Snowshoe up a Mountain

Spending time in the Swedish Arctic often means facing long, cold winters where nature becomes a magical winter wonderland. The Snowshoe up a Mountain tour, offered by Outdoor North 67°, promises an authentic, intimate experience of this frozen landscape. With a moderate 2.5-hour duration, small group sizes, and a focus on natural beauty, it’s perfect for travelers looking to connect with the Arctic environment in a relaxed, friendly setting.

What truly sets this tour apart is the chance to reach above the tree line for breathtaking views, coupled with the warmth of homemade buns and berry juice at the top. The guides—friendly, knowledgeable, and eager to share their love for the area—create a welcoming atmosphere that makes even beginners feel comfortable. The only consideration? Since the activity involves trekking in deep snow, you’ll want to dress warmly and appropriately, as the tour doesn’t include additional clothing.

This experience is best suited for those who love quiet, scenic outdoor activities, are eager to learn about local wildlife and forest features, and appreciate small-group adventures where personalized attention is guaranteed.

Key Points

• Authentic Arctic Experience: Climb a mountain for spectacular views and a true sense of place.
• Expert Guides: Friendly, knowledgeable locals enhance the storytelling and safety.
• Small Group Setting: Limited to 8 participants, ensuring personalized attention.
• Cultural & Natural Insights: Regular stops for animal tracks and forest features enrich your understanding.
• Comfort & Warmth: Hot berry juice and homemade buns offer a cozy reward at the summit.
• Flexible & Practical: Tours last around 2.5 hours, with pickup from central Kiruna and flexible booking options.

In-Depth Review of the Snowshoe Up a Mountain Tour

How It All Starts: Convenient Pickup & Small Group Atmosphere

The tour begins with pickup from one of three central Kiruna locations—Camp Ripan, Hotel Arctic Eden, or Scandic Kiruna. Pickup times are well-organized, starting about 5-15 minutes before the activity, making logistics straightforward even if your schedule is tight. With a max of 8 participants, the tour maintains an intimate, friendly environment, where everyone gets personalized attention and space to enjoy the surroundings at a comfortable pace.

Transportation & Transition: Smooth and Unhurried

The journey to the mountain involves a quick 15-minute drive—just enough to settle in and get excited while taking in the snowy landscape. When you arrive, you’re greeted with snowshoes, headlamps if needed, and a warm welcome from your guide, Anders or others from Outdoor North 67°, who are consistently praised for their friendliness and knowledge.

The Walk & Wildlife Spotting: A Slow, Engaging Climb

The core part of the activity is a 2.5-hour walk through snow-covered forests. The route up the mountain is designed to allow frequent stops, which are a highlight in themselves. You’ll learn to recognize animal tracks, spot forest features, and hear stories about local wildlife and the landscape—something that guides like Anders excel at, making the experience both educational and engaging.

Reviewers like Mathieu and Cam appreciated Anders’ storytelling, noting his ability to make the environment come alive. Cam especially enjoyed the peacefulness of the hike, describing it as “super peaceful and calm”—a perfect escape from busy city life.

Reaching the Top: Spectacular Views & Cozy Snacks

Once above the treetops, you’ll gain a sweeping panorama of the landscape. This is the moment to pause, take photos, and drink hot local berry juice—a delightful, warming treat that complements the stunning vistas. The sense of achievement from reaching above the forest canopy is genuine, especially with the Arctic light shifting from blue Kaamos to vibrant sunset colors, which is often considered one of the tour’s most memorable aspects.

Return Journey: Exploring Deep Snow & Animal Movements

Descending via a different route offers a fresh perspective, with the chance to observe how animals move through the snow and perhaps see tracks you missed going up. The deep snow and varied terrain provide a bit of fun and challenge, making the return just as interesting as the ascent. Reviewers like Robert enjoyed the chance to see how wildlife navigates the winter landscape, adding another layer of authenticity to the journey.

Food & Warmth: A Cozy Finish

After the trek, your guide will serve homemade buns and berry juice, a simple but thoughtful gesture that elevates the experience. These treats, along with the warm drinks, help you unwind and reflect on the scenic beauty you’ve just experienced.

The Value of This Tour

Understanding the value of this experience hinges on its balance of natural beauty, cultural insight, and personal touch. The tour costs are quite reasonable considering what’s included: snowshoes, local drinks, a knowledgeable guide, and transportation—all wrapped into an immersive 2.5-hour adventure. While it doesn’t include additional clothing, the guides advise dressing appropriately, making sure you’re comfortable in the Arctic conditions.

The small group size makes it more than just a trek; it’s a chance to genuinely connect with the guide, ask questions, and soak in the environment at your own pace. Plus, the flexibility of booking and cancellation—up to 24 hours in advance—adds peace of mind for travelers with fluctuating plans.

Why It’s Worth It

• Scenic Views: Reaching above the treeline offers postcard-worthy vistas.
• Educational & Fun: Regular stops to observe animal tracks and forest features add depth.
• Authentic Local Experience: Friendly guides share stories and insights that you won’t find in a guidebook.
• Comfort & Warmth: Homemade buns and berry juice provide a cozy reward after your effort.

Who Should Book?

This tour is ideal for nature lovers, photography enthusiasts, and those seeking a peaceful outdoor experience in the Arctic. It’s perfect for beginners and experienced snowshoers alike, given the accessible route and manageable duration. If you enjoy small group adventures with a personal touch, this tour checks all those boxes.

Practical Details & Tips

• Duration: 2.5 hours, including pickup, travel, and the walk.
• Timing: Check availability for specific start times—usually in daylight for optimal views.
• Transportation: Pickup from three central locations in Kiruna, with a short drive to the trailhead.
• What to Wear: Dress warmly in layers; the tour doesn’t provide extra clothing, so thermal base layers, waterproof outerwear, hats, gloves, and sturdy snow boots are recommended.
• Group Size: Limited to 8 participants, ensuring a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.
• Language: Guides speak English, Finnish, and Swedish.
• Cancellation & Payment: Full refunds available if canceled 24 hours in advance; booking is flexible with pay later options.

Authentic Experiences & How They Set This Tour Apart

Unlike larger, more commercialized activities, the Snowshoe up a Mountain tour feels genuine and personal. Reviewers consistently highlight the guides’ friendliness and knowledge—qualities that turn a simple walk into a memorable cultural encounter. Mathieu praised the guide’s knowledge of nature and Kiruna’s history, which adds layers to the experience.

Anders, in particular, receives glowing comments for his warmth, storytelling, and ability to make each guest feel welcomed—an important factor when exploring remote, wintry environments. The opportunity to see animal tracks, learn about local flora and fauna, and enjoy homemade snacks makes this more than just a physical activity; it’s an immersion into Arctic life.

The Sum Up: Who Will Love This Tour?

The Snowshoe up a Mountain experience offers a thoughtfully curated, authentic Arctic adventure ideal for travelers who want to see the landscape from a new perspective. With its focus on natural beauty, cultural insights from local guides, and a cozy finish, it’s a fantastic choice for those seeking a peaceful, engaging outdoor activity. It’s particularly suited for nature enthusiasts, photography buffs, and anyone eager to connect with the pristine wilderness of Swedish Lapland.

This tour provides excellent value for its intimate scale and rich experience, delivering more than just a walk in the snow—it offers a genuine taste of local life, wildlife, and Arctic scenery. Whether you’re visiting during the winter months or want a memorable, low-impact adventure, this outing will leave you with lasting impressions and photos you’ll cherish.

FAQ

Do I need special clothing for this tour?
Yes, since the tour doesn’t include extra clothing, you should dress warmly in layers, including waterproof outerwear, thermal base layers, gloves, and a hat. Proper footwear is also recommended to handle the deep snow.

How long is the walk?
The core walk lasts about 2.5 hours, including stops for animal tracks and forest features, with additional time for pickup and transportation.

Where does the tour start?
Pickup is available from Camp Ripan, Hotel Arctic Eden, or Scandic Kiruna. The driver will start pickups 5-15 minutes before the scheduled start time.

What is included in the tour price?
Snowshoes, headlamp (if needed), hot local berry juice, and a friendly local guide are included.

Is the tour suitable for beginners?
Absolutely. The route and pace are designed to be accessible, and guides are experienced in helping guests feel comfortable in the snow.

How many people are in each group?
Limited to 8 participants, ensuring a personalized experience.

What if I want to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility for your plans.

Are there vegetarian or special diet options?
The included snacks are homemade buns and berry juice, but specific dietary requests aren’t mentioned. It’s best to inquire if you have special needs.

Can I see wildlife during the tour?
While wildlife sightings aren’t guaranteed, stops for animal tracks and forest features increase your chances of observing signs of local animals.

What makes this tour stand out?
The combination of stunning views, expert guides, small group intimacy, and the chance to learn about nature and local life makes this experience uniquely rewarding.

Embark on this snowshoe adventure for a real taste of Swedish Lapland’s winter charm, and you’ll come away with not just photos but stories to tell for years.