Northern Lights Adventure By Snowmobile

Northern Lights Adventure By Snowmobile: A Detailed Look at an Arctic Must-Do

If you’re dreaming of catching the elusive Northern Lights in Norway, this snowmobile adventure in Alta offers a prime blend of excitement and scenic beauty. It’s a tour that combines adrenaline-pumping snowmobiling with the chance to witness one of nature’s most stunning light displays—though, as with all outdoor nature experiences, the lights aren’t guaranteed, but the journey is full of memorable moments.

One thing we love about this tour is how it’s designed with both safety and comfort in mind—warm gear, guided expertise, and minimal crowding, with just 17 travelers max. A slight consideration is the weather dependency; cloudy or stormy nights could mean missing the lights entirely. Still, the overall experience remains a fantastic way to explore Norway’s wild winter landscape. If you’re a nature enthusiast, adventure seeker, or simply want a unique Arctic experience, this tour ticks many boxes.

Key Points

• Expert guides like Rodger and Thomas provide insightful commentary and safety instructions.
• The scenic route along the old postal road offers impressive views of Finnmarksvidda and surrounding mountains.
• Warm gear and equipment ensure comfort even in the coldest conditions.
• The group size is limited, fostering a more personalized and engaging experience.
• The tour’s value lies not just in the chance of seeing the Northern Lights but in the thrilling snowmobiling ride.
• Weather can impact visibility, but the journey itself remains rewarding.

Setting the Scene: What the Tour Offers

This tour, operated by Æventyr, promises roughly 4 hours of Arctic adventure, starting with a pickup in Alta’s city center and ending back in town. The core of the experience is snowmobiling along the old postal road to the Beskardes mountain range, at the very edge of Finnmarksvidda, Norway’s expansive tundra. Here, far from city lights, the dark sky is perfect for stargazing and potentially catching the Northern Lights.

The itinerary is thoughtfully paced: from early evening pickup to a briefing at Gargia Lodge, then out into the wilderness under the guidance of experienced professionals. The timing ensures you’re out at prime viewing hours, usually from 7:00 pm to around 10:00 pm, with a quick stop to soak in the panoramic views before heading back.

The Itinerary in Detail

Meet-up and Transfer
Your adventure begins at the Æventyr store in Alta’s city center, where you check in 5-10 minutes early. From there, a scenic 25 km drive takes you through the quiet, snow-covered landscape to Gargia Valley, a cozy setting that feels worlds away from the hustle of town.

Guided Introduction and Gear Fitting
At Gargia Lodge, you’ll meet your guide—often someone well-loved for their knowledge and friendliness, like Rodger or John, who are praised for their explanations and warm approach. You’ll be fitted with thermo suits, boots, and gloves—gear that’s not just warm but designed for ease of movement, so you can focus on enjoying the ride.

Safety and Snowmobile Instruction
Before hitting the snow, a safety briefing makes sure everyone understands how to operate the snowmobiles. Only those with a valid B class driver’s license are allowed to drive, which most seasoned travelers will have, but passengers can still enjoy the ride if not licensed—each snowmobile carries two people, allowing you to take turns driving.

The Ride to Beskardes
At 7 pm, you hit the trail, with guides leading the way. Reviews repeatedly mention how knowledgeable and attentive the guides are—stopping at points of interest, explaining the terrain, and offering safety tips. As you wind along the old postal route, you’ll be treated to spectacular winter landscapes, with snow-covered trees, frozen lakes, and mountain vistas.

Expect a Short Stop at Viewpoints
Arriving at Beskardes after about an hour of riding, you’ll have a chance to pause and take in the views. This is often highlighted as a memorable moment—standing on the mountain, gazing across the Arctic wilderness, and hoping the sky will clear for the Northern Lights.

Return Journey and Reflection
On the way back, your guide may adjust the route to optimize the chance of seeing the Aurora, stopping at the best possible spots. Many reviews praise guides like Rodger for their sky watching expertise, sometimes stopping when they spot a promising patch of sky. Even if the lights don’t appear, travelers enjoy the adventure of snowmobiling in a winter wonderland, with some describing it as “great fun,” “unforgettable,” and “a proper Norway winter experience.”

