A La Carte Lapland address

LAPLAND SHORT WINTER ACTIVITIES

Book a winter activity in Lapland as these are ideal as a taster before doing a longer tour or safari. How about a short husky mushing trip, reindeer ride, ice fishing, ice skating, guided cross country skiing trip, snowshoeing, kick sleds, a tour to the Amethyst mine, arctic ice breaker cruise, ice castle, horse riding, snowmobiles and much more. All these lapland winter activities are of a duration of 13 hours or less. Your Lapland winter activity is mostly suitable for small children and adults alike, but some age restrictions apply. Browse through our Lapland Winter activities list and we are sure you will find the perfect Lapland Short winter activity for you.

You’ll be spoilt for choice with the range of winter activities on offer.  There are still a number of adventurous pursuits, ideas to relax, excursions, activities that are just plain fun and some unusual equipment to hire. There’s something for everyone to enjoy, you will have trouble choosing just what to do from the options available to you. Whatever you do choose, we’re sure they will enhance your visit to Lapland.
To find out more about any of the activities below, click on the title.

Ice Fishing – 3 hours
 
Winter Sleigh Ride – 1.5 hours

Toboggan Evening

Ice Skating – 1 or 2 hours

Guided Cross Country skiing trip - 3 hours

Snowshoe Hike - 3 hours

Kick sleds

Rovaniemi Day Trip – 7 Hours

Amethyst Spa Visit – 2 hours

Acrtic Ice Breaker Cruise and Ice Castle

Horse Riding: Forest Hack – 2 hours

Horse Riding Tour – 2.5 hours

Horse Sleigh Ride – 1 hour

At home with the Huskies – 1.5 hours.

Husky Safari - 20 kms

Reindeer Excursion - 1 Hour

Reindeer Safari - 4 Hours Safari (Day or Night)

Snowmobile excursions and safari

Important Information

Summer activities Luosto
Winter Activities Luosto
Weddings and Honeymoons
Accommodation in Luosto Resort
Transportation
Contact us
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Finland Cycling
  Click here to go to longer winter activities

Lapland the ultimate holiday destination

SHORT WINTER ACTIVITIES

Ice Fishing – 3 hours
You will begin your ice fishing adventure with a snowmobile pulled sleigh ride to the wide frozen river. Once stopping you will be shown how to drill a hole through the metre thick ice and just how to master this arctic hobby. You’ll have  a couple of hours to try your luck, whilst sitting on reindeer skins on the frozen ice. Imagine the excitement when something bites and you pull it up from beneath the thick frozen mass. A campfire will be lit to keep the group warm, prepare hot drinks and make a light lunch. All fishing equipment is provided. Back to top

Winter Sleigh Ride – 1.5 hours.   Minimum 6 participants.
Less unpredictable than the traditional sleigh rides, these skidoo pulled sleds will whisk you through the forest to a Lappish tepee where your hosts in traditional dress will invite you to enjoy pancakes over a log campfire. Back to top

Toboggan Evening
Everyone loves sledging, but have you done it on a real toboggan run and have you used a ‘stiga’ before? Stiga toboggan’s are fitted with steering wheels and brakes, offering you an even better sledging experience. A  return transfer is provided to Perhe Luosto where we run a fun, friendly competition evening using plastic sledges, ‘stiga’s’, bum boards etc. This is a simple, classic snow winter activity made more enjoyable by sharing it with others in a fun, slightly competitive environment.
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Ice Skating – 1 or 2 hours
Whether you are a complete novice or reasonably proficient the experience of skating outdoors, surrounded by snow, perhaps even with snow flakes falling is something very special. It is something we have all dreamed of at some time, the old fashioned romantic movies, the traditional Christmas cards, chestnuts roasting, warm fluffy hats and gloves, the images are endless. Adding to this magic is the pink haze of an arctic winter sunset or the crystal blue spring skies. This is a wonderful winter activity in the heart of Luosto.Back to top

Guided Cross Country skiing trip - 3 hours. Minimum age of 8.
Cross country skiing is very popular in Lapland, it is an active pursuit that allows people to enjoy the beautiful outdoors, the snow and the fresh air. Unlike slalom skiing it does not need to be significantly down hill, therefore if you are nervous about trying skiing, but don’t want to miss out, if you are a skier who’s joints are perhaps not what they once were, a skier who wants to spread their wings and try something new or just someone who enjoys being active in the outdoors then you will surely find cross country skiing is for you. On this guided trip you will be given basic instruction and shown the techniques to allow you to enjoy the leisurely paced excursion. A rest stop will be made for a warm drink and snack around a campfire. This is not a demanding trip, no previous skiing experience is required and everyone (over the age of 8) with basic fitness will be able to participate.
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Snowshoe Hike - 3 hours. Minimum age of 6).
This evening hike will begin with some tips on how to manoeuvre on these odd shaped shoes, you will then head up and across Luosto fell. The crispness of the night air, the darkness of the winter sky and the feeling of the soft snow beneath your feet is exhilarating. As you walk, enjoy the peace and stillness which we rarely have the opportunity to enjoy, all the time looking up searching for the magnificent swirls and colours of the Northern Lights. Stopping for a break you will cook sausages over a campfire whilst being warmed by a hot juice or coffee.
Please note: This hike is not suitable for under 6 year olds. Northern lights are natural occurrence and  can not be guaranteed.Back to top

