Interview with Philippe, Lapland snowmobile raid specialist

Lapland by snowmobile is one of those European roadtrips that doesn’t need exaggeration: long polar light, frozen lakes that feel like open highways, and forests where your tracks are the only signature. Philippe is a “Laplander by choice”, a lifelong motorsports rider who built his own agency in 2014 after years guiding for others. He now operates from Enontekiö, far from the big tourist hubs—closer to the Arctic Circle’s real silence, and to the terrain that makes a snowmobile raid more than a scenic ride: a piloting trip, day after day, with a clear rhythm and a serious respect for conditions.

Can you introduce yourself in a few words?

Philippe: My name is Philippe. I run snowmobile raids in Finnish, Swedish, Norwegian and Russian Lapland. After working a little over three years for other agencies here, I decided to open my own travel agency in 2014. We’re based in Enontekiö.

What’s your story—how did you end up leading motorized trips?

Philippe: I’ve been riding motorcycles since I was 16—so… a long time. I’m a trials enthusiast; I competed a lot on bikes first, then later in 4x4 as well. At the same time, my professional life took me to Africa.

In 1999 I decided to change my life. Driven by passion, I naturally opened a motorsports agency in Mali, then one in Niger, then another in Burkina Faso. I offered all kinds of adventure routes on quads and motorbikes. Unfortunately, political issues in Africa kept growing. A friend looking for a motorsports guide to complete his team brought me to Finland—and that’s how I discovered Lapland.

What makes your agency different from others in the area?

Philippe: The first thing that comes to mind is that we’re the only ones established north of the Arctic Circle. Most other agencies are near the major tourist centers like Rovaniemi or Kuusamo.

Another key difference: we’re truly focused on motorsports. We offer a full range of raid-style routes (from easy to expert). The goal is to introduce guests to the pleasure of riding—technical handling in the forest, then speed and flow across the white expanses of frozen lakes and rivers. On our raids, you ride almost every day.

What snowmobile do guests ride with you—and why that machine?

Philippe: I chose the BRP Grand Touring 600 ACE: comfort, reliability, versatility. Everyone adapts quickly. It’s built for touring-raid use, with a solid rear rack and a powerful, quiet engine—hard to beat.

What makes a trip in your destination truly unmissable?

Philippe: The region is well connected—less than four hours from European capitals—and it offers everything you dream of around the Arctic Circle: auroras, huge untouched spaces, wildlife, and that taste of real adventure.

Sleeping in a trapper cabin on a reindeer hide near the warmth of the stove, or stepping out of the sauna into the snow at -20°C under multicolored auroras—those are once-in-a-lifetime experiences… even if everyone who does it ends up wanting to come back.

For you, what’s the real difference between a “simple” trip and a motorized one?

Philippe: Riding your own machine autonomously intensifies that freedom we’re all looking for when we travel. Being the actor in your adventure—choosing to stop here, detour to a viewpoint, without depending on the group’s mood—makes it incredibly attractive.

The piloting side matters too. It’s thrilling to master the machine and progress at your own pace. And you reach areas only a snowmobile can take you to. In a day, you can cover what a dog sled might take a week to do—so you explore more territory.

Your favorite place?

Philippe: Halti. It’s the highest point in Finland—the last outpost before Norway’s fjords, and the meeting point of three countries with Sweden. Halti is huge, untouched, and the light there is unique.

Your best ride memory?

Philippe: Oops—there are so many. What truly fills me with joy is seeing the amazement in other people’s eyes.

A word for future Planet Riders?

Philippe: In Europe, just a few hours from home, there’s a pristine territory where lovers of strong sensations will be happy: Lapland by snowmobile, the real one—far from the big tourist centers. The Lapland of the Sámi people, guiding large reindeer herds through the mountains. The Lapland of human adventure, where each glance makes you wonder how people adapt to such an environment. You never come back completely unchanged from the Far North.

Planning cues (what makes a raid work in the field)

Because Lapland is generous but not forgiving, a few concrete points matter on a Lapland by snowmobile raid:

• Cold management: -20°C is part of the experience; what matters is layering and keeping hands/feet dry between riding sessions.
• Terrain variety: expect alternation between forest sections (more technical steering) and open frozen expanses (more speed, more windchill).
• Offline readiness: in the far north, coverage can drop. Download maps in advance and keep essentials accessible without network.
• Fuel and pacing: don’t chase “big days” at all costs—on snow, fatigue arrives faster than on tarmac.
• Planet Ride pro tip: we build the best rhythm when a demanding riding day is followed by a slightly shorter one—your focus stays sharp, and your piloting improves instead of degrading.

Mini-FAQ (Lapland snowmobile raid)

Do I need a driving license to join a Lapland snowmobile raid?

Rules can vary by country and operator. Before booking, confirm the required license/age conditions for the exact itinerary (Finland/Sweden/Norway/Russia) and your role (driver vs. passenger).

When is the best season for Lapland by snowmobile?

Most riders target the heart of winter for reliable snow and long “polar” light. For auroras, clear nights and low light pollution matter as much as the month—so stay flexible with expectations.

Is Lapland by snowmobile suitable for beginners?

Yes—if the raid is designed with progressive technicality (easy to expert exists). The key is honest self-assessment: comfort in cold, ability to stay focused several days in a row, and willingness to learn technique in forest sections.

À savoir aujourd’hui

This interview remains a faithful snapshot of Philippe’s approach: far-north anchoring, a strong motorsports culture, and a raid rhythm focused on piloting. What you should verify before leaving is the up-to-date access framework for each border area, local riding rules, and the practical requirements that can change from one winter to the next (equipment, authorizations, conditions).