This page provides a brief overview of the most frequently asked questions that we receive from our customers and what to expect on our snowmobile tours.
If you are unable to find the answer to your questions here, please feel free to contact us using the the form at the bottom of the page.
Which driving licenses are valid in Finland and on your snowmobile safaris?
Valid driving license classes for driving a snowmobile:
B – a car or a van
The information on your driving license must be written in the Latin alphabet or accompanied by a translation into Finnish or English by a reliable source or an international driving license.
If the information on your driving license does not have a B category, but some other category indicating that you are licensed to operate a car, you must then provide a proof of the validity and clarification with Latin alphabet by a reliable source or an international driving license.
The driver must also fulfill the current age and health requirements in Finland.
All drivers must be minimum 18 years old and have a physical driving license with them. A photo or a mobile driving license is not sufficient.
Do I need previous experience of riding a snowmobile?
You do not need any snowmobiling experience to participate in most safaris (please see the specific information for each safari), only good physical health and a sense of adventure. The days can be long and demanding but the guide is there to help you and teach you new skills along the way.
Before every safari we undertake a safety brief and give driving instructions to all participants so everyone is aware of the basic controls and procedures in regards to driving. If it will be your first time on a snowmobile, but you have a great sense of adventure, it is recommended that you choose one of the shorter safaris. When making the booking do ask questions and we will guide you, as best as possible, to the right option for you.
Do I need special skills to drive a snowmobile?
Riding a snowmobile is easy but you should consider your experience and skills when selecting a safari. Start with easy and short ones (skill levels are pointed out on program description) to get more experience, after which you can choose the longer and more sporty ones if you wish.
Can I join a snowmobile safari if I’m pregnant?
Wild Nordic Finland does not recommend pregnant individuals to ride on the snowmobile or in the sled pulled by the snowmobile as the vibrations and exhaust fumes may be harmful to the human body. If the program requires special arrangement (e.g. additional transport), Wild Nordic shall not be responsible for the possible extra costs.
If the pregnant individual decides to participate in the activity against the advice of Wild Nordic Finland, it is done at their own risk and shall release Wild Nordic from any liability to any occurring injuries to the pregnant customer or the unborn child.
How big are the groups on your tours? Is the group split up or do we travel together?
We believe in personalized service and our groups are small compared to many other tour operators. As the specialists in small-group snowmobile tours, we believe that focus on quality over quantity is paramount to providing an excellent experience to every guest that we host. As such, a maximum of 7 snowmobiles are assigned to a single guide. However, during the high season groups can also be a bit bigger. If this is the case, then another guide will join you.
Do I wear my own winter clothes or do you provide them?
To make sure your days on our tours are enjoyable, we will provide the following thermal outdoor clothing to be used during the tours (unless stated otherwise in the tour description). If you wish, you can wear your own clothing and boots during our tours but we strongly recommend using our special equipment.
- Thermal overall
- Balaclava mask
- Woolen socks
- Winter boots
- Scarf (if needed)
- Mittens
- Helmet
If the day tour you’re joining includes the use of thermal clothing, you’re welcome to arrive dressed in your normal clothes. However, especially on tours lasting more than two hours we would recommend considering the following clothing of your own:
- Long thermal underwear
- Sport or ski socks worn under woolen socks
- Trousers: loose-fitting, fleece, softshell or similar
- Sweater: wool, fleece or similar warm material
- Neck warmer instead of scarf if you want
- Warm hat
- Your own jacket to be worn under the overall if the temperatures are close to -15 °C or lower
If the outdoor tour you are joining does not include the use of winter clothing, please make sure to bring your own winter boots, weatherproof jacket, trousers and gloves, in addition to the equipment listed above. Wild Nordic is also happy to rent out the winter clothing for 25 €/person/day.
I would like to join your snowmobile safari with my small children. Is it possible?
It is definitely possible. Most of our safaris are suitable for children aged 4 and above (please see specifications under each safari).
Children under 7 must be accompanied by an adult in the sleigh for safety reasons.
The sledge is pulled by the guide’s snowmobile – it takes some experience to do it safely and that is the reason why only the guide is allowed to pull the sledge.
If the child is at least 140 cm tall, he/she can also sit on the snowmobile behind the adult. In this case he/she has to pay the price of an adult.
How fast are we driving on snowmobile safaris?
Snowmobile trail speed limits are set by local authorities and are displayed with traffic signs. In areas without signs, the following limits apply: a maximum of 60 km/h on the trail, 80 km/h on ice-covered water areas, and 40 km/h when pulling a sledge.
On guided safaris, the speed is always adapted to the skill level and safety of the group, with the guide carefully monitoring riding ability and trail conditions. The maximum speed will never exceed what is safe and comfortable for the slowest or least experienced rider, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.
If you choose a private safari, you will ride exclusively with your own group. This allows the guide to tailor the ride more specifically to your group’s skill level and preferences. Even then, the speed will never surpass what the slowest or least experienced rider is comfortable with. Without outside participants, we can focus on providing a more dynamic experience, especially for more experienced riders who want to go faster.
Our goal is to provide a fun, safe, and memorable experience for everyone, regardless of skill level.
Does snowmobile driving harm nature?
Wild Nordic mainly uses snowmobiles equipped with powerful, low-emission Rotax ACE four-stroke engines for most of our safaris. We also have a limited number of sport snowmobiles with Rotax ETEC two-stroke engines featuring advanced direct-injection technology. Our focus remains on efficient and environmentally responsible snowmobiles.
If we do not see the northern lights on the northern lights tour, will you give us a refund?
Northern lights are a natural wonder and therefore we cannot guarantee seeing them during the tour. Seeing the northern lights always depends on the weather and timing but finally you also need a lot of luck. We cannot refund any money or give you a new tour if you do not see the northern lights during your tour, but we will do our very best to ensure that you will enjoy your experience with or without them.
Do you offer private tours?
We are happy to arrange our programs privately – just send an email inquiry to [email protected] and we will look into available options. With private tours the starting times can in most cases be adjusted to suit your needs. The pricing of different private tours should always be checked separately.
Wild Nordic is a travel company operating in Rovaniemi and Levi, Finnish Lapland. We have been providing unforgettable experiences since 1997.
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