Kick sleds
Do you know what a kick sled is?
Unless you have been to Scandinavia in winter then probably not. They are a unique form of transport that is readily used here by young and old. Think of a scooter but instead of wheels you have ski’s, with a seat on the front for carrying goods or a passenger. They are very easy to use, you simply have one leg on one ski, hold on to the handle bars and push with the other leg, when going downhill you have both feet on the skis and just enjoy the ride. They are great fun and make for an easy way of getting from A to B.Back to top


Rovaniemi Day Trip – 7 Hours
Rovaniemi is the capital of Finnish Lapland and although relatively small with approximately 35 000 people it is the lifeline for this remote province. Nearly completely destroyed in World War 2 it has been rebuilt as a modern, convenient city with its streets radiating out in the shape of reindeer antlers. This day trip (commencing straight after ski school) will provide you with the transport and guidance to explore this lovely city. On arrival you will be given a short orientation tour, ending at the famous Arctikum. ‘The Arctic Centre’ & ‘Provincial Museum of Lapland’, it is here that you can learn about the language, culture, and lifestyles of the indigenous Lappish people, the Sami. After exploring Arctikum, you will be free to explore the city, perhaps having something to eat, doing shopping or a short walk on it’s frozen river. This trip gives you the opportunity to see a real Lappish city and the everyday lifestyle.Back to top

Amethyst Spa Visit – 2 hours
Tired from all the activities you are participating in, muscles aching? Need some time out? Then enjoy the indoor pools, saunas and steam room at the spa hotel. Massage is also available (For massage additional booking and payment required locally.If required swimsuits and towels can be rented at additional cost).
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Arctic Ice Breaker Cruise and Ice Castle - 12 hours
We offer you the chance to visit Kemi on a day trip and experience the very special and unique attractions. In the morning you will explore the beautiful Snow Castle.  There is a Snow Hotel with its beds made of snow and a giant ice sculpture at the entrance. The bar is made of ice and the restaurant is furnished with ice tables and reindeer skin covered seats. There is a chapel and an art gallery using lighting and sound to enhance the magnificent ice sculptures. There is also a childrens area complete with snowball park and snow tunnels. Leaving the castle your adventure has only just begun as you board the Sampo, a retired arctic ice breaker which cleared the shipping ways of the Gulf of Bothnia and the Baltic Sea for thirty years. You will be met by one of the crew and given a guided tour after which you’ll enjoy lunch (vegetarian option available by prior arrangement) in the ships’ dining room. Once a path has been cleared the ship will dock on a bed of ice and, if you are bold enough, you will be able to try ice swimming in the large hole the ship has just made. You will be wearing completely water tight thermal suits, so, although you will feel the coolness of the water you will not be cold. This is one trip that should not be missed.
Please note: Snowcastle operates from 29 Jan. For January trips the morning will be free to look around the town of Kemi. Back to top

Horse Riding: Forest Hack – 2 hours
After collecting your helmet and gloves you will lead your horse to the arena where you will receive basic instructions before heading out. During the 1 hour ride you will hack through the snowy forest, usually through deep snow. This is a magical feeling and one that really allows you to appreciate the nature around you. On returning to the stables you will enjoy a warm drink and home baked pastries around a campfire before returning to Luosto.
Maximum of 4 riders per tour, Suitable for all abilities minimum age 15 yrs. Tours include: return transport between Luosto and horse stables, warm drink and snack by a campfire, helmet and gloves.Back to top

Horse Riding Tour – 2.5 hours
This is a more advanced riding tour spending approximately 1.5 hours on the horses and going deeper into the forest and around the fells. You will need to have previous riding experience, be able to ride in all gaits and control a horse well. You will be rewarded with stunning scenery and the unique experience of riding in a true winter wonderland. You will then enjoy a picnic with your guide around a campfire, probably talking about horses and riding in general.
Maximum of 4 riders, Suitable for experienced riders minimum age 15. Tours include: return transport between Luosto and horse stables, warm drink and snack by a campfire, helmet and gloves.Back to top

