Frequently Asked Questions about Kilpisjärvi Winter Tours
Updated 7 September 2026
These answers apply to winter experiences operated by Destination Kilpisjärvi
Are you planning a visit to Kilpisjärvi? We have gathered here answers to questions we are often asked about winter, our guided experiences and booking your visit.
When does winter begin in Kilpisjärvi?
Here in Kilpisjärvi, the first snow often arrives at the end of September. Snow may fall several times during the following weeks, but these early snowfalls normally melt away.
Our guided winter tours usually begin around 20 November, when there is enough snow for the activities. The snow season continues until mid-May. Kilpisjärvi has one of the longest snow seasons in Finland.
Weather, snow and ice conditions always determine the exact starting and ending dates of each experience.
When does your winter online store open?
Our updated experiences for the 2026–2027 winter season will be available in our online store from 15 September 2026.
After this date, you can see the experiences, prices and real-time availability in the online store.
Can I book a winter experience before the online store opens?
Yes. You can contact us and book a winter experience before it becomes available in our online store.
Please tell us:
your preferred dates
the number of participants
the ages of any children or young people
which experiences you are interested in
We will personally check what is available for your dates and help you make the booking.
Is there snow in Kilpisjärvi in November?
Yes, there is normally snow in Kilpisjärvi in November. The village already looks beautiful and wintry, and the long, dark evenings offer good opportunities to look for the Northern Lights.
During the first part of November, however, there is not enough snow for our guided winter tours. Our tours normally begin around 20 November, depending on the snow and ice conditions.
You can still visit Kilpisjärvi earlier in November to enjoy the winter scenery, quiet surroundings and Northern Lights season.
What is the best time for a winter visit?
There is no single best time. Each part of our long winter has its own character:
In late November, fresh snow covers the landscape and our guided winter season begins.
December brings the Polar Night, long Arctic nights and beautiful blue twilight. The Polar Night continues into January.
Late January, February and March offer deep snow, cold winter conditions and steadily increasing daylight.
April and the first half of May bring long and bright spring days with glittering snow on our fell landscapes.
The operating periods vary between experiences. Please always check the available dates on the individual product page.
How do I book an experience?
Choose an experience in our online store and check the available dates. The booking calendar shows real-time availability.
Please read the full product description, suitability information and booking terms before making your reservation. Your booking is confirmed after the required payment.
You are also welcome to contact us if you wish to book before the experience becomes available online.
Why can I not find my preferred date?
If a date is not shown in the booking calendar, the experience may:
not yet be available for online booking
not operate on that date
already be fully booked
depend on seasonal snow or ice conditions
Please contact us if you cannot find a suitable date. We will check whether the experience or another suitable option is available for you.
Do you offer private experiences?
Yes. Most of our experiences are privately guided for your own couple, family or small group. We also offer selected small-group experiences, which are shared with other guests.
The product description will clearly tell you whether the experience is private or shared with others.
Are the experiences suitable for children?
The minimum age for most of our tours is 10 years.
How cold is winter in Kilpisjärvi?
Winter temperatures in Kilpisjärvi can vary greatly. During the snow season, the temperature may sometimes be close to 0°C (32°F), while during cold periods it can fall below –30°C (–22°F).
Wind on the open lake and tundra can make the air feel considerably colder than the measured temperature.
Due to Kilpisjärvi’s location among high fells and close to the Norwegian coast, weather forecasts do not always reflect local conditions accurately. The weather can also change quickly during the day. You should therefore prepare for colder and windier conditions than the forecast suggests.
What should I wear in winter?
Arctic winter conditions require proper clothing. Please arrive wearing:
several warm layers, including thermal underwear
sturdy, well-insulated winter footwear that is not tight-fitting
a warm hat that covers your head and ears
warm mittens rather than thin gloves
Tight footwear makes your feet cold, even when you are wearing warm socks. Your boots must have enough room for your toes and for air to circulate.
Please read the detailed instructions in our FAQ: How to Stay Warm in the Great Outdoors in Arctic Lapland.
Additional Clothing for Our Guided Experiences
Protective clothing is either included or available to rent for our outdoor experiences. What is included depends on the experience.
Some tours include a warm overcoat, others a complete set of protective winter clothing. A rental set includes a snowsuit, winter boots, socks and mittens.
This additional clothing is worn over your own warm layers. It does not replace proper thermal underwear and warm personal clothing. Please check the individual product description to see what is included in your tour.
Are the Northern Lights guaranteed?
No. The Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon and cannot be guaranteed. Cloud cover, weather conditions and solar activity all affect their visibility.
Even when the Northern Lights do not appear, an evening outdoors offers an opportunity to experience the Arctic night, the winter scenery and the quiet surroundings with a local guide.
Can an experience be changed because of the weather?
Yes. Your guide may change the route, timing or duration when necessary for safety or your comfort.
If we must cancel an experience, we will first try to offer another time or a suitable alternative. If neither is possible, the payment will be refunded according to our terms and conditions.
Which languages do you speak?
Our guiding languages include Finnish and English. Some experiences are also available in French.
The available languages are listed on each product page.
Do you offer husky sled rides?
No. We no longer offer husky sled rides.
Please check our online store for our current selection of privately guided and small-group nature experiences.
Still have a question?
Please contact us and tell us your travel dates, the number of participants and the experience you are interested in. We will be happy to help you plan your visit.
Email: sinikka@thelaplandconnection.com
Telephone: +358 40 142 6061