Apukka Snow and Fun, Rovaniemi

Introduction

Our review of the Apukka Snow and Fun tour in Rovaniemi offers a balanced look at what travelers can experience during this four-hour Arctic adventure. Designed for families and those eager to sample a variety of winter activities, this tour promises a fun-filled day outside the city. While it offers a good range of activities, some reviews suggest that it may not be the best value for every traveler.

What we like most about this experience is its variety of activities—from husky and reindeer rides to snow sculpting and snowmobiling—making it a good introduction to Arctic winter life. Plus, the on-site winter outerwear helps keep everyone warm, no matter how cold it gets outside. On the flip side, some might find that the cost is a bit high for what’s included, especially if they stay at the resort.

This tour is a solid pick for families, first-time visitors in Rovaniemi, or anyone wanting a quick, engaging taste of Lapland’s snowy outdoor life. If you’re looking for a structured, inclusive experience that offers multiple snow activities in one go, this is worth considering. But if you’re after a more exclusive, in-depth adventure, you might want to explore other options.

Key Points

• Comprehensive experience: Offers a mix of husky and reindeer sleigh rides, snowshoeing, snow sculpting, and tobogganing.
• Family-friendly: Designed with kids in mind, with mini snowmobiles and snow fun suitable for all ages.
• Convenient transportation: Includes round-trip bus transfer from Rovaniemi city center.
• All-inclusive gear: Winter outerwear provided, so you stay warm without packing bulky clothes.
• Culinary option: An authentic restaurant serves Lappish dishes, though meals are at your own expense.
• Mixed reviews on value: Some guests feel the experience is pricey, especially if staying at the resort or doing similar activities locally.

What to Expect from the Tour

The Apukka Snow and Fun tour is essentially a sampler platter of traditional Arctic winter activities, packaged into a four-hour outing outside Rovaniemi. It starts with a round-trip bus transfer from the city center, taking you to Apukka Resort, which is known for its family-friendly atmosphere and outdoor adventures. The journey itself is smooth, and the resort offers a cozy base for your snowy day.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Morning Pickup & Arrival:
The tour kicks off promptly at 10:00 am at the designated meeting point, Apukka Resort Adventures at Tutkijantie 28. From there, most groups are small—maximum 26 participants—which helps keep the experience personal and manageable.

Husky and Reindeer Sleigh Rides:
A highlight for many guests is the chance to sleigh ride pulled by energetic huskies and gentle reindeer. Reviewers frequently mention how this part of the tour is memorable, with one noting that the husky ride was “amazing, even if a little short.” These rides offer a peaceful way to see the snowy landscape and interact closely with the animals, making for authentic Arctic encounters.

Snow Activities:
Next, you’ll get to try snowshoeing and cross-country skiing—activities that are easy to pick up but may feel a bit flat if you’re already familiar with winter sports. The highlight here is snow sculpting—a creative activity that can be surprisingly fun, especially for kids. Several reviews mention the joy of seeing their snow creations, although some found snowshoes and skis on flat ground “boring,” and one review pointed out that tobogganing was closed during their visit.

Mini Snowmobiles & Tobogganing:
Kids love the mini snowmobiles, which give them a taste of speed and motorized fun. Adults might find the toboggan run less exciting if it’s limited or closed, which was a point of disappointment for some travelers.

Lunch & Relaxation:
Midway through the experience, you’ll have a chance to warm up and eat at the onsite restaurant, Aitta. The menu features Lappish dishes, but since lunch is at your own expense, budgeting accordingly is wise. Several reviews praise the authenticity and good quality of the food, though some mention it being pricey.

Final Snowball Fight & Farewell:
The tour wraps up with a playful snowball fight, a fun way to end the day. Afterward, you’ll be transported back to Rovaniemi, with the option for a relaxed conversation about the day’s highlights.

The Practical Side

Transportation and Group Size:
The included bus transfer simplifies logistics and ensures you’re picked up from central Rovaniemi, saving you time and hassle. The group size limits of 26 travelers help keep the experience intimate, but it also means booking early is recommended, especially during peak season.

