Frequently asked questions
BEFORE BOOKING
Who are the tours suitable for?
Our tours are suitable for anyone who enjoys nature and memorable experiences! We offer tours for various skill levels, ranging from relaxed scenic rides to more demanding fell summits.
You don’t need any prior snowmobiling experience for most of our tours, and a driving licence is not mandatory on any tour. However, you must be at least 18 years old to drive a snowmobile. Please mention in the “Additional Information” field during booking if you participate without a driving licence.
Pregnancy or health limitations may prevent participation depending on the tour and your personal condition. We are happy to help you choose the tour that best suits your fitness level and preferences.
Can children participate in the tours?
Children can safely participate in most of our tours. The general minimum age is 8 years, except for snowshoeing tours and the Halti summit tour, where the minimum age is 10 years.
Children under 140 cm can join snowmobile safaris by sitting in a sleigh (on tours where a sleigh option is available). Children over 140 cm can ride as passengers on the snowmobile behind an adult. Please note that minors must always be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Do children get a discount?
Our tour pricing is based on reserved equipment and seat availability. For this reason, rates are the same for all participants. The most budget-friendly option for families is to share snowmobiles or use sleigh seats.
Mitä retkien kuvauksissa annetut Aktiviteettitasot tarkoittavat?
Activity level 1/3: Suitable for first timers to drive snowmobile / Easy physical level
Activity level 2/3: Recommended to have earlier driving experience with Kilpissafarit / Moderate physical level
Activity level 3/3: Demands good driving skills / Physically demanding
BOOKING A TOUR
How do I book a tour?
On our “Book Now” page, you will find all our tours gathered in a single calendar. Alternatively, you can choose a tour from our selection and book directly via the booking calendar on that specific tour’s page. If you need help choosing a tour or are interested in a fully customized private tour, please contact us by email or phone.
What is included in the price?
On our winter safaris, the price includes guiding, photos taken by the guide, and the required insurance. Additionally, for most tours, we provide full thermal gear (thermal overalls, boots, wool socks, mittens, helmet, and balaclava). On some tours, warm juice and pastries are also served. Detailed tour-specific inclusions can always be found on each tour’s dedicated page.
What if I am late for the activity?
Our tours are run in groups, so for group safety and scheduling, we always depart on time. If you miss the initial safety briefing, regulations prevent us from letting you join the tour late, and late arrivals are not eligible for a refund. Please make sure to arrive on time!
Please pay special attention to the time difference between Finland, Norway, and Sweden: Norway and Sweden are one hour behind Finland. All tour departure times are stated in Finnish time (EET/EEST). If you are arriving from Norway or Sweden and forget to account for the time difference, you will arrive one hour late for your tour.
Can I reschedule my tour?
If you need to reschedule your booking, please contact us immediately by email (info@kilpissafarit.fi). We always try to be flexible and find a new time slot subject to availability. However, due to limited capacity, we cannot guarantee rescheduling, especially on short notice. If you need to cancel your tour completely, you will receive a full refund as long as you cancel at least 7 days before the tour starts.
PARTICIPATING IN A TOUR
Where do the tours start?
Tours depart from the Kilpissafarit office. located at Tsahkalluoktantie 14, 99490 Kilpisjärvi. You can easily find us on Google Maps by searching for “Kilpissafarit”. For an additional fee, you can also purchase a pick-up transfer from your accommodation. Pick-ups always take place at the accommodation reception. Please be ready at least 15 minutes before the tour departure time.
How early should I arrive?
Please arrive at our safari office or designated pick-up location 15 minutes before the scheduled tour start time. Every tour begins with dressing in thermal gear and a safety briefing given by the guide. These preparations are included in the total tour duration.
What should I wear for the tour?
Although thermal equipment is provided, we recommend wearing warm thermal layers under your outer clothes—preferably wool or thermal materials—and standard outdoor attire. Please bring your own beanie and thin liner gloves that fit comfortably under the thick mittens provided. From February onwards, sunglasses are an absolute must on the bright snowy fells. In winter, we advise against using water-based cosmetics.
Is thermal clothing included in the price?
Yes! On our tours, you don’t need to worry about purchasing specialized arctic gear. All winter tours include thermal overalls, winter boots, wool socks, mittens, a balaclava, and a helmet. On extremely cold days, we also provide an extra thermal jacket depending on conditions.
What should I bring on the tour?
Most importantly, bring an adventurous spirit! If you are joining a snowmobile safari that requires a driving licence, remember to bring your valid driving licence.
Can I bring a camera or a phone?
Absolutely! The views of Kilpisjärvi and the surrounding high fells are breathtaking, and we stop at scenic spots during the tours to take photos. Our guides are also happy to take photos of your group.
Tip: Cold temperatures drain phone and camera batteries quickly. We recommend keeping your devices in a warm place, such as inside your overall’s inner pocket, when not in use.
How long does the tour last?
Our tour durations range from 2-hour Northern Lights trips to 6-hour fell summits. You will find the exact duration on each tour’s specific presentation page. The stated duration always includes gear fitting, safety briefing, and the safari itself.
What happens during the tour?
