5 days | Independent | Dec | Inari
In the far north of Finnish Lapland, on the edge of Lake Inari, snow-covered forests and frozen lakes provide the backdrop to the day's adventures. Far from major towns, this is a strong base for searching out the northern lights, by car, by snowmobile, and at a dedicated Aurora Camp. Over the five days you will also learn to drive your own husky sled and to handle a snowmobile on the forest trails. With activities centred on husky and snowmobile safaris and late-evening aurora hunting, this trip suits older children, couples and adults looking for an active pre-Christmas escape rather than a Santa-focused family holiday.
As a Certified B Corporation, 50 Degrees North has designed this tour using handpicked local hoteliers and suppliers who share our ethos of delivering services and activities of high social and environmental standards.
The CO2-e per person per day of all tours is carefully measured following each season. We fully offset all emissions of our tours on your behalf, and we constantly look at ways to reduce emissions where possible.
Return shuttle transfers from Ivalo Airport to Inari
Fly to Ivalo and transfer to Wilderness Hotel Inari (approx. 30 min). Upon arrival you will receive your program schedule before dinner. Depending on your arrival time, cold weather gear is given to you either upon arrival or the next day.
Today's snowmobile safari takes you through the snow-covered forests around Inari. After a full safety and driving lesson, your guide will lead you out into the wilderness to get a feel for the machines and the trails.
Please note that this is an example schedule and the exact day and time of the activities will be confirmed by the resort upon arrival
Today you will have a chance to meet an authentic reindeer herder and his herd. You will learn interesting facts about these semi-wild animals and the life up here in the north. You will be transferred to the reindeer farm by car.
In the evening you will go to a aurora camp. Seated comfortably in a sledge pulled by your guide's snowmobile, you can enjoy the northern sky throughout the journey to the campsite. The atmosphere by the campfire is an experience in itself, where you can enjoy a blazing fire, hot drinks, and each other's company. The Aurora Camp in Inari is one of the best places for Aurora viewing, thanks to its complete lack of light pollution.
Please note that this is an example schedule and the exact day and time of the activities will be confirmed by the resort upon arrival
An essential part of any Lapland visit. After an instruction on handling the sled, the huskies pull you through the winter landscape and along the edge of frozen Lake Inari. The dogs are eager at the start, then settle into a quiet rhythm on the trail. All husky safaris include full instructions and are based on two people sharing a sled unless otherwise stated.
Please note that this is an example schedule and the exact day and time of the activities will be confirmed by the resort upon arrival
After breakfast transfer to airport for your flight.
Price per person, double share. Family triple and quad share are with 1-2 children age 4-14.
Standard is 4 nights in a Wilderness Room
Superior is 4 nights in an Arctic Chalet (min 2 people)
Other is 4 nights in an Aurora Cabin (min 2 people)
Possible to add Private Santa Experience for extra cost.
All safaris start with full safety instructions. Your experienced guides will show you how to drive your snowmobile and provide you with a full safety briefing before you hit the trails. You will be provided with thermal overalls, mittens, balaclava, thermal socks, winter boots and helmet for the snowmobile safaris. Children 4-14 years will be in a sleigh pulled by your guide with snowmobile.
All snowmobile safaris have a self-liability of maximum 800€/snowmobile.
Please note that the above itinerary is subject to change at the discretion of the activity providers for reasons of safety or other unforeseen circumstances. Any alternative arrangements will be made so that they are as similar to the original program as possible.
Santa Experience (extra cost):
Walk with the elves to Santa’s cozy hut nestled within the hotel grounds. Families will enjoy a warm, personal meeting with Santa, who will delight everyone with small gifts. To make the moment even more magical, we invite families to submit children's letters to reception at least one day in advance—giving Santa time to read them and add a personal touch to each visit.
ANIMAL WELFARE POLICY:
At 50 Degrees North, animal welfare is a top priority during all our tours and packages. We carefully select suppliers who adhere to strict animal welfare standards, ensuring that wildlife interactions are respectful and comply with local, national, and international regulations. We avoid offering excursions that involve captive wildlife, except where they are properly regulated, and all activities are designed to minimise disturbance to natural ecosystems. Our travellers are educated on responsible, including responsible animal interactions, through our 'Responsible Travel Tips' for travellers, and our guides are trained to lead by example, promoting ethical conduct towards both wild and domesticated animals. By prioritising animal welfare in every aspect of our tours, we ensure that your travel experience is both enjoyable and ethically sound. Read our article on Animal Welfare to learn more.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Weather conditions may occasionally affect certain activities, and as a result, the schedule may be adjusted to ensure the best possible experience for all guests. For multi-activity stays, often the order of the activities will be confirmed locally on arrival. Activities might vary slightly in their duration or location due to the weather and local conditions. Any activities that are unable to be re-scheduled due to weather conditions will be refunded as a general practice, as determined by the activity provider.
Spend the weeks before Christmas in Lapland with private Santa encounters and snowy family adventures, then continue to a Nordic capital for festive city celebrations and traditional Christmas dining.
A practical guide for families, couples and first-timers
Discover Lapland’s most magical Christmas destinations – with private Santa moments and fewer crowds.
