Snowshoe experience with traditional beverages in Lapland

REVIEW · LAPLAND FINLAND

Snowshoe experience with traditional beverages in Lapland

  • 4.96 reviews
  • 3 hours
  • From $91
Book on GetYourGuide →

Operated by Lapland Camp Luxury Choice · Bookable on GetYourGuide

There is something about snowshoes that makes you slow down. This 3-hour Lapland outing blends gentle instruction on moving in deep snow with a cozy stop by a warm open fire and traditional drinks. I especially like how you get out into a quiet snowy setting (forest or an open frozen lake) while staying comfortable, and I also like that you’re treated to local flavors like hot berry juice and sausage cooked on the fire. The one drawback to think about is the physical side: you need enough stamina for walking on snowshoes, and it’s not a fit for everyone with certain health issues or mobility limits.

The tour is guided in English, includes snowshoes and transport, and is priced to cover both the gear and the guided time. If you want easygoing nature time plus real Lapland snacks, this is a strong pick. If you’re hoping for a long hike or a full meal, you’ll want to plan around the fact that lunch isn’t included.

Key things to know before you go

Snowshoe experience with traditional beverages in Lapland - Key things to know before you go

  • Forest walk or frozen-lake scenery: your route can be a snowy forest trail or time on an open snowy lake area
  • Snowshoe basics, done for real: you’ll learn how to walk without sinking fully into the snow
  • Fire-time with traditional tastes: expect warm open-fire snacks like hot berry juice, cheese, and sausages cooked on the fire
  • Photo-friendly moments: you’ll have plenty of Instagram-ready snowy scenery and the guide may take photos and videos
  • 3 hours goes fast: you’ll get active movement, instruction, and then a relaxed break, all in one sitting

Lapland snowshoes: why this feels different than just walking

Snowshoe experience with traditional beverages in Lapland - Lapland snowshoes: why this feels different than just walking
Lapland in winter is all about space. The views are wide, the air is crisp, and the snow makes everything quieter than you’re used to. On this tour, you’re not just wearing warm clothes and following a path. You’re learning a specific way to move across deep snow with snowshoes, which changes how the ground feels under your feet and how your pace works.

What really makes it appealing is the mix of two modes: work your legs a bit, then take a breather. One moment you’re focused on technique—keeping balance and rhythm—then you’re rewarded with warmth at an open fire and traditional snacks. It’s a nice balance when you want “real winter” but not a hardcore expedition.

I also like the way the tour is built around variety. Depending on the conditions, you may spend time in a snowy forest or head toward an open snowy lake. Either way, you’re likely to get that clean, winter-framed scenery where the light and shapes make everything look like a postcard without trying too hard.

A few more Lapland Finland tours and experiences worth a look

The 3-hour rhythm: instruction, snowy walking, then fire picnic

Snowshoe experience with traditional beverages in Lapland - The 3-hour rhythm: instruction, snowy walking, then fire picnic
You should think of the tour as a smooth loop: get ready, learn quickly, walk for fun, then slow down and warm up.

Start: gear + getting your bearings

You’ll meet at the central Santa Claus hotel area in the city center. From there, transportation takes you out to the snowy start point. Snowshoes are included, so you’re not stuck hunting for rental gear or guessing whether they’ll fit.

Right away, the guide’s job is to help you feel confident. The tour isn’t about speed or bragging rights. It’s about getting you to understand what it feels like to walk in snowshoes and not sink down like you would without them.

Walking: forest paths or open lake snow

Once you’re out in the snow, you’ll follow the guide through a snowy forest or an open snowy lake area. The learning part matters here. When you use snowshoes correctly, you stay on top more than you sink into the deep snow, and your steps feel steadier.

In at least one experience shared by a guest, the group even walked with the snowshoes through deep snow in a forest setting. That’s a good sign if you’re worried your walk will feel like a short stroll on packed surfaces. Here, the point is to actually experience snow walking the way Lapland does it.

If the lake route is available, the wide open setting can be fantastic for photos and for that quiet, open-air feeling. One guest described the lake environment as beautiful, and that’s exactly the kind of contrast that makes a short tour more memorable.

Break time: open fire warmth and traditional bites

After the walking portion, you’ll shift to the cozy part: warm open fire time. This is where the tour’s comfort factor really shows up. You warm your hands, relax your legs, and eat and drink in a setting that feels more “local winter moment” than “tour stop.”

The picnic style is part of the charm. Instead of a restaurant meal, you get a fire-lit snack-and-sip interlude that’s simple, hearty, and very winter-appropriate.

What you’ll eat and drink: hot berry juice, cheese, and fire-cooked sausage

Snowshoe experience with traditional beverages in Lapland - What you’ll eat and drink: hot berry juice, cheese, and fire-cooked sausage
Food is often the weakest part of cold-weather tours. Not here. The included refreshments are set up like a proper Lapland winter tasting—warm, filling, and made for the conditions outside.

Here’s what you should expect based on the tour details:

  • Hot juice with berries: served warm, ideal for that mid-walk comfort
  • Local cheese and/or sandwich options
  • Traditional sausages cooked on the fire: the classic warm-by-the-flames moment

In one account, the fire picnic included sausages plus biscuits and a hot drink. That’s the kind of mix that feels both practical and fun. You’re not just eating something that happens to be edible—you’re getting a winter snack that matches the atmosphere.

This matters for your comfort. When you’re active in snow, your body starts demanding warmth. Having hot beverages and actual food at the fire means you finish feeling satisfied instead of chilled and cranky. And since it’s included in the price, you can stop doing math and enjoy the moment.