Once gear is fitted and the guide has reviewed safety instructions and driving techniques, we head out into the fell wilderness together. We travel at a pace comfortable for the group and stop regularly to admire the scenery and take photos. During the tour, warm juice and pastries served by the guide are enjoyed. Our guide takes care of the route and safety at all times, so you can simply relax and enjoy the magic of Lapland!
Is there a Northern Lights guarantee?
The Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon, so we unfortunately cannot guarantee their visibility during tours. We do not offer refunds due to cloudy weather, as weather conditions in the fells can change rapidly.
TOUR CANCELLATION
Can I cancel my tour?
Yes, you can. You will receive a 100% refund of the paid price when canceling at least 7 days before the start of the tour. Cancellations made less than 7 days prior to the tour are non-refundable. Please always submit cancellations in writing via email to info@kilpissafarit.fi.
Can I cancel if I get sick?
Yes. If you fall ill, please notify us as soon as possible. Upon providing a medical certificate by email, we will grant a full refund for your tour. We recommend that all guests obtain personal travel insurance for unexpected situations.
What happens if the weather is bad?
The fells are our home, and guest safety is always our top priority. Arctic conditions—such as severe storms, zero visibility, or extreme frost—can sometimes prevent safe travel.
Our guides monitor conditions constantly, and we reserve the right to cancel a tour or adjust the route to ensure safety. If we have to cancel your tour due to weather or snow conditions, we will inform you immediately and issue a full refund.
In what weather conditions can a tour be cancelled?
Kilpissafarit reserves the right to determine when weather conditions prevent running a tour safely. We always notify customers promptly. If a tour is cancelled due to weather or trail conditions, the pre-paid tour price will be refunded in full.
Is there a temperature limit for tours?
Temperature limits depend on the specific tour, but the general threshold is -30°C. Some tour routes travel through microclimates that are warmer than the weather station reading in Kilpisjärvi village. In those cases, tours can often operate safely even if the village temperature drops below -30°C. Kilpissafarit will notify customers if a tour must be cancelled due to severe frost or harsh conditions.
ARRIVAL AND ACCOMMODATION
Where is Kilpissafarit located?
Our safari office is located in the heart of Kilpisjärvi village at the foot of Mount Saana. Our address is Tsahkalluoktantie 14, 99490 Kilpisjärvi. You can easily find us by searching for “Kilpissafarit” directly in Google Maps.
How do I get to Kilpisjärvi?
You can reach Kilpisjärvi by car, airport taxi from Kittilä Airport, or bus from Rovaniemi or Tromsø (Norway):
- By car: Highway 21 (E8) leads directly to Kilpisjärvi.
- By taxi: Kilpistaxi offers an airport taxi service from Kittilä Airport.
- By bus: The Arctic Route provides daily bus connections from both Rovaniemi and Tromsø to Kilpisjärvi.
Where to stay?
Kilpisjärvi village offers great accommodation options close to our safari office. Popular choices include Cahkal Hotel, Tundrea, Lapland Hotels Kilpis, Santa’s Hotels Rakka, Haltinmaa, and Kilpisjärven Retkeilykeskus. Remember that you can also book a convenient pick-up service from your accommodation when booking a tour!
SNOWMOBILING
Do I need a driving licence to drive a snowmobile?
A driving licence is not mandatory on any of our tours, but if you do not have one, please inform us in the “Additional Information” field when booking. The minimum driving age is 18 years.
For example, on our most popular tours, such as The Three-Country Cairn and Snowmobiling 101, you can drive without a driving licence, as long as you are at least 18 years old.
Can I participate in a snowmobile safari if I haven’t driven one before?
Yes, you can! Most of our guests are driving a snowmobile for the first time. Please feel free to inform the guide beforehand. Our experienced guides will thoroughly brief you on safe vehicle operation before departure. We only recommend prior snowmobiling experience for the demanding Conquering Halti summit safari.
What does snowmobile self-liability mean?
The driver is responsible for the snowmobile they operate. On guided snowmobile safaris, maximum self-liability is €1,000 per damage incident. For unguided snowmobile rentals, maximum self-liability is €1,500 per damage incident.
What is a sleigh?
A sleigh is a wooden transport trailer pulled behind a snowmobile, driven by our guide. Travelling in a sleigh is an easy, safe, and relaxing way to enjoy the fell landscapes if you prefer not to drive. It is also the perfect option for young children (under 140 cm) to join the arctic adventure!
SAFETY
Is the safari safe?
Absolutely. Safety is the foundation of everything we do, and we have been safely guiding guests in the Kilpisjärvi fells since 1995. Our professional guides know the terrain inside out. We adjust driving speeds and routes to match group skill levels and weather conditions, so you can relax and enjoy the experience even as a beginner.
What safety guidelines are followed?
Every safari begins with a briefing where the guide covers snowmobile handling, trail rules, and hand signals. Safe driving speeds are strictly observed on all routes. Please note that there is a zero-tolerance policy regarding alcohol and intoxicants when driving a snowmobile.
What insurance is included in the tours?
Our company holds comprehensive liability insurance, and all vehicles are covered by motor third-party liability insurance. Please note that driver self-liability for damage caused to a snowmobile on guided safaris is capped at €1,000 per incident. While we look after you in the fells, we always recommend that all guests hold personal travel insurance.
