Gielas Hotel

Snowshoeing in Saariselkä is a wonderful way to discover the breathtaking scenery of Finnish Lapland. Set out on a guided snowshoe safari through snow-covered forests, immersing yourself in the untouched Arctic wilderness. Along the way, you'll stop for a warm berry juice by the fire, and as you traverse the trails, your guide will share stories about Lappish culture and the surrounding natural environment. 

Duration: 2 hours

Equipped with snowshoes, you'll venture into the quiet, snow-covered wilderness, far from artificial lights, where the natural beauty of Finnish Lapland unfolds around you. As you hike through the serene landscapes under the Arctic night, your guide will share insights about the area and the mystical phenomenon of the Northern Lights. With luck, you'll witness the sky come alive with dazzling displays of vibrant greens, pinks, and purples. Midway through the journey, you'll pause to enjoy a warm drink by the fire, soaking in the peaceful atmosphere and, hopefully, the magic of the aurora borealis overhead. 

Duration: 2 hours

Experience the thrill of driving through enchanted Finnish forests and fells on an exciting snowmobile safari. Before setting off on this unforgettable adventure across the pristine Arctic landscape, you’ll learn how to operate the snowmobile, and your guide will go through the trail rules. Children will ride in a sleigh behind the guide, while adults can share a snowmobile or can upgrade to drive solo.

Duration: 2 hours

• From January onwards, lunch is included in this excursion.
• All drivers must be 18yrs+ and bring a full, valid photographic driver's licence with them to the excursion.
• Children must be aged 12 or above and at least 140cm tall to ride as a passenger on a snowmobile, they must be able to touch the foot rest when sat on the snowmobile. Children under this height or aged 5-11yrs will be towed in a sled or pod (unheated) behind the guide. It is not possible for infants (aged 0-4 years) to take part in this excursion. 
• Single riders who have purchased a sharing snowmobile may need to upgrade locally to a single driving snowmobile, if a sharing snowmobile is not available.

Venture out into the remote areas surrounding Saariselkä for an opportunity to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights. As you whizz through the forests and over the fells, the magical Northern Lights may make an appearance, lighting the sky up in hues of purple, pink and green. Children will ride in a sleigh behind the guide, while adults can share a snowmobile or can upgrade to drive solo. Along the way, you'll stop at a traditional Finnish kota to warm up with berry juice before continuing your journey through the magical forests. 

Duration: 2 hours

• All drivers must be 18yrs+ and bring a full, valid photographic driver's licence with them to the excursion.
• Children must be aged 12 or above and at least 140cm tall to ride as a passenger on a snowmobile, they must be able to touch the foot rest when sat on the snowmobile. Children under this height or aged 5-11yrs will be towed in a sled or pod (unheated) behind the guide. It is not possible for infants (aged 0-4 years) to take part in this excursion. 
• Single riders who have purchased a sharing snowmobile may need to upgrade locally to a single driving snowmobile, if a sharing snowmobile is not available.

Experience the excitement of adventure as you set off on a safari through the pristine wilderness of Lapland. You'll learn the fundamentals of driving your own husky sled before venturing onto the trail, surrounded by breathtaking Arctic scenery and guided by a team of huskies. As you glide across the snowy landscape, admire the spectacular views of snow-covered trees and vast tundras, with each bend revealing a picture-perfect sight. After the safari, warm up with hot berry juice by an open fire, while hearing captivating tales about the huskies. 

Duration: 2.5 hours (1 hour at Wilderness Centre)

• Available to guests arriving before Christmas.
• Guests must be 18+ and in good physical fitness to drive the husky sled. 

A quintessential part of your Lapland visit is to experience a reindeer sleigh ride. Visit an authentic reindeer farm and learn all about the reindeer. You will then be taken on a serene sleigh ride through snowy forests, guided by a Sami guide and their reindeer. The visit includes a farm visit where you can learn about the reindeer. 

Duration: 2 hours (1 hour at the Wilderness Centre) including a talk from a reindeer herder

• From January onwards, lunch is included in this excursion.

Experience the excitement of adventure as you set off on a safari through the pristine wilderness of Lapland. You'll learn the fundamentals of driving your own husky sled before venturing onto the trail, surrounded by breathtaking Arctic scenery and guided by a team of huskies. As you glide across the snowy landscape, admire the spectacular views of snow-covered trees and vast tundras, with each bend revealing a picture-perfect sight. After the safari, warm up with hot berry juice by an open fire, while hearing captivating tales about the huskies. 

Duration: 2.5 hours (1 hour at Wilderness Centre)

• Available to guests arriving after Christmas
• Lunch is included in this excursion.
• Guests must be 18+ and in good physical fitness to drive the husky sled. 

Perfect for a 7-night Lapland Adventure holiday, this package has everything you need for an unforgettable Arctic skiing or snowboarding experience. It includes a lift pass for effortless access to the slopes, plus skis or a snowboard and boots, making it easy to hit the runs and enjoy the snowy wilderness. When you’re not on the hunt for Santa, embrace the thrill of gliding through Lapland’s winter wonderland on your skis or board.

Includes:

• 6 day lift pass
• 6 day skis/snowboard & boots hire

The Classic Adventure package offers three thrilling Arctic experiences: a Husky Safari, where you’ll ride through snowy landscapes with a team of huskies; a Reindeer Safari, providing a traditional and peaceful sleigh ride; and a Snowmobile Safari, delivering an adrenaline-filled journey across frozen terrain. Perfect for winter adventure seekers!

Includes 3 activities

• 5km Husky Safari
• Reindeer Safari - 2-3 hours
• 10-15km Snowmobile Safari

The Northern Lights Adventure package combines five unforgettable Arctic experiences: an Aurora Hunt by Car for the best Northern Lights views, a Northern Lights Snowshoe trek through snowy landscapes, a thrilling Husky Safari, a serene Reindeer Safari, and an exciting Snowmobile Safari. Perfect for adventure lovers chasing the magic of winter! 

Includes 5 activities

• Aurora Hunt (by car)
• Northern Lights Snowshoeing
• 5km Husky Safari
• Reindeer Safari
• 10-15km Snowmobile Safari

Available after Christmas on 7-night Lapland Adventure holidays. 

The Authentic Adventure package offers a deep dive into Lapland’s traditions with five activities: a Wilderness Dinner under the Arctic sky, an exciting Snowshoe Safari through pristine landscapes, plus Husky, Reindeer, and Snowmobile Safaris.

Includes 5 activities:

• Wilderness Dinner
• Snowshoeing Safari
• 5km Husky Safari
• Reindeer Safari + Lunch
• 10-15km Snowmobile Safari

Available after Christmas on 7-night Lapland Adventure holidays.