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.
