Ages: above 5 years
Snowmobile Safari near Tromsø | Arctic Wilderness from Skibotn
There's nothing quite like opening the throttle on a snowmobile and feeling the Arctic wilderness open up in front of you. Our snowmobile safari near Tromsø takes you through snow-covered forests, across open mountain valleys, and deep into landscapes that most visitors never reach — all from our base in Skibotn, just 1.5 hours from Tromsø.
No experience needed. Whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned rider, our English-speaking guides will have you confident and in control before you head out. Two people share each snowmobile and swap halfway, so everyone gets time behind the handlebars. Afterwards, warm up at the camp with a hot meal — well earned after a ride through the Arctic.
We've been guiding adventures in this corner of Northern Norway since 2007. This is our backyard, and we can't wait to show it to you.
4.9 · 200+ verified reviews · 98% rate this "very good"
Our snowmobile safari near Tromsø takes you deep into the Arctic wilderness of Skibotn valley — through snow-covered forests, across open mountain plateaus, and into landscapes few visitors ever reach. After a safety briefing and driving instructions from your English-speaking guide, you'll head out on approved trails with a fully equipped snowmobile beneath you.
Two people share each snowmobile and swap halfway, so everyone gets time behind the handlebars. No previous experience is needed — the snowmobiles are intuitive to operate, and your guide is with you the entire way.
Afterwards, come back to the camp at Helligskogen Fjellstue to warm up with a hot bowl of soup, fresh bread, and coffee before the scenic drive back to Tromsø.
Season:
15 December – 31 March
Meeting point:
08:00 outside Scandic Ishavshotel, Tromsø — look for the Activenorth bus, which departs at 08:15. We arrive at Helligskogen Fjellstue around 10:30, and you'll be back in Tromsø by approximately 16:00.
Duration:
Around 3.5 hours at camp, including preparation, safety briefing, approximately 1 hour 30 minutes of snowmobiling, and time to warm up at the camp. Add roughly 2 hours each way for the transfer from Tromsø — the drive through the fjords and mountain passes is scenic and well worth it.
Important — driver's licence:
A valid driver's licence is required to operate a snowmobile in Norway — any national driver's licence is accepted. Don't forget to bring it on the day. If you don't hold a driver's licence, you're very welcome to join as a passenger.
What's included:
08:15
Departure from Tromsø
Meet at the pickup point outside Scandic Ishavshotel. Scenic drive through fjords and mountain passes to Skibotn.
10:30
Arrival at Helligskogen Fjellstue
Welcome to the Activenorth base. Meet your guide and get ready for the adventure ahead.
10:45
Gear up & driving instructions
Get suited up in your Arctic winter suit, boots, and helmet. Your guide walks you through everything you need to know before heading out.
11:00
Snowmobile safari
The highlight of the day. Head out on approved trails through snow-covered forests and open Arctic valleys. Two per snowmobile — swap halfway so everyone drives.
12:30
Return gear
Hand back your snowmobile suit and helmet, and warm up inside the camp.
13:00
Hot soup lunch
Sit down to a warm bowl of soup with fresh bread, coffee and tea. Well earned after a ride through the Arctic.
14:00
Free time at camp
Relax, explore the surroundings, or meet the sled dogs at the kennel before heading back.
15:00
Return bus to Tromsø
Hop back on the bus. Back in Tromsø by approximately 17:00.
What guests say about our snowmobile safari
"Active North are very kind people that offered us possibility to do the tour even when the official season was closed. We had amazing experience on snowmobile at the night tour. Really recommand and for sure we will come back for more advantures."
MICHAL MATULIK · GOOGLE REVIEW
"We booked a snowmobile tour and had an amazing time and were lucky enough to get some great pictures of the northern lights, had a great time with our guide Jan Erik and could not have been more grateful for the whole team. Good food, very well..."
RIKILEE WEBSTER · GOOGLE REVIEW
"Fantastic snowmobile experience! We were picked up directly from our hotel in Manndalen. They gave us all the necessary equipment to keep us warm. The snowmobile guide was very friendly. Back at the camp, a hot meal was served (very good!)."
CLAVELl ANDRÉA · GOOGLE REVIEW
Frequently asked questions about snowmobile near Tromsø
Do I need a driver's licence for a snowmobile safari near Tromsø?
Yes — in Norway, a valid driver's licence is required to operate a snowmobile. Any national driver's licence is accepted, so make sure to bring it with you on the day. If you don't hold a driver's licence, you're very welcome to join the tour as a passenger. You'll still get the full experience — the stunning Arctic landscapes, the hot lunch at camp, and the ride through Skibotn valley — you just won't take a turn behind the handlebars.
Can beginners join a snowmobile tour near Tromsø?
Absolutely — no previous experience is needed. Snowmobiles are surprisingly intuitive to operate, and before heading out your English-speaking guide will walk you through everything: how to accelerate, brake, and handle the machine safely on the trail. Two people share each snowmobile and swap halfway, so there's no pressure to be an expert from the start. The vast majority of our guests are first-timers, and most feel completely comfortable within the first few minutes on the trail.
What should I wear on a snowmobile safari in Northern Norway?
We provide everything you need: a full thermal snowmobile suit, boots, mittens, and a helmet are all included with your booking. Underneath, wear your own thermal base layer and wool socks — the kind you'd pack for a cold winter day. Avoid jeans or cotton, as these hold moisture and get cold quickly. Temperatures in Skibotn valley can drop well below -15°C, especially with wind chill at speed, so a warm mid-layer under your suit is always a good idea.
What happens if there is bad weather on the day of my snowmobile tour?
Snowmobiling near Tromsø operates in all typical Arctic winter conditions — cold, wind, and snow are part of the experience, and our guides are trained to handle them safely. In fact, a fresh snowfall often makes for the best riding conditions. In the rare case that weather makes the tour genuinely unsafe, we will contact you as early as possible to reschedule or offer a full refund. Our flexible cancellation policy means you can book with confidence regardless of the forecast.
Can I book a snowmobile safari near Tromsø as a solo traveller?
Yes, solo travellers are very welcome. You'll join a small group, which means you'll share the experience with a handful of other guests rather than heading out alone — and since two people share each snowmobile, you'll be paired up on the trail. Solo travellers regularly tell us it's one of the best ways to meet fellow adventurers in Northern Norway. Our groups are kept small deliberately, so the experience always feels personal rather than crowded.
How far in advance should I book a snowmobile tour from Tromsø?
We recommend booking as early as possible. The snowmobile safari season runs from 15 December to 31 March, and the most popular dates — particularly around Christmas, New Year, and February half-term — sell out weeks in advance. If you're visiting in January or early March on a weekday, you may find more availability, but early booking always secures your preferred date and departure time. To reserve your spot on the Activenorth snowmobile safari, book directly through our booking partner.
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