Horse Sleigh Ride – 1 hour
This lovely trip will allow everyone to enjoy visiting the horse stables, seeing the Finnish horses and enjoying the beautiful surrounds. You will sit back and relax under a blanket as your horse drawn sleigh is pulled gently through the snow-covered areas. Listening to the sound of the sleigh bells jingling and of nature you will be mesmerised by the tranquillity. After the sleigh ride you will sit around a campfire frying sausages, eating homemade pastries and sipping a hot drink. Tours include: return transport between Luosto and horse stables, warm drink and snack by a campfire.Back to top

At home with the Huskies – 1.5 hours
Following your arrival at the kennels, you will be given basic instructions on how to drive a dog sled. It is then time to enjoy a 1km ride (if you would rather not try driving just let our hosts know and they will be happy to arrange for someone else to drive whilst you sit back and enjoy). You will then be shown around the kennels, introduced to the dogs, learn about the different types of huskies and of course have opportunity to meet dogs and cuddly puppies.  
Safaris includes:
- Return transport between Luosto and the husky farm
- Self drive (2 people per sled) husky sled ride
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Husky Safari - 20kms.
With so many people falling in love with the Huskies and the sled driving we can offer you a 20kms excursion. This will take you through the forest and across plains giving you a beautiful view of the fells (wooded hills) around Luosto on a clear day. You will be transported to a magical place as the breeze rushes past, the snow skims over your feet and your heart beats a little faster with the excitement of this trip.
You will take a warming break around a campfire having coffee and buns before returning to the kennels, where you will have the opportunity to meet the other dogs.
Safaris includes:
- Return transport between Luosto and the husky farm
- Self drive (2 people per sled) husky sled ride
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Reindeer Excursion - 1 Hour
A 5km ride through the scenic forest.
Safari Includes:
- Return transport between Luosto and reindeer farm
- Reindeer sleigh ride
- Pastry and warm drink in a Lappish Kota (tepee)
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Reindeer Safari (Day or Night) - 4 Hours
These wonderful excursions allow you to really appreciate the peace and beauty of Lapland. You can sit back and relax as you are gently pulled through the forest (12–15 kms) watching the magnificent changing colours of the sky in the day or looking out for the Northern Lights and stars at night. A warming break will be made at a wilderness cabin deep in the forest where you will enjoy a hot drink, roasting sausages over a fire and a sweet pastry before returning to the farmstead.
Safari Includes:
- Return transport between Luosto and reindeer farm
- Reindeer sleigh ride
- Pastry and warm drink in a Lappish Kota (tepee)
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Lapland Ice fishing
Lapland toboganning
Lapland Ice skating
Lapland Cross country skiing
Lapland snow shoe excursion
Lapland Kick sled
Lapland Amethyst Mine
Lapland Amethyst Spa Pool
Lapland Arctic Ice breaker cruise day trip
Lapland Horse riding
Lapland  man in traditional clothing
Lapland - around the campfire
Lapland Reindeer rides
Lapland reindeer excursion
 
Lapland Reindeer safari
Lapland snowmobile pulled sled

Important Information:
- It is best to pre-book these excursions/safaris or equipment so that you know
  your itinerary prior to arriving and to avoid disappointment of your chosen options being full
-  All activities are subject to change and cancellation is a possibility should local weather
  conditions not allow them to take place.
-  All excursions are subject to a minimum of 3  adult participants unless otherwise
  specified. Each individual booking counts towards this minimum requirement.
- Times given are average, exact timings will vary depending on group size, ability, weather
  and snow conditions.

- Horse riding: It is essential to dress warmly for these excursions, the stables
  recommends the use of an all in one thermal outer garment and thermal boot’s
  ankle height boots will not be suitable. For both horse-riding excursions it is essential that you are
  physically able to mount and dismount a horse although some assistance can be provided

- Arctic Icebreaker cruise & Snowcastle: All times shown are approximate and will vary
  depending on weather and road conditions. As with every trip we operate in this
  environment the operation of each aspect of this programme is subject to local weather,
  snow and ice conditions and sometimes cancellations may occur.
  You will need to wear appropriate clothing as the majority of this day will be spend outside, the
  rental of our thermal suits and boots is highly recommended.
  Due to safety a minimum age of 12 years , height of 150cm and weight of 45 kg applies to all
  people wishing to take part in the swimming.
  The operation of the excursion is subject to a minimum of 3 participants.

- Husky Tours
  Husky Tours suitable for any age except infants.

- Reindeer Excursion/Safari
  Please note, as the reindeers move very gently and slowly and you will be in the sleigh for some
  time, please ensure you dress very warmly with extra layers for all reindeer excursions/safari.
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For more information email us info@alacartelapland.com
A La Carte Lapland, Lapintie 7, FIN-99600, Sodankyla, Finland
Tel 00358 (0)201 620 600 - Fax: 00358 (0)201 620 603
© Copyright A La Carte Lapland 2005