Snowmobile Safari to Reindeer Farm, Levi — authentic local experience

Snowmobile Safari to Reindeer Farm in Levi — Authentic Reindeer Herder experience, Traditional Kota Meal, Lasso & Diploma

Why this is one of the best combined experiences in Levi

• Two experiences in one: snowmobile safari + authentic reindeer farm visit
• Jussi’s farm — multi-generational herder family, semi-wild reindeer
• Animal welfare first: no rides, no tricks — the herd on its own terms
• Small groups only: maximum 15 people, two visits per day
• Full kota meal by the open fire: reindeer sausage, Finnish pancakes, hot drinks
• Lasso throwing practice and personal Reindeer Herder’s Assistant diploma

The snowmobile safari

The safari house is in a private forest location just minutes from Levi. From the moment the transfer arrives, the atmosphere is already different — no crowds, no resort noise, just the tree line and the cold. From there, the route to the farm combines public marked trails with sections of privately owned land that only STG guests can access, covering approximately 25 km in 1 to 1.5 hours of riding. When a sleigh is in use, the group travels at 20–25 km/h. Without a sleigh, the pace is 30–45 km/h.

Part 1 — Snowmobile safari

Adults ride their own snowmobiles; children under 130 cm travel in a guide-pulled sled. The route winds through snow-covered forest and open Arctic landscape on a mix of public and private trails. The private sections go deeper — away from other snowmobiles, into terrain that few visitors in Levi ever reach.

Part 2 — The reindeer farm experience

The snowmobiles stop and the reindeer are already there. Dozens of them, surrounding the group in what the herder calls a ‘sea of reindeer’. The farm is run by Jussi, a local herder whose family has kept reindeer across generations. Animal welfare comes first here: no rides, no tricks. The reindeer live freely in nature for most of the year and are brought to the farm in winter for feeding and care. Groups are kept small — up to 15 people, maximum 2 visits per day.

Guests are handed buckets of feed — hay and specially formulated pellets — and move slowly through several feeding stations. Some reindeer come close enough to touch; others keep their distance. That natural shyness is part of what makes the contact meaningful. The herder talks throughout about the animals, the seasonal calendar and what this life actually demands. Guests call it ‘reindeer therapy’ — and it is hard to argue with that after an hour in the stillness of a winter farm.

Traditional Lappish kota meal by the open fire

The kota is pre-heated and warmed in advance, ready for the guests. Our own kota chef serves a traditional Lappish kota meal.

After spending time with the reindeer, the group moves into the warm kota. Wooden benches covered with reindeer hides, open fire. Guests grill their own reindeer sausage — made from locally and ethically sourced ingredients. Then thin Finnish pancakes with arctic berry jam and whipped cream. Coffee brewed in a pot over the fire, hot berry juice, herbal tea. While the guests enjoy their meal, the host carries on — more stories about the reindeer, Sámi-inspired traditions and the realities of Arctic living, and whatever questions have built up over the last hour.

Lasso and diploma

Before the return ride, guests try lasso throwing and each receives a personal diploma of Reindeer Herder’s Assistant. The group then rides back to the safari house by snowmobile, changes out of gear and is driven back to Levi by car or minibus.

Who this is for

• Families with children aged 10 and above
• Couples and small groups interested in authentic Lappish reindeer herding culture
• Anyone who wants to combine snowmobile riding with a genuine animal encounter
• Guests looking for a full half-day experience with a proper meal included

Private Option

A private version of this tour means the reindeer farm visit is exclusively for your group — your time with the herd, your kota, your meal. No other parties at the farm during your program. Contact us to arrange.

Disclaimer — Snowmobile Safaris

Damage to snowmobiles: All snowmobiles are insured as required by Finnish law, subject to the Finnish Motor Liability Insurance Act. Clients are liable for damage caused to snowmobiles. The tour price includes accident insurance with a maximum deductible of €950 per driver. The deductible can be reduced to €350 by purchasing a waiver (€35) at the time of booking or in the office before departure. If the driver does not follow the Finnish Road Traffic Act or guide’s instructions, all damages must be paid in full — waivers and deductibles do not apply.

Personal injuries: Snowmobile programs can be physically demanding. Snowmobiling is not recommended for pregnant women or people with back or hip problems. Guests with heart disease, asthma, diabetes, epilepsy or other relevant conditions should consult a medical professional before participating. Each participant is personally responsible for assessing their ability to take part. Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended.

Driver’s licence: Finnish law requires snowmobile drivers to be at least 18 years old and hold a valid driving licence accepted in Finland. Accepted licences: categories B, T, A1 or A issued in EU/EEA countries or countries party to the Geneva or Vienna Conventions, or otherwise officially recognised by Finland. Electronic licences are not officially accepted. A licence issued in a country not recognised by Finland is not valid for driving a snowmobile — the holder may only participate as a passenger.

Alcohol and drugs: Tolerance is zero. Finnish law strictly prohibits driving a snowmobile under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Drivers may be breathalysed before departure. Participation will be denied if under the influence; no refund applies.

Speed and trails: The official speed limit for snowmobiles in Finland is 60 km/h. Driving is only permitted on marked trails. Please bring your driving licence — police patrols operate on snowmobile tracks.

STG reserve the right to adjust routes, schedules or durations due to weather, safety or participant health. STG may discontinue the safari if a participant is considered a danger to themselves or others or is in poor health.