Photos, guide style, and the fun factor

Snowshoe experience with traditional beverages in Lapland - Photos, guide style, and the fun factor
This is not a silent nature walk. You’ll have an English-speaking guide/instructor who teaches you and keeps things moving. In the experiences shared, the guides were singled out for being friendly and genuinely engaged, not just reciting facts.

One name that comes up is Alex. Guests praised Alex for being helpful and informed, and another mentioned that Alex took photos and videos during the tour and shared them by email. That’s a nice bonus if you’re traveling with friends or family and you want keepsakes without juggling your camera every two minutes.

What you should take from this: the guide influences how smooth your experience feels. Good instruction makes snowshoe walking easier and safer. A good guide also creates those in-between moments—where you laugh, ask questions, and actually enjoy the setting rather than just concentrating on your footing.

And yes, the snowy scenery is Instagram-friendly. But the best part is that your photos look good because you’re actually in the right environment: deep snow, winter light, and a fire-lit finish.

Price and value: what $91 really buys you

Snowshoe experience with traditional beverages in Lapland - Price and value: what $91 really buys you
$91 per person for a 3-hour tour is not cheap, but it can make sense depending on what you care about.

Here’s why the price can feel fair:

  • Snowshoes are included: you’re paying for equipment and fit
  • Transportation is included: you’re not organizing a separate trip out to the snow
  • Guide instruction is included: learning snowshoe technique takes real time
  • Warm drinks and snacks are included: you’re not spending extra money just to stay warm

The big value question is where your time goes. One guest felt the actual snowshoe portion might be short for the price, suggesting that time spent on transfers and snack stops can reduce the “pure walking” minutes. That’s a reasonable consideration for you if you want a longer out-and-back hike feel.

Still, the structure has logic. You get instruction so you can walk comfortably. You also get the fire break so you finish the tour warm and satisfied. This format is designed for a wide range of fitness levels, and that convenience is part of what you’re paying for.

Also, note what isn’t included: lunch. So if you’re thinking of this as your main meal day, plan for food before or after the tour.

Gear and fitness: what to wear so the snow doesn’t ruin your day

Snowshoe experience with traditional beverages in Lapland - Gear and fitness: what to wear so the snow doesn’t ruin your day
This is the kind of winter activity where clothing matters more than you think. You’ll want warm clothing and warm shoes—simple, direct, non-negotiable. Since you’re outside and moving, you’ll sweat a little, then cool off. The right layers help you swing between those states without feeling miserable.

The tour description also includes a clear “know before you go” warning style: confirm your tour one day before it starts. That’s practical, because winter conditions can change plans.

Fitness matters too. One guest explicitly recommended having a basic fitness level and said small kids weren’t a great match, while others felt that sportive youth would handle it fine. So think of this as moderate effort: you’ll be active, but it’s not supposed to be a stunt.

Who should be careful or skip it

The tour isn’t suitable for a long list of situations, including:

  • children under 2 and under 3
  • pregnant women
  • people with back or heart problems
  • wheelchair users
  • people over several weight limits (multiple thresholds are listed)
  • people over certain heights
  • people with altitude sickness
  • people with recent surgeries
  • babies under 1 year
  • older adults above 95

Even if you don’t match all those categories, take the snowshoeing seriously. If you’re unsure, it’s worth checking with the operator before booking.

Alcohol and safety rules

Alcohol and drugs aren’t allowed. The info also says alcoholic drinks aren’t allowed in the vehicle. That’s good for safety and keeps the tour focused on the outdoors.

Booking smart: timing, language, and what to expect from the guide

This is an English-language live guided tour, typically about 3 hours. If you’re trying to fit it into a tight Lapland itinerary, the time is manageable, and the activity is designed as a single block rather than an all-day plan.

For smooth planning, do a quick checklist:

  • Wear warm clothing and warm shoes
  • Bring what you need to stay comfortable in cold outdoors time
  • Be ready for snowshoe technique coaching
  • Don’t count on lunch being included

You’ll get transportation from the central Santa Claus hotel meeting area, so you’re not responsible for arranging your own ride into the countryside. That convenience matters when you’re also dealing with winter weather and changing daylight.

Should you book this Lapland snowshoe-and-traditional-drinks tour?

Book it if you want a short, guided taste of real winter: snowshoe instruction, deep-snow walking (forest or lake), and a fire-side finish with local warm drinks and traditional snacks. It’s a great option for couples, friends, and visitors who want a memorable Lapland moment without needing a full-day tour plan.

Consider skipping or choosing something else if you:

  • need a longer time on the snow for pure walking
  • want a full meal experience (lunch isn’t included)
  • have health or mobility limitations listed as not suitable

If you’re reasonably fit, dress warm, and enjoy the mix of movement plus cozy food by fire, this is the kind of outing that leaves you feeling satisfied, not just cold.

FAQ

How long is the snowshoe experience?

It lasts 3 hours.

Where is the meeting point?

You meet at the central Santa Claus hotel in the city center.

What’s included in the price?

Snowshoes, drinks and snacks, transportation, and a live guide/instructor are included.

Do I need to bring warm clothing?

Yes. You should bring warm clothing and warm shoes.

Is the guide available in English?

Yes. The tour is guided in English.

Is the tour suitable for small children?

No. It’s not suitable for children under 2 or under 3.

Are alcoholic drinks allowed?

Alcohol and drugs are not allowed, and alcoholic drinks are not allowed in the vehicle.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included.

What’s the cancellation and confirmation rule?

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and you should confirm the tour one day before it starts.

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