Lapland in winter - Best tips for winter travel

Lapland during winter provides an unforgettable travel experience for those who love snowy landscapes, northern lights, and winter activities. In this article, we share the best tips for winter in Lapland.

Read about what to do in Lapland during winter and plan a successful winter trip!

This article is about the following topics:

  • Lapland in Winter – Skiing and Snowboarding
  • Lapland Winter – Northern Lights Tours
  • Plenty to do in Lapland, from babies to grandparents
  • Lapland Winter – Best Places to Visit
  • Mountain Biking in Lapland – 5 Best Routes for Winter Mountain Biking
  • Mountain Biking in Winter – How to Prepare?
  • Roll Outdoors with you in Lapland Winter
Skiing - Rovaniemi ounasvaara

Lapland in Winter – Skiing and Snowboarding

Lapland is the best domestic travel destination during winter, where many head to enjoy the snowy scenery.

Lapland has so many different ski resorts that everyone will surely find their favorite. Lapland has so many different ski resorts that everyone will surely find their favorite. The most popular and international ski resort is Levi, which has grown over the years into a huge holiday destination. The largest ski resort is Ylläs, boasting numerous slopes. If off-piste skiing is your thing, Pyhä offers great facilities for that and is also charmingly compact in size.

Read also: Skiing and snowboarding in Rovaniemi >>

If you are looking for a quieter skiing experience, you can head to the small Pallas ski resort. Pallas offers genuine Lapland wilderness where you can truly experience the peace and beauty of nature, far away from busy theme parks.

Saariselkä is a great destination for cross-country skiing. In Urho Kekkonen National Park, you will find options for both easy and well-marked tracks as well as challenging wilderness routes.

Read about what to do in Lapland during other seasons >>

Lapland Winter – Northern Lights Tours

The winter in Lapland is known for its stunning northern lights, and spotting the northern lights is an activity you cannot miss while traveling in Lapland. The best chances to see the northern lights are offered by remote places where the city lights won’t disturb your view. Choose a dark and clear night, and keep your camera ready for these heavenly light phenomena.

Read tips on seeing the northern lights >>

You can go on a northern lights tour on foot, or on a high-quality, winter-terrain suitable fat bike. We organize guided bike tours, so you don’t have to head into the unknown alone on a winter night.

Plenty to do in Lapland, from babies to grandparents

Lapland’s snowy forests and lakes are perfect places not only for mountain biking and hiking, but also for snowmobiling – if you get excited about a faster pace. Rent a snowmobile and go on an adventure along snowy routes. Rovaniemi and Kittilä offer a wide range of snowmobile safaris for adventurers of all levels.

Rovaniemi is home to the world-famous Santa Claus Village, which is a lovely place to visit all year round – but during winter the village has a special Christmas magic. You can meet Santa Claus himself and enjoy the Christmas atmosphere.

During winter, you can experience the refreshing effect of sauna and ice swimming. Find a local smoke sauna and enjoy the warmth before daringly plunging into the icy lake water.

Reindeer farms and husky farms will surely interest the whole family, and the presence of animals provides a relaxing atmosphere. Ice fishing is suitable for those seeking a quieter activity, and indoors, you can warm up in museums for instance.

fat bike mountain biking rovaniemi ounasvaara

Lapland Winter – Best Places to Visit

In addition to winter activities, Lapland has plenty to see, do, and of course, a wide range of restaurants. Pyhä-Luosto’s event calendar offers activities for the whole family, and in Inari, you can learn about the Sámi culture.

In wintery Lapland, you can stay in unique ice hotels, such as Levin Lumilinna or Kittilä’s SnowVillage. These hotels are built from ice and snow, offering an unforgettable overnight experience for visitors of all ages. South of Saariselkä, Kakslauttanen is a famous northern lights hotel where you can stay in glass-walled igloos.

A more affordable option that offers a touch of the luxury of glass igloos is Aurora Dome. It is located in conjunction with Torassieppi cottage village, offering cottages and tent accommodations with stunning panoramic windows. . In these accommodations, you can enjoy a soft bed, a warm fireplace, and even underfloor heating.

During your trip, you can taste local delicacies such as reindeer, salmon, and game. Lapland’s kitchen offers delicious taste experiences that will dance on your tongue for a long time. Lapland’s offerings also include delicacies for international tastes.

Mountain biking in Lapland - 3 best routes for winter mountain biking

Lapland not only offers great winter experiences but is a true paradise for mountain bikers. We compiled together five of the best mountain biking routes that offer stunning landscapes and challenging trails:

Saariselkä-Kiilopää

The Saariselkä-Kiilopää area offers a diverse range of mountain biking trails suitable for both beginners and more experienced cyclists. The cycling routes take you through captivating wilderness landscapes, amidst the enchanting open fells and lush green forests. In total, there are well over a hundred kilometers of marked trails from which you can choose your favorite.

Read more about the area’s trails >>

Ounasvaara, Rovaniemi

The Ounasvaara winter biking route is one of the most popular routes in the region, offering stunning scenery and varied trails for beginners and more experienced bikers alike.

Roll Outdoors maintains a 20 km long trail that runs from the corners of the Lumberjack Candle bridge to the Väiskin laavu, partly following summer trails. The route is made safe for beginners, but also so that more experienced riders can have fun on the winding and hilly route. There is also a more challenging route around the Isorakka for the more experienced cyclist looking for a challenge.

Ylläs

Ylläs offers plenty of easier multi-use trails that are also suitable for cycling.

Whether you’re heading off on a mountain bike route or a mountain bike tour, you can hire a quality bike from us that meets your needs. Our rental offices are located in Rovaniemi and Saariselkä. You can rent a bike conveniently online at, or come to the rental office.

Mountain Biking in Winter – How to Prepare?

When you plan to go mountain biking in winter, it’s a good idea to be properly prepared for the cold frosts in Lapland.

Check the condition of your bike before you ride and make sure you have the right equipment, such as a helmet, gloves, headlamp and cycling clothes.

Avoid off-trail areas and follow nature conservation guidelines. Leave no trace and keep the environment tidy. Remember that there are various restrictions on mountain biking in national parks.

On long journeys, it’s important to take care of your energy intake, isn’t it? Especially if you fancy waiting for the Northern Lights, a thermos of cocoa will brighten up your evening. Pack enough water and snacks.

Always check the weather forecast before you go. If you want to ensure a great aurora experience, be sure to check the aurora forecasts beforehand.

Safety is of paramount importance. Especially if you’re going out alone or in the dark, it’s a good idea to let someone know your route and estimated time of return. Make sure you have a working headlamp to make it easier to stay on the trail, and to avoid a dark winter night.

Read the top 10 tips for mountain bikers in Lapland >>

Roll Outdoors with you in Lapland Winter

At Roll Outdoors, we help you plan the Lapland experience of your dreams and enjoy mountain biking all year round. You can hire a quality fat bike from us to tackle the winter snows, or book a guided bike tour for you and your party. We are happy to help you choose the right bike and route, and answer any questions you may have.

Lapland’s incredible nature looks even more beautiful on a bike – Have you tried it?