More information about our safaris

Availability:

• Our winter trips start at the end of November (depending on weather) and continue until April.
• Our summer trips are available from June to the end of September.
• Guiding is done both in Finnish and in English. Guidance can be provided in other languages at an additional cost if requested well in advance.
• As a responsible travel company, Visit Inari Oy reserves the right to cancel or change the route and the duration of the trip should we feel that weather conditions or other factors pose a safety risk to staff and participants.

Transfers to/from safaris:

• We arrange pick ups from hotels in Inari village at an agreed time before the safari begins. For an additional cost we can also arrange pick ups from further away locations, such as Saariselkä or Ivalo.

Prices:

• Included in the cost of every trip are: guiding, outdoor winter clothing, required permits, insurances, fuel, taxes and transfers between our activity locations and Inari village.

Drivers & riders

• For husky and reindeer safaris, there are 2 people per sled.
• For snowmobile safaris there are 2 people per snowmobile unless otherwise requested, in which case an additional single supplement is paid. When there are 2 people per snowmobile, they can switch drivers halfway through the trip.
• During snowmobile safaris, children sit in a sled pulled by the guide’s snowmobile, for safety reasons.
• Participants in our safaris must inform the Visit Inari Safari Office, in advance, of any existing medical conditions, illnesses or injuries, allergies which may affect the participant’s ability to drive or take part in the trek. We do not recommend snowmobile or husky safaris for pregnant women due to safety concerns.
• Where snacks or meals are included in a trek, please inform us in writing of any special dietary requirements at the time of booking.
• In case of accident during a husky safari, self-liability for husky safaris is maximum 500eur per accident.

Advice & information for snowmobile drivers:

• All drivers of snowmobiles need to be at least 18 years old and must have a valid driving licence. The driving licence should be taken on the safari. Drivers must not be under the influence of any drugs or alcohol.
• Visit Inari Oy  has accident insurance that will cover medical expenses in the case of personal injury. However, in the case of damage to the snowmobile during an accident, drivers are personally liable for up to a maximum of 900 EUR. Before the safari every driver is required to sign the personal liability form, accepting the 900 EUR personal liability, confirming that he/she is in possession of a valid driving licence and confirming that he/she is not under the influence of any alcohol or drugs.
• Before the safari begins, all drivers will be given a safety briefing by the guide and instructions on how to operate and drive the snowmobile. Drivers will follow the guide in a line, keeping a safe distance between other drivers.
• Our snowmobile fleet consists of up to date models which are regularly maintained and run on environmentally friendlier four gear engines.

Tips for dressing:

• Before a trip, every participant will be given additional outer clothing to wear for the safari, which includes winter overalls, winter boots, driving mittens, a balaclava and a helmet. However, in order to stay warm, we suggest that you come to the office dressed properly and can offer the following advice:
• Start with a base layer which is lightweight, breathable and wicks away moisture from your skin. Avoid cotton, as it retains moisture and gets cold quickly. The best base layers are merino wool or synthetic wicking fabrics.
• Wear a warm mid-layer, ideally a woolen knitted sweater or fleece.
• If you are particularly sensitive to the cold, we recommend wearing a thin down jacket or down vest under the winter overall that we give you.
• Bring a scarf or neck-warmer to prevent cold air getting in through the neck of your winter overall.
• Bring gloves made of silk, fleece or wool to wear under the driving mittens.
• Avoid wearing tight socks or too many pairs of socks as this restricts your blood circulation which will make your feet cold. Cotton socks should also be avoided as they are cold when they get wet from your feet sweating. It is best to wear a liner sock, a thin merino wool sock or any other winter activity sock and then a wool or thermal sock over the top, which can be provided by us.
• Luggage and other personal items that are not needed during the safari can be stored at the Visit Inari Safari office. Small items that you might want to take with you, such as cameras, phones, snacks, medication and/or a warm hat, can be kept in small backpack which can worn during the safari.

Long safaris

• Longer safaris lasting a few hours or more demand good physical condition and stamina, but don’t necessarily require earlier experience of snowmobiling or husky driving. Our arctic ocean safaris are driven by 1 person per snowmobile. On husky safaris there are 1 or 2 people per sled. Accommodation is in wilderness or holiday cabins or apartment rooms. It is also possible that the night will be spent in wooden lean-to/open shelters in the wilderness around a fire.
• Our guides are trained in and used to dealing with winter conditions and are qualified in giving first aid. We ensure the safety of our safaris by checking routes and conditions using various different technologies including 4G capable phones as well as GPS devices. However, our guides have excellent local knowledge and will also have with them and know how to read paper maps showing up to date snowmobile routes.

What to take on a longer safari:

• personal hygiene items & medicines (soap, shampoo, etc)
• a small backpack
• head torch (with spare batteries)
• sunglasses (Feb-May)
• sun cream for the face (Feb-May)
• camera & batteries (to be kept inside overalls so that they stay warm and functional)
• a fleece tracksuit which can be worn underneath your winter overalls and which will be comfortable to lounge around in indoors
• running shoes or slippers for indoor use.
• thick under gloves (best material is fleece)

Please note: If you wear spectacles, it is best to try and obtain disposable contact lenses before your trip. Spectacles fog easily, impairing your vision, and the pressure from the helmet can also press them against your head or face causing discomfort over long periods.

Traveler’s personal information:

We require the following information from all travelers: full name, nationality, allergies, pre-existing medical conditions, illnesses or pregnancy and the age of any children coming on safaris.

Please find our booking terms and conditions here.