Winter holiday in Lapland
Top winter activities to enjoy in the Tornio River Valley
Lapland Winter is full of Experiences!
From animal encounters to thrilling snowmobile rides – the Tornio River Valley winter holiday offers it all! Find your way of experiencing unforgettable winter activities – book a safe guided adventure or explore the spectacular landscapes by yourself!
Reindeer Safaris and Farm Visits
At reindeer farms like Reindeer Lake Resort, Hunter of the North, Vuolo, Tatuka, Team Rudolf or Mäntyranta you can meet and feed reindeer, take a gentle sleigh ride, and hear fascinating stories about life with reindeer. Some farms also offer longer reindeer safaris in the wilderness.
Husky rides and meeting the dogs
A husky sled ride offers an exciting outing! You can visit a husky farm to meet and greet the happy dogs and head out for a short or a long sled ride in the winter wonderland. The dogs at Polar Lights Tours, Soulmate Huskies, SLED Husky Adventures or Old Pine Husky can hardly contain their enthusiasm for running, and their joy will rub off on you too as the snow flies!
Horses and other Animals
At Heidi’s mummola, Arctic Nature Trips and Takapalon Pony Farm you can enjoy horse sleigh rides, pony activities and horseback riding in various settings, while Villa Arctic Alpaca introduces you to the friendly alpacas and other farm animals. At Farm Escape Lapland you can experience a fun hour playing an escape game with real small farm animals like ducks, rabbits and chicken!
Winter Adventure under the Northern Lights!
Many nature trails along the Tornio River are also accessible in winter. Rent snowshoes and head up to enjoy the signposted Eero Scenic Trail with its impressive hilltop views. There’s a cozy lean-to shelter on the top, perfect for a snack break. Pack some coffee in a thermos, sausages in your backpack, and off you go! You can also drive up to the top of Aavasaksa Fell, where scenic trails await you for winter exploration. Aavasaksa is a classic for viewing breathtaking auroras across the wide open sky! Other snowshoe-friendly trails nearby include the Pieskänjupukka, opening out to Lake Miekojärvi, and Haukkavaara with its striking vistas.
Downhill Skiing!
Less known but highly praised and budget-friendly winter sports centers along the Tornio River invite you to enjoy the thrill of the slopes! In Ylitornio, Aavasaksa offers three slopes, and Ritavaara in Pello has five. Both centers are great for families, with all necessary equipment available for rent on-site, as well as cafés, sledding hills, and other amenities. Cross-country ski trails also start from each center for those who enjoy Nordic skiing.
Rent Equipment
Many local tourism companies offer a variety of winter equipment for rent. Aavasaksa and Ritavaara winter sports centers provide everything you need for downhill. Lomakeskus Karemajat and Aava Sky Village in Ylitornio provide snowshoes which are ideal for winter trails and forest walks. Nordic Safaris and Eräkalle have a wide range of outdoor equipment. Have you tried gliding snowshoes? With these, you can trek your own paths through untouched snowy landscapes.
Indoors Activities and Souvenirs
If you’d prefer to have a cozy day indoors, there is a variety of ideas to choose from. Local produce, souvenirs and handcrafts can be bought for example in Pörröporo in Juoksenki, Paperivalo in Tornio, Muonio Shoppi and Kaira Outdoors at the Vihreä Pysäkki shopping center in Pello, where you also find the leather products of Verstas Kotila. Anique sells unique jewellery online. A quick trip across to Sweden’s grocery stores can reveal interesting treats and souvenirs. A must-do in the winter is a visit to Santa Claus in Ylitornio at the Santa Station or Santa’s River House. And perhaps one day you’d like to treat yourself to a special experience at the Kaamos Lodge Day Spa – and swim in a pool under the stars. Check also the latest events, library art exhibitions or museums.
Sunshine on the Ski Trails
In late winter, an extensive network of ski trails is maintained along the frozen Tornio River, known locally as the Väylä. These sunny days are perfect for skiing along the Väylä, where you can even cross-country ski across the border into Sweden! The Swedish side features well-maintained lean-tos and rest areas, perfect for enjoying a coffee with a view across the river. Check current trail conditions for Pello and Ylitornio and hit the trails. Don’t forget your sunglasses!
Sledding Hills
Sledding is a fun winter activity for all ages – whether on a sled, snow tube, or toboggan. Every village has little hills that are perfect for this purpose! For longer runs, head to Aavasaksa and Ritavalkea ski resorts, or try the 250-meter mega sledding hill at Naamivaara. The illuminated sledding hill at Karemajat in Ainiovaara offers another option with a track over 100 meters long.