Duration and Pacing:
At around 4 hours, the tour is a decent half-day adventure. It’s enough time to enjoy multiple activities without feeling rushed, but it’s also a quick dip into Arctic fun rather than a deep dive.

Weather & Clothing:
Since all winter outerwear is provided, you won’t need to worry about packing bulky clothes. The joy of this setup is staying warm and dry, regardless of the outdoor temperature. Keep in mind that the weather in Rovaniemi can change quickly, so expect some cold, snowy conditions.

Cost and Value:
At approximately $235 per person, this tour falls into the mid-range for Arctic activities. Several reviews suggest that for the price, the experience could feel overpriced, especially if you’re already staying at the resort or plan to do similar activities independently. However, the convenience of a packaged experience, guided activities, and included gear can justify the cost for many families and first-timers.

Authentic Feedback from Travelers

Many reviewers highlight the friendly and professional guides, which can greatly enhance the experience. One person said, “Guides were friendly and managed all professionally,” which is reassuring when engaging in outdoor activities with children.

Others appreciate the variety of activities, with one noting, “It’s a nice way to get introduced to snow fun.” Conversely, a few felt the activities, such as snowshoes and skis, were “boring” on flat ground, and some were disappointed that tobogganing was closed.

Several guests praise the husky and reindeer rides as the most memorable part, with one saying, “The husky ride was amazing, even if a little short.” The lunch also receives mixed reviews: some enjoy the authentic atmosphere and flavors, while others find it expensive.

A common thread in the less favorable reviews is the concern over value for money—feeling that similar activities could be accessed more cheaply elsewhere or included at no extra cost if staying at the resort.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This Apukka Snow and Fun experience is best suited for families, especially those with young children, looking for a well-rounded, guided Arctic adventure. It’s also ideal for first-time visitors wanting a safe, easy way to try a variety of winter activities without the hassle of organizing each individually.

If you are on a tight budget or prefer more exclusive, personalized excursions, you may find this tour somewhat lacking value. However, if you appreciate convenience, guided activities, and a diverse snapshot of Arctic snow life, it’s a solid choice.

The Sum Up

The Apukka Snow and Fun tour offers a practical way to experience a range of winter activities in Rovaniemi, making it a good pick for families and first-timers. The inclusion of round-trip transportation, winter gear, and guidance simplifies the logistics, while the variety of activities promises a lively, engaging day.

That said, it’s not cheap, and some guests feel the activities could be more extensive or better priced. Still, the chance to meet huskies and reindeer, try snow sculpting, and enjoy authentic Lapland cuisine makes this a memorable outing. The experience best suits those wanting a fun, family-friendly Arctic introduction rather than a specialized adventure for seasoned snow enthusiasts.

If you’re after a balanced, entertaining, and hassle-free Arctic experience, this tour will serve you well. But if you’re seeking more exclusivity or value, you might want to shop around or explore local options independently.

FAQs

Is transportation included?
Yes, the tour includes round-trip bus transfer from Rovaniemi city center to the Apukka Resort, making it easy to join without arranging your own transport.

What should I wear or bring?
All winter outerwear is provided, so just dress warmly in layers underneath. It’s advisable to wear comfortable winter boots, gloves, and a hat, especially since you’ll be outside most of the time.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience lasts about four hours, from pickup at 10:00 am to return to the meeting point.

Can I participate if I’m traveling alone?
Absolutely. The group size is limited to 26 travelers, so solo travelers are welcome and will join a small, friendly group.

Are the activities suitable for young children?
Yes, many activities are designed with children in mind, including mini snowmobiles, reindeer and husky rides, and snow play. Keep in mind some activities may have age or height restrictions.

Is food included?
Lunch is not included in the price; you’ll have the option to purchase meals at the onsite restaurant. Several reviews praise the food’s authenticity, though some mention it’s on the pricier side.

This comprehensive look at the Apukka Snow and Fun tour should help you decide if it fits your Arctic adventure plans. Whether you’re chasing snow, animals, or just a fun family day out, it offers a taste of Lapland’s winter magic—just weigh the costs against the array of activities and authentic experiences you’ll enjoy.