Which Lapland snowmobile raid to choose?

Published on September 16, 2026

Which Lapland snowmobile raid to choose?

Which Lapland snowmobile raid should you choose with Kevin or Philippe?

A snowmobile trip in Lapland can take very different forms. Some itineraries focus on meeting reindeer herders and discovering Sami culture. Others are built around mileage, Norwegian fjords and the feeling of an expedition all the way to the shores of the Arctic Ocean.

At Planet Ride, Kevin and Philippe offer five guided trips that reveal different sides of the Far North. Both know the Arctic regions well and design their tours around a snowmobile progression. The right choice depends mainly on your experience, how many kilometres you want to ride, the landscapes you are looking for and the importance you give to cultural encounters. For a broader view, you can also browse all our snowmobile tours.

Kevin and Philippe: two complementary approaches to the Far North

Based in Inari, Kevin offers three guided eight-day itineraries, with distances ranging from 460 to 700 kilometres. His trips explore several sides of Lapland: Finnish national parks and reindeer herding areas, the frozen archipelago of Lake Inari and the fjords of northern Norway. His approach combines snowmobile riding, Sami culture and time spent around local accommodation and traditions.

An expert in snowmobile and motorcycle raids, Philippe guides travellers across Finland, Sweden and Norway. He offers two experiences with very different rhythms: a 300-kilometre immersion in the heart of the Lappish taiga and a 1,150-kilometre crossing from Finland’s frozen lakes to the fjords of the Barents Sea. His itineraries focus on wide-open spaces, varied terrain and the feeling of joining a true Arctic expedition.

Kevin’s and Philippe’s trips are guided and include snowmobile rental as well as helmet loan. Kevin’s three itineraries also include a cold-weather suit and suitable boots. With Philippe, full cold-weather equipment is explicitly included on the North Cape trip. For the adventure in the heart of the taiga, the page mentions only the helmet; the details of any other equipment should therefore be confirmed before departure.

Comparison of the five snowmobile tours

TourDisplayed duration and distanceTerrain and highlightsTraveller profileDisplayed price from 
In the Lands of Reindeer Herders — Kevin | 8 days, 460 km | Muotkatunturi and Lemmenjoki parks, forests, frozen lakes and meetings with Sami reindeer herders | A first roaming trip focused on discovery, nature and local culture | €2,950 
From the 3,000 Islands to Sami Lands — Kevin | 8 days, 650 km | Crossing Lake Inari, frozen archipelago, flowing trails and more technical sections | Travellers who want more riding without giving up the Sami immersion | €3,400 
From the Fjords to the Frozen Sea — Kevin | 8 days, 700 km | Tunturis, tundra, Norwegian border, fjords and the shores of the Arctic Ocean | Riders looking for a sustained progression and highly varied scenery | €3,900 
In the Heart of the Lappish Taiga — Philippe | 5 days, 300 km | Deep forests, frozen rivers, lakes and nights in a chalet in the heart of the northern wilderness | A shorter immersion to discover a snowmobile raid in a wild atmosphere | €3,500 
To the North Cape by Snowmobile — Philippe | 8 days, 1,150 km | Lake Inari, Finnmark, Tana Valley, fjords, Barents Sea and the port of Mehamn | Enthusiasts looking for a long Arctic crossing and high mileage | €3,700 
These prices correspond to the amounts displayed at the time of our check and may change depending on departure dates. What is included also differs from one trip to another: fuel is announced as included on Kevin’s three tours, while it remains at the traveller’s expense on Philippe’s two tours. To compare these itineraries properly, it is therefore better to consider the overall trip budget.

Which tour should you choose according to your travel style?

To meet the Sami people and reindeer herders

The In the Lands of Reindeer Herders trip puts the cultural dimension at the centre of the adventure. The route crosses Muotkatunturi and Lemmenjoki national parks, among boreal forests, frozen lakes and the snowy relief of northern Finland.

The itinerary takes participants towards Sami territories and creates opportunities to meet reindeer herders. With 460 kilometres over eight days, it is the most moderate of Kevin’s three trips. Kevin presents it as suitable for varied profiles, including participants discovering snowmobile touring for the first time.

Philippe’s North Cape journey also includes an immersion in local culture, including a night announced on a reindeer herders’ farm. This encounter takes place within a much longer crossing, focused on Finnmark and the Norwegian coast.

To ride across frozen lakes and deep into the taiga

Lake Inari is the guiding thread of the From the 3,000 Islands to Sami Lands trip. Over nearly 650 kilometres, participants alternate between frozen lakes, boreal forests, snow-covered hills and open spaces.

The highlight of the route is the crossing of Lake Inari’s archipelago, made up of thousands of islands caught in the ice during winter. The itinerary combines smooth riding sections with more technical passages. Kevin may adjust some stages according to weather, trail conditions and the physical condition of the group.

With Philippe, In the Heart of the Lappish Taiga concentrates the experience over 300 kilometres. The trip focuses on deep forests, frozen rivers, breaks in isolated cabins and nights in a chalet.