What To Expect in Terms of Experience

The snowmobiling itself is often a highlight. Most travelers have never driven one before, and the guides do a good job of making it accessible and safe. Guests have reported feeling confident after the briefing and appreciated the well-maintained equipment and warm gear. Some reviews mention sharing snowmobiles, which means each person gets to drive for about half the trip—perfect for those seeking a bit of control and adventure.

The viewpoints at Beskardes are often described as breathtaking, with many reviewers mentioning stopping for photos and just soaking in the Arctic silence. Even in cases where the Northern Lights are elusive, the stunning landscape more than compensates.

The Weather and Aurora Visibility

Since this is an outdoor adventure, the weather plays a significant role. Quite a few reviews note that cloud cover or storms might prevent Aurora sightings, which is simply part of Arctic exploration. Yet, many travelers emphasize that the ride itself remains worth it, regardless of the lights. Guides are praised for their knowledge of aurora forecast and for making the experience as enjoyable as possible, whether the sky cooperates or not.

The Value and Cost

At $317.27 per person, this tour offers a balance of adventure and scenic beauty. You’re paying for more than just a chance at seeing the Aurora—you’re investing in a guided snowmobiling experience in a stunning landscape, with warm gear, small group sizes, and professional oversight. The hotel pickup and drop-off are included, removing logistical stress.

Many travelers feel the price is well worth it, especially compared to similar experiences. With a small group limit of 17, the tour maintains a personalized feel, which improves safety and enjoyment. While it’s an investment, the combination of adventure, scenery, and expert guidance makes it appealing.

Authentic Insights from Reviewers

• “Rodger, our guide, was very knowledgeable and after watching the sky for a few hours, guided us to Aurora Bliss.”
• “Even in blizzard conditions, we had a great time. They supply really warm suits and driving the snowmobiles was a highlight.”
• “The equipment was first class, and the guides made us feel safe and engaged.”
• “We stopped at points of interest for photos, and the landscape was simply breathtaking.”
• “It’s a cold ride at -20°C at the mountain top, so warm gear is essential.”

These comments highlight the importance of warm gear, expert guides, and the stunning scenery, even if the Aurora doesn’t make an appearance.

Our Final Take: Who Is This Tour Best For?

If you’re after adventure and authentic Arctic scenery, this snowmobile tour delivers. It’s perfect for adventure lovers looking to try snowmobiling for the first time, or those wanting a guided experience with knowledgeable local guides. You’ll love the scenic stops, the warm gear, and the thrill of navigating snowy terrains.

However, if your main goal is to see the Northern Lights and weather is poor, be prepared for the possibility of disappointment. Nonetheless, many travelers find that even without the lights, the experience is worth the cost and provides a fun, memorable Arctic outing.

This tour suits families, couples, or groups of friends who are comfortable in cold weather and eager to embrace Norway’s winter side. The small group size ensures a more intimate experience, and the focus on safety and comfort makes it accessible even if you’re new to snowmobiling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a driver’s license to participate?
Yes. Only holders of a valid B class driver’s license can drive a snowmobile in Norway. Guests without a license can still enjoy the ride as passengers.

What should I wear for the trip?
The tour provides thermo suits, boots, and gloves to keep you warm. However, it’s recommended to dress in warm layers, including thermal underwear, hats, and scarves, for extra comfort.

What’s the group size?
The maximum number of travelers is 17, which helps keep the experience personalized and ensures safety.

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 4 hours, including transportation, briefing, snowmobiling, and scenic stops.

Is the Northern Lights guaranteed?
No. Aurora sightings depend on weather and solar activity. Guides monitor forecasts and will try to position the group for the best chances.

Can I cancel if the weather is bad?
Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If the trip is canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered an alternative date or a full refund.

Final Thoughts

This Northern Lights snowmobile adventure in Alta manages to blend thrilling outdoor activity with spectacular scenery and professional guidance. Even if the Aurora takes a raincheck, the ride through Norway’s winter landscape is an experience to remember. It’s a fantastic pick for those who enjoy adventure travel and want an authentic Arctic outing, with the added bonus of the potential Northern Lights spectacle.

Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned snowmobiler, the combination of expert guides, warm equipment, and stunning vistas makes this tour a standout. Just pack your patience and warm layers—Mother Nature never guarantees the sky’s show, but she sure rewards the brave.