A Genuine Look at Snowmobiling & Ice Fishing at Apukka Resort for 2025

So, you’re thinking about a trip to Finnish Lapland, and honestly, the sheer number of things to do can be a little overwhelming. You’ve likely seen pictures of glass igloos and reindeer, but I’m here to talk about an experience that, for me, really captured the spirit of the Arctic. I want to give you a real, boots-on-the-ground look at the snowmobiling and ice fishing tour at Apukka Resort, just outside Rovaniemi. We did this last winter, and seriously, it was a day that was both completely thrilling and surprisingly peaceful. It’s pretty much two very different Lappish activities rolled into one amazing afternoon. This isn’t just a list of features; I want to tell you what it actually feels like, you know?

Getting Suited Up for the Arctic Chill

First thing’s first, you can’t just wander out into the arctic wilderness in your regular winter coat, obviously. Apukka Resort has this down to a science, which is pretty reassuring. The meeting point for the tour is basically a big room full of serious-looking outdoor gear. The guides are there to help you find your size, and at the end of the day, you’re pretty much waddling around in a super-insulated, one-piece thermal suit that makes you feel a bit like the Michelin Man. Anyway, you also get some really sturdy winter boots, wool socks if you need them, big mittens, a balaclava to cover your face, and of course, a helmet. It might seem like a lot of stuff, but frankly, when you’re out there and the air is crisp and cold, you’ll be very thankful for every single layer. The whole process of getting dressed is actually sort of a fun ritual in itself. It’s like you’re putting on a uniform for an adventure that is about to begin.

You’re given gear that feels like it could stand up to an expedition to the North Pole, which, in a way, gives you a lot of confidence before you even start the engines.

The safety briefing is next, and the guides are really clear and friendly about it all. They show you exactly how the snowmobile works—which, by the way, is surprisingly straightforward. It’s just a throttle for ‘go’ and a brake for ‘stop’. They explain the hand signals they’ll use on the trail to tell you to slow down or stop. They usually make sure everyone has a little practice run in a safe, open area to get the hang of it. It’s a moment where any nerves you might have had, well, they kind of just melt away. You just feel ready to get out there and explore the snowy forests you’ve been looking at from your cabin window.

Your Inner Explorer on the Snowmobile

Okay, so this is where the pure fun kicks in. You start out in a line, following the guide through trails carved right into the resort’s private woods. At first, you’re probably going a little slowly, just getting used to the machine’s weight and how it responds. The sound of the engine is a steady hum in the quiet landscape. Then, as you get more comfortable, the group starts to pick up speed. Seriously, speeding through a forest where every single pine tree branch is heavy with a perfect blanket of snow is an incredible feeling. The path twists and turns, goes up small hills and down through little valleys. It’s not just a flat, boring field; it’s a genuine journey through the wilderness, which is really something.

You’ll stop at a few spots along the way, usually somewhere with a view that will just make your jaw drop. The guide might point out some animal tracks in the snow or share a quick story about the area. These short breaks are perfect for snapping some pictures that, honestly, will look like they came straight from a postcard. The air smells so clean, like pine needles and cold. It’s a very sensory experience. We were driving for, I don’t know, more or less an hour, and it felt like ten minutes. It’s so engaging that you kind of lose track of time. It is a feeling of freedom that’s very hard to describe in words.

The Quiet Magic of Ice Fishing on a Frozen Lake

After the exciting snowmobile ride, the guide leads you out of the forest and onto the surface of a huge, frozen lake. The change in atmosphere is almost instant. The engine noise stops, and you’re surrounded by a profound silence that is pretty much absolute. All you can hear is the soft crunch of your boots on the snow and maybe the wind whispering a little. It’s a huge, wide-open space of white, and you really feel like you’re in the middle of nowhere, in a good way. The guide, who seems to know the lake like the back of their hand, will find a spot that’s apparently good for catching perch or other local fish.

Next, you get to drill your own hole in the ice, which is actually a lot of fun. They give you a big, hand-powered auger, which is basically a giant corkscrew for ice. You turn the handle, and spirals of ice start piling up around your feet until, pop, you break through to the dark water below. It’s surprisingly satisfying work. Then you’re handed a tiny little fishing rod, called a ‘pilkki’, with a small, colorful lure on the end. The technique is simple: you drop the line into the hole, let it sink, and then gently jig it up and down to attract a fish. And then you wait. It’s a test of patience, and to be honest, it becomes very meditative. You’re just sitting there, staring at this small circle of water, totally lost in the moment. Actually, whether you catch a fish or not feels kind of secondary to the experience of just *being* there.

A Well-Deserved Reward: Campfire Snacks in the Wild

So, after you’ve tried your luck with the fish, it’s time to warm up. Nearby, there’s often a ‘laavu’—a traditional, three-sided Lappish wooden shelter—with a fire pit. The guide gets a crackling campfire going in no time, and it’s honestly one of the most welcome sights you’ll see. The warmth on your face and hands feels amazing after being out in the cold. It’s here that the social part of the tour really shines. Everyone gathers around the fire, sharing stories about whether they got a bite or just enjoyed the quiet.

The guides typically break out some sausages to grill over the open flames on long sticks. They also serve hot berry juice, a sweet, steaming, and distinctly Finnish drink that warms you up from the inside out. If you were lucky enough to catch a fish of a decent size, the guide will often clean it and cook it right there for you over the fire. You literally can’t get fresher than that. Just sitting by the fire, eating a smoky sausage, and sipping hot juice in the middle of a frozen landscape is a core memory in the making. It is just a perfect way to wrap up the fishing part of the day.

So, Why is Apukka Resort the Place for This?

You can obviously do these activities at other places in Rovaniemi, so what makes Apukka stand out? Well, for one, the resort owns a huge area of private land and a massive lake. This means the trails aren’t crowded with groups from a dozen other companies. You really feel like you have the wilderness to yourself. The guides we had were also fantastic—they were local people who were clearly passionate about what they do and were full of interesting stories about nature and local life. You definitely didn’t feel like just another tourist on a conveyor belt.

The equipment provided is also top-notch and well-maintained, which is a big deal for both safety and comfort. Because everything is right there on the property, you don’t waste any time with long bus transfers to a separate location. You just get suited up and go. This convenience is pretty much a huge plus, especially when you’re on a holiday and want to make the most of your time. In short, the whole operation just feels very professional yet personal at the same time.

A Few Friendly Pointers for Your Trip

If you’re planning on doing this, here are just a couple of quick tips from my experience. First, wear good base layers. The thermal suit is warm, but what you wear underneath really matters. Merino wool is your best friend. Also, don’t forget your sunglasses, as the sun reflecting off the snow can be incredibly bright, even on an overcast day. You should probably bring a small camera or your phone for pictures, but keep it in an inside pocket close to your body to save the battery from the cold. And finally, book in advance. These tours, especially in the peak season from December to March, tend to fill up fast because they keep the group sizes small for a better experience.

Read our full review: [Apukka Resort Snowmobiling & Ice Fishing Full Review and Details]
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