable.

Another guest from France highlighted the beautiful ice sculptures and the fact that they had a nearly private tour, which allowed plenty of time for photos and exploration. They also appreciated the “bumpy but fun” ride across the snowy terrain, emphasizing how the scenic trail and the stops made the trip well worth the cost.

Several reviewers commented on the stunning views along the trail, with some mentioning that their guides pointed out local wildlife tracks and explained the natural environment. This added educational value to an already breathtaking experience.

On top of that, the ice village stands out as a highlight — guests describe it as “really beautiful,” with detailed sculptures and themed rooms that are perfect for photography. The inclusion of a ice restaurant and chapel adds a unique touch that not many other tours in Lapland offer.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This tour is best suited for adventure seekers who don’t mind getting a little cold and want to experience a true Arctic thrill. It’s perfect for those with a sense of curiosity about ice art and cold-weather scenery, as well as travelers looking for a mix of outdoor activity and cultural sightseeing.

Families with children over 4 will enjoy the sled rides, but very young kids or infants are not suitable for the snowmobile ride itself. The experience also appeals to solo travelers or couples looking for a fun, guided adventure in Lapland with a mix of adrenaline, culture, and comfort.

The Sum Up

The Ylläs Snowmobile Tour to Arctic Snow Village offers a well-rounded, memorable exploration of Lapland’s winter landscape. With skilled guides, stunning ice sculptures, and the thrill of a snowmobile ride, it combines adventure with artistry in a way that feels both authentic and fun. The inclusion of warm drinks and the chance to walk among intricate sculptures makes this a wholesome Arctic experience, ideal for travelers craving a taste of Lapland’s magic.

While the tour is priced higher than some other activities, the value lies in the combination of scenery, cultural insight, and entertainment. It’s most rewarding for those who want a scenic, active day with a dose of icy wonder — a true highlight of any trip to Finnish Lapland.

FAQs

Do I need a driver’s license to participate? Yes, each snowmobile driver must be at least 18 and hold a valid B-license. Children over 140 cm can sit as passengers, but only if they meet the age and height requirements.

What should I bring with me? You should bring your driver’s license. Warm clothing is provided, but layering is recommended for comfort and warmth.

Are transfers included? Yes, transfers are included if your accommodation is within 15 km of the safari house in Ylläsjärvi.

Can I cancel my booking? Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is this tour suitable for children? Children aged 4-12 can sit in a sledge behind the guide’s snowmobile. Infants under 3 years old are not suitable for this activity.

How long is the visit to the Snow Village? Visitors have roughly 50 minutes to explore the ice sculptures, themed rooms, chapel, and ice restaurant independently.

What is the experience level needed? No prior snowmobile experience is necessary; guides provide instructions and safety briefing before the ride.

This snowmobile tour is a fantastic way to experience the essence of Lapland’s winter — a blend of adventure, culture, and stunning scenery packaged into an immersive 3.5-hour outing. Whether you’re seeking a thrilling ride or a chance to marvel at icy artistry, it’s a memorable addition to any Arctic adventure.

You can check if your dates are available here: