IVALO: Snowmobile Sled Ride to Wilderness

If you’re dreaming of a genuine Arctic experience without the hassle of driving snowmobiles yourself, the IVALo Snowmobile Sled Ride to Wilderness offers a perfect solution. This 2-hour private tour takes you through the tranquil, snow-dusted forests of Lapland in a cozy covered sleigh pulled by a snowmobile, with options to see the Northern Lights or enjoy daylight scenery.

What we love most about this experience? It’s the combination of comfort, authenticity, and close-up encounters — especially at the Happy Huskies kennel and around the campfire. That said, it’s not a tour for those seeking high-adrenaline thrills or a full-day adventure. Instead, it’s ideal for couples, families, or small groups who want a peaceful, guided glimpse into Arctic life with ample time to connect with nature.

One thing to consider is the weather dependency — the northern lights or clear skies aren’t guaranteed, but even a cloudy or snowy night offers something special. This tour appeals most to travelers looking for a relaxed, scenic, and culturally rich Arctic outing rather than an adrenaline rush or extensive tour.

Key Points

• Comfortable, guided experience: No snowmobile driving required, with a professional guide ensuring your safety and comfort.
• Small group intimacy: Limited to 2-6 people, making it personalized and relaxed.
• Authentic Arctic stopovers: Visit a reputable husky kennel, enjoy a campfire, hot drinks, and grilled sausages.
• Flexible options: Choose between daytime or evening tours for different scenery and northern lights chances.
• Weather-dependent: The best views of the northern lights and scenery depend on clear skies and snow conditions.
• Extra experiences available: You can extend your adventure with husky rides or relax with a Finnish sauna.

An In-Depth Look at the IVALO Snowmobile Sled Ride

The Itinerary and What You Can Expect

This tour kicks off at the meeting point in Ivalo, easily accessible in Finnish Lapland. The meeting spot at Alatörmäsentie 29b is signposted with Happy Huskies signs — a helpful detail for arriving on time. You’ll be greeted by the friendly team, who are known for their responsible and dog-centered approach, ensuring the welfare of their sled dogs is a priority.

Once suited up with warm clothing and blankets (included in the tour), you’ll settle into a covered sled with a transparent roof. This feature is a real highlight — it allows you to keep an eye on the landscape and, if conditions are right, witness the dancing northern lights. The guide, who is fluent in English and Finnish, then guides the snowmobile and sled along forest trails, across frozen marshes, and winding winter paths.

The Journey Through Forest and Wilderness

The ride itself is smooth and scenic, with the guide sharing insights about the surrounding nature and local lifestyle. We loved the way the guide’s local knowledge made the experience more meaningful — knowing about the forest flora, fauna, and Lapland traditions added a layer of depth to the serenity of the ride.

The tour lasts about two hours, which is ample time to soak in the peacefulness of the snowy landscape. It’s an experience that balances excitement with tranquility, perfect for those seeking a gentle Arctic adventure. The small group size means you get plenty of attention from your guide, and you can ask questions or take photos without feeling rushed.

The Husky Kennel Visit — A Heartwarming Encounter

Midway through the tour, you’ll make a stop at the Happy Huskies kennel, renowned for their responsible approach to dog care. Here, you’ll meet bright-eyed sled dogs, wagging tails, and learn about their training and daily routines. The reviews highlight how genuine and caring the kennel staff is — “You can see the dogs are loved and well cared for,” one guest noted. For dog lovers, this close-up encounter is a definite highlight, adding an authentic, heartwarming touch to the experience.

The Campfire Experience — Warmth and Flavour in the Arctic

After the kennel, your guide will lead you to a remote fire pit nestled deep in the forest. This is where the real magic happens: crackling fire, starry sky, and the aroma of grilled sausages over open flames. The hot berry juice or cocoa provides warming comfort, especially in the evening tours, which are ideal for catching the aurora.

Guests mentioned how peaceful and memorable this stop is, with one saying, “The campfire moment, surrounded by silence and starry sky, was a highlight of the trip.” The fire pit creates a cozy atmosphere, perfect for chatting with your guide or fellow travelers about the Arctic environment.

Northern Lights or Daylight — Choosing Your Adventure

The tour offers two options: a daytime ride or an evening Northern Lights tour. In daylight, you’ll enjoy the golden glow of the Arctic sun as it filters through snow-laden trees. If you opt for the evening, your chances of seeing the aurora borealis depend on weather and sky conditions — but your guide will choose a route that maximizes your chances.

While no one can guarantee the northern lights, reviewers point out that “deep into the wilderness, the chances are better, and even if the lights don’t appear, the stillness of the night is unforgettable.” The experience is equally captivating in its own right.

What’s Included and What To Consider

The $224 per person price reflects excellent value for a personalized, authentic Arctic experience. It includes the 2-hour guided snowmobile sled ride, campfire with hot drinks and grilled sausages, blankets for warmth, and a private tour for small groups.

Additional options like transportation to the starting point, husky rides, or a Finnish sauna are available but not included. You’ll want to consider arranging transport ahead, especially if staying outside Ivalo, to keep things stress-free.

Practical Tips for the Tour

• Wear warm, insulated clothing, including a hat, gloves, scarf, and sturdy winter shoes. The snow and wind can be cold, even with blankets.
• Arrive punctually at the meeting point to keep the schedule smooth.
• Remember, the tour operates depending on weather and snow conditions. If weather makes the experience unsafe, you’ll be offered an alternative date or a full refund.
• The small group size (up to 6 guests) means more personalized service and opportunities to ask questions or take photos.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience suits families with older children, couples, or small groups who want a peaceful, scenic adventure with cultural insights. It’s not ideal for very young children under 2, or anyone with back problems, as the ride involves sitting in a sleigh pulled by a snowmobile.

Final Thoughts: Is the IVALO Snowmobile Sled Ride Worth It?

For anyone eager to see Lapland’s natural beauty without the hassle of driving snowmobiles, this tour offers a well-balanced mix of comfort, scenery, and authentic Arctic encounters. The inclusion of the husky kennel visit and campfire stop makes it more than just a scenic ride — it’s a chance to connect with local wildlife, learn about Lapland’s traditions, and create memorable moments in a peaceful, winter wonderland.

The value is clear: a private, guided experience with knowledgeable hosts, small group intimacy, and the flexibility of choosing your preferred time of day. If you’re after a gentle, immersive Arctic adventure that combines scenic beauty, wildlife encounters, and cultural richness, this tour will likely tick all those boxes.

Ideal for those who want a relaxed, authentic, and cozy Arctic experience, especially if you’re not looking for high-speed thrills or a full-day commitment.

FAQ

Do I need to drive the snowmobile myself?
No, you don’t need to drive. The snowmobile and sled are operated by a professional guide, and you’ll sit comfortably in a covered, transparent-roofed sled.

What should I wear for the tour?
Dress warmly in thick winter clothing, including a hat, gloves, scarf, and insulated boots. Blankets are provided to stay extra cozy.

Can I see the Northern Lights on this tour?
While the tour offers the best chances to see the aurora borealis in the evening, it depends on weather and sky conditions. The guide will choose a route to maximize your viewing chances.

How long is the tour?
The experience lasts approximately 2 hours, including the stop at the husky kennel and the campfire.

Is this experience suitable for children?
It’s suitable for families with children over 2 years old. However, those with back problems or very young children should consider other options.

What’s included in the price?
The price covers the guided snowmobile sled ride, campfire with hot drinks and grilled sausages, blankets, and the small-group private experience.

Can I extend this experience?
Yes, you can combine this with other activities like a husky ride or a Finnish sauna, but these are paid separately.

How do I get to the meeting point?
The meeting point is in Ivalo at Alatörmäsentie 29b. Follow the signs for Happy Huskies. It’s recommended to arrange transportation in advance if needed.

What if the weather is unsafe?
If weather conditions make the tour unsafe, you will be offered an alternative date or a full refund.

The IVALo Snowmobile Sled Ride to Wilderness stands out as a peaceful, authentic lapland experience perfect for those seeking scenic beauty, wildlife encounters, and cultural insights in a cozy, guided setting. It’s a thoughtfully curated adventure that balances comfort with authentic Arctic charm. Whether you’re chasing the northern lights or simply want a memorable winter outing, this tour offers a genuine taste of Lapland’s wilderness — all in a small, intimate group. If your goal is to connect with nature in a relaxed, heartwarming way, this experience will likely leave you longing to return.