Kevin’s route is therefore a full roaming journey around Lake Inari, while Philippe’s trip concentrates the stay on the wild atmosphere of the Arctic forest.

To reach the Norwegian fjords

Two itineraries cross the border between Finland and Norway.

With Kevin, From the Fjords to the Frozen Sea covers around 700 kilometres. From the Ivalo region, the group crosses Lapland’s forests, the relief of the tunturis and wide tundra landscapes before reaching the fjords of Finnmark and the shores of the Arctic Ocean.

The route shows the gradual transition between Finland’s continental landscapes and the maritime relief of northern Norway. It is particularly suited to riders who want to combine a full week of riding with a wide variety of terrain.

With Philippe, To the North Cape by Snowmobile displays 1,150 kilometres over eight days. It is the longest Lapland snowmobile raid among the five itineraries compared here.

The journey links Finnish forests, Lake Inari, Sami territories, the Tana River valley and the fjords opening onto the Barents Sea. The passage through Mehamn reinforces the maritime and northern dimension of the adventure. This trip is for travellers looking for sustained progression and the feeling of completing a true Arctic crossing.

Assessing the level and pace of the raid

Mileage is a first useful reference point, but it is not enough to measure the difficulty of a tour. Weather, visibility, snow quality and temperatures can quickly transform riding conditions.

With Kevin, itineraries are adapted to terrain conditions and the group’s abilities. Raid days generally represent six to eight hours of actual riding. His trip with reindeer herders welcomes varied profiles, while the Lake Inari and fjord routes are more likely to appeal to riders used to long days and demanding conditions.

Philippe’s trip pages describe an immersive and committed adventure in the taiga, followed by a long-distance expedition towards the North Cape. The 1,150 kilometres of this latter journey naturally require good endurance and the ability to link several stages together.

In both cases, previous snowmobile experience is not the only criterion. Physical condition, attention to safety instructions and the desire to progress at the group’s pace all play an essential role.

Accommodation, equipment and life on site

Kevin’s three trips are based on a Saturday-to-Saturday itinerary. After arrival and settling in, the raid generally runs from Sunday to Thursday, before a freer day on Friday.

Kevin pays particular attention to the presentation of accommodation. Some places may include bunk beds or shared spaces, while other stages offer chalets or private rooms. After riding days, participants have heated accommodation and, depending on the stage, a sauna, shower or Wi-Fi connection.

Philippe’s itineraries also announce nights in chalets or different types of accommodation along the way. The North Cape journey includes seven nights, planned transfers, the meals indicated in the programme and a logistical assistance vehicle.

Helmet loan is indicated for all five trips. Kevin’s three itineraries also include a cold-weather suit and suitable boots. With Philippe, full equipment is explicitly included on the North Cape trip. For the adventure in the heart of the taiga, the page mentions only the helmet; the details of any other equipment should therefore be confirmed before departure.

Frequently asked questions about snowmobile raids in Lapland

Do you already need snowmobile experience?

Previous experience is not essential for every tour. Machine handling and a safety briefing are organised before departure. For a first roaming trip, it is better to choose moderate mileage and discuss your physical condition with Planet Ride. The longest routes require more endurance.

Which tour is best for a first experience?

Kevin’s trip with the reindeer herders has the most moderate mileage among the eight-day itineraries. It also gives significant space to encounters and the discovery of Sami territory.

Philippe’s taiga trip offers a shorter displayed duration and distance. It concentrates the experience on the atmosphere of the Arctic forest. The choice therefore depends on whether you prefer an eight-day cultural roaming trip or a shorter immersion in northern nature.

Which trip offers the most kilometres?

Philippe’s journey to the North Cape displays 1,150 kilometres over eight days. It has the highest mileage among the five itineraries compared. Kevin’s route towards the fjords and the frozen sea announces 700 kilometres over the same duration.

Both trips reach northern Norway, but their pace of progression differs significantly.

Can you see the northern lights during the trip?

The five itineraries take place in regions favourable to northern lights viewing. Their appearance depends on solar activity, cloud cover and light conditions. It can therefore never be guaranteed.

Is cold-weather equipment provided?

Helmet loan is indicated for all five trips. Kevin’s three itineraries also include a cold-weather suit and suitable boots.

With Philippe, full equipment is explicitly included on the North Cape trip. For the adventure in the heart of the taiga, the page mentions only the helmet. It is still recommended to bring your own thermal base layers, a balaclava and the personal clothing indicated in the preparation list.

Are the tours suitable for children?

Multi-day raids involve long periods sitting down, in the cold and sometimes on uneven terrain. Kevin strongly advises against young children taking part as passengers. Each participant’s age, physical condition and experience should be discussed with Planet Ride before booking.

How do you choose between two tours you like?

Start by comparing distance, duration, the type of scenery and what is included in each trip. Then take into account your endurance, your relationship with cold weather, your experience of motorised travel and how important cultural encounters are to you.

The Planet Ride team can compare your expectations with the specific features of each itinerary and the conditions expected for your chosen period. You can request a quote and personalised advice to identify the tour best suited to your project.

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