Cold temperature and weather related modifications and cancellations

Snowmobile safaris are cancelled when the outside temperature falls below -35°C (-31°F). In the event of cancellation, the tour can be rescheduled to another date or refunded in full if rescheduling is not suitable.

For safaris involving children, the minimum temperature limit is -25°C (-13°F). Between -25°C and -35°C, safaris may be modified — for example, with a shorter riding distance or additional warming breaks. These modifications are made in the interest of guest comfort and safety and are not subject to compensation or refund.

Important remarks

Pricing note:

Standard price: one seat on a shared snowmobile (two persons per machine), either as driver or passenger. Adults may also opt to ride in a sleigh instead — a suitable option for those travelling with small children or elderly guests. We strongly recommend that a small child in the sleigh is accompanied by an adult or older child rather than riding alone. Adults riding in the sleigh still pay adult price.

Solo supplement and odd number of participants: solo supplement is available for guests who wish to drive alone. If your group has an odd number of adults, the unpaired person must either purchase a solo supplement or be prepared to share a snowmobile with another unmatched participant, with each driving for half the route. If no match can be found, the unpaired participant will not be able to join the safari.

Driver requirement: every snowmobile must have at least one adult driver for the full route. If one adult in your party does not wish to drive, the other must drive the entire way. Contact us before booking if any member of your group does not wish to drive.

Drivers and passengers may swap places halfway through the route.

Child age: 3–12 years. Children under 130 cm ride in a sleigh pulled by the guide’s snowmobile. Child price applies only to children riding in the sleigh, regardless of height. Children over 130 cm who can reach the footrests may ride on the snowmobile behind an adult driver — in this case adult price applies. If a child was booked at child price but is tall enough to ride on the snowmobile, the family may choose to upgrade on the day at adult price, or the child may remain in the sleigh at the original child price.

F.A.Q.

• What happens at the reindeer farm during this safari?

The group spends approximately one hour with the herd — moving through several feeding stations with hay and pellets, photographing the reindeer freely, and listening to the herder talk about the animals and seasonal calendar. Groups are kept to 15 people maximum, two visits per day.

• Is the reindeer farm visit suitable for children?

Recommended for ages 10 and above. The reindeer are semi-wild and not tamed for tourist interaction — children must remain calm and follow the herder’s instructions at all times. The kota meal and lasso practice are suitable for all ages.

• What is served at the kota meal?

Our own kota chef serves a traditional Lappish kota meal. Guests can grill reindeer sausage over the open fire. Then our chef serves thin Finnish pancakes with arctic berry jam and whipped cream. Coffee brewed in a pot over the fire, hot berry juice and herbal tea. Vegetarian, vegan or chicken sausage alternatives available on request at booking.

• How far is the reindeer farm from Levi?

The route to the farm covers approximately 25 km and takes 1 to 1.5 hours of riding. The return trip from the reindeer farm to Levi is done by car or minibus and takes only 10 minutes.

• What is the light like on this safari in December?

In December, daylight in Levi lasts roughly from 10:00 to 14:00. With a 4-hour program, departure timing shapes what you experience. An earlier start means riding and spending time at the farm in natural light. A later start means arriving at the farm and sitting by the kota fire during kaamos — the soft blue Arctic light of November and December. The reindeer herd in the fading blue dusk is a different kind of encounter from midday. Both are worth considering.

Important remarks:

Ages: Recommended 10 and above. The reindeer are semi-wild — children must be calm and follow the herder’s instructions at all times.

Group size: Maximum 15 people, two visits per day.

Reindeer: Semi-wild animals. Stay calm, move slowly, follow the herder’s instructions at all times.

Sausage alternatives: Chicken, vegetarian or vegan options available on request at time of booking.

Drivers: Must be 18+ with a valid driving licence.

Accident insurance: €950 deductible per driver. Waiver (€35) reduces to €350.

Weather: Cancelled below -35°C (-31°F). Full refund or rescheduling.

Important information for families with children

This activity is recommended for families with children aged 10 and above. Its suitability depends on your child’s temperament and your commitment as parents to take extra responsibility and supervise your children closely throughout the program.

Outdoor conditions: A large part of the program takes place outdoors in cold temperatures for an extended period. Ensure your children are comfortable in such conditions and dressed warmly.

Reindeer interaction: Reindeer will roam freely around the group during the activity. Parents must maintain constant supervision. The reindeer are semi-wild animals not tamed to interact with humans. They may become startled by sudden movements, loud noises, or a person standing too close. When frightened, reindeer may run and accidentally hit a person in their path, including with their antlers or hooves. Our company and the reindeer farm are not liable for any accidents involving reindeer that may occur during the program.

Child’s temperament: This activity is ideal for calm and composed children who can remain relaxed and quiet. If your child exhibits more active behaviour — running, shouting, or making sudden movements — the likelihood of an accident increases. Our company does not take responsibility for any potential consequences; this responsibility lies entirely with the parents.

Please take these factors into account when deciding whether this program is a good match for your family.

Recommendation

• Wear thermal base layers under the provided suit. 
• Two pairs of socks recommended — thick wool on top. 
• The farm visit involves approximately one hour standing outdoors in cold conditions. 
• Bring your driving licence.

Cancellation Policy

• We will charge a cancellation fee of 100% if booking is cancelled 7 days or less before the event
• We will charge a cancellation fee of 50% if booking is cancelled 21 days or less before the event
• We will charge a cancellation fee of 10% if booking is cancelled 365 days or less before the event