Let the magnificent, untouched landscapes be your invitation…

Snowshoeing is one of the unmissable things to do in Lapland. Just imagine stepping through snow-blanketed forests and across frozen lakes set off by a multihued horizon, or even the Northern Lights! 

There’s a stillness where you can hear everything – from the crack of a tree branch to the crunch of your snowshoes – and nothing at all. It’s like an oasis of serenity!

New to snowshoeing? 

There’s no better time to discover the joys of snowshoeing than on your adventure with us deep inside the Arctic Circle. 

You don’t need any experience, as our friendly guides will be there to teach you the basics and then lead you on a tour through some of Lapland’s most spectacular scenery.

You may have heard people say, “if you can walk you can snowshoe”. And that’s mostly true. 

Compared to other winter sports like snowboarding and ice skating, strapping on a pair of snowshoes and learning how to move around in them takes just a few minutes to master before you’re ready to set off!

Stepping through time

Originating in central Asia, snowshoeing has been around for thousands of years. Early snowshoes were made with bulky wooden frames and animal skins. Essential for hunting and travelling in deep snow, they looked a lot like tennis rackets and movement took a lot of effort.

It wasn’t until the 20th century that technology transformed snowshoeing and made it less awkward. Thanks to the introduction of smaller, lightweight aluminium and plastic models with snap-in binding (think James Bond instead of Andy Murray), it’s become a much-loved winter activity that allows you to go off trail and access more of Lapland’s snowy forests, fells and lakes.

What level of fitness is required? 

Snowshoeing doesn’t require peak fitness – but you do need to be physically able. If you have any aches, pains or mobility concerns, let us know beforehand and our guides will look after you.

Our snowshoeing excursions range from two to three hours and may include moderate ascents or descents. 

Instead of trails that have been cleared and prepped, we make our own while crossing frozen Lake Ounasjarvi in Hetta, venturing through snow-dusted forests in Karesuando or conquering fells in Kilpisjarvi – and we’re always rewarded with breathtaking views! 

Snowshoeing is a heart-pumping activity, and you will burn calories. But there’s nothing like the great sense of freedom you get while exploring Lapland’s frozen terrain or the joy that comes from being the first person to set foot in a vast wilderness of freshly fallen snow.

Ready, set, snowshoe!

So what’s needed for snowshoeing? Basically, just you and Lapland’s pristine beauty… that’s all it takes to enjoy this adventure to its fullest.

Don’t worry about equipment. Simply put on the thermal suit and boots we’ve loaned you – and we’ll provide the snowshoes and poles too.

You’ll learn how to put them on, how to walk in them and receive a quick briefing about the intended route. 

At least two guides go out with every group – one at the front and one bringing up the rear, ensuring no one gets lost. Our guides are passionate storytellers and very knowledgeable, so they’ll share local lore and stop to point out fascinating features of the frozen terrain along the way.

Snow big deal 

You’re likely to fall at least once, but don’t worry, as chances are you’ll land in soft snow and get right back up with a laugh. 

One tip, though: you can’t walk backwards, as the snowshoes will dig in and make you tumble over. It’s best to just go forward while slowly manoeuvring yourself around. 

Your poles are great when it comes to helping you maintain balance – especially uphill and downhill. 

And speaking of hills, we’ve discovered an easy and fun way to come down after climbing to a scenic viewpoint on snowshoes. Slide on your bottom (in a controlled way, of course, and not on a very steep hill)!

Personal perspectives on snowshoeing

Everyone who works at Transun has given snowshoeing a try – and loved it. Here’s what we thought about the experience and why we’re hooked!

Tracey explained, “I’m the most unfit person in the office but our guides gauge the fitness levels of the group and give regular breaks. It’s well instructed and great fun. You get to go way off the beaten track.”

Renee remembered snowshoeing in the morning as the sun was rising (note: in Finland, that’s usually a later hour – around to 9 or 10am). 

“My husband and I thought we would get exhausted too quickly, but we discovered the opposite. There’s some high stepping in soft snow, but it’s actually invigorating,” she said. “We felt foolish at first taking wide, clumsy steps in our snowshoes, but we quickly got used to doing that and soon forgot we had them on.”

Many of our guests have also been surprised by how much they love snowshoeing. Dale, who added our Northern Lights Snowshoe option to his Snowmobile Voyager tour, is one of them. 

“Our guide took us off the beaten track and basically made her own route up which was awesome. Then it started snowing really heavily which again was awesome. We made it to a hut, where she made a fire, gave us an insight into the Northern Lights and had some berry juice,” he described on Trustpilot. “We made our way back down in the heavy snow and had a laugh doing so. In some parts the snow was pretty deep. To top the experience off the Northern Lights made an appearance and what an appearance it was!”

Immerse yourself in authentic Lapland 

One of our most gorgeous adventures, journeying out on snowshoes is a unique way to experience this region’s extraordinary natural beauty. The quiet, slow pace really allows you to take in True Lapland... to breathe, look and feel it fully.

It’s not often you travel inside the Arctic Circle, so why not make the most of your visit and forge a deeper connection with this captivating part of the world? 

Some of our trips – like our four-night Northern Lights or seven-night Aurora Hunter tours – include our Snowshoe Introduction, plus you can add it on as an optional activity. There’s also an option to set off at night with the chance to see the Northern Lights.

Find out more about snowshoeing in Lapland with us here