Most Rovaniemi husky tours sound alike, but the ride itself ranges from 500 metres at a husky farm to 10 km and more behind your own team. Our verdict rests on a few facts you can check on every listing: distance, time on the sled, who drives and how much of the day goes on the transfer.
Time on the sled and distance
The self-driving tour of the Arctic Circle Snowmobile Park states about an hour on the sled over 7–10 km, half of its 2 hours in total. Wonderlapland’s 12–15 km safari also states about an hour, within 5 hours. The A Day In Lapland safari lists 30–50 minutes over 6–10 km and Rovaniemi Insider 25–35 minutes over 10 km, both in 4 hours. Our short ride vs. safari page lists distance and time on the sled for every tour.
Driving yourself or riding along
On a self-drive safari you stand on the runners and usually share the sled: at the Arctic Circle Snowmobile Park one person drives and up to two ride, at Safartica two adults share a team. On a passenger ride a musher drives and you sit in the sled, which suits small children and photographers. Sitting still is colder, so dress in an extra layer. Self-drive or passenger compared.
Children and minimum ages
The 2.5 km ride in Santa Claus Village takes about 7–12 minutes on the sled and around 30 minutes in total, with no transfer, so it is over before small children get cold. Bring your own warm outer layer, as it is not included. On some self-drive safaris children ride in the sled while the adults drive; on the A Day In Lapland safari children from 4 can come along and only adults drive. Many listings state no minimum age, so check the product page. Husky rides with kids.
Season and snow
Sled rides run from about mid or late November into April. The cold core of the season from December to February gives the best chance of firm snow and the full route; in mild spells, often in March, soft snow can shorten it. From October until the snow, some kennels run their tours on wheeled carts. Best time for a husky safari and autumn husky rides.
Huskies and reindeer on one day
The popular combination days include around 500 metres on a husky sled and a short reindeer ride, often with time in Santa Claus Village. The North Tours safari is the exception: you drive your own team 5 km out to a reindeer farm, have soup there and drive 2 km back. Husky and reindeer combinations.
