Thrill-seekers: Top four activities for you!

Welcome, #teamThrill!

Are you a thrill-seeker searching for your next adrenaline rush in Lapland? You’ve come to the right place!

In this guide, we’ll explore the top four thrilling activities that will get your heart racing and create unforgettable memories in the stunning landscapes of Lapland.

Whether you are into speed, excitement, or the chance to try something new, these winter activities are perfect for anyone ready to embrace the outdoors.

Get ready to discover your next thrilling experience in Lapland!

1. Husky safari

The top entry on the list must be Husky Safari. While I categorized the Husky ride as a thrill-seeker activity, it actually offers a thrilling adventure combined with insights into Sami culture and a deep connection with nature. So it truly embraces a bit of everything!

First, you’ll be introduced to your team of huskies, each with their own unique personality. Your guide will share fascinating insights into the Sami people, their history, and their relationship with huskies.

Then, sit back, relax, and prepare to enjoy the ride as your team of huskies pulls you through the winter wonderland!

Read more: Experience at Husky Farm and how to ride the sledge (upcoming)

Physical exertion level: High-Intensity

I decided to categorize this as a high-intensity activity for first-time riders for several reasons:

• Physical Demand: Concentration is much needed to control the dogs. You need to constantly pay attention to the guide’s command so it requires some physical and mental effort, especially when arriving in challenging terrain. You won’t experience many but at some point, you might need some improvisation.
• Speed and Excitement: The ride can be fast-paced, giving you adrenaline rushes as the sledge runs over snow and ice. This means, more attention must be paid due to safety reasons.
• Environmental Challenges: You will experience the ride in cold weather, so of course, wear warm and cover your face well.
• Connection with Powerful Animals: Working closely with strong, energetic huskies can be exhilarating, as they are eager to run and pull the sledge.

Other tips from me:

• The husky ride will be run in a straight line, one sledge follows the other. So if you are a speed lover, try to be on the leading sledge.
• Wear proper clothes and cover your face as much as possible. No overalls were provided in this activity. Learning how to dress well here.
• Have a full breakfast if it is organized in the early morning!
• You can check here how our huskies are being taken care of.

2. Snowmobile safari

I also found that #teamNature could be involved in this activity. But for me, it’s more like a thing for thrill-seekers.

Read more: Top Lapland activities for Nature Lovers

Snowmobiles are motorized vehicles designed for winter travel. You will see them a lot in Lapland! Imagine zooming through a snowy landscape, feeling the wind in your face and the thrill of the ride. These powerful machines are built to handle any winter uneven terrain, from deep snow to icy trails.

If you are riding snowmobiles for the first time, you must check my experience on the Three Borders Snowmobile Safari blog post. From here, you will see the whole process from preparation to the ride itself. I was personally anxious because I didn’t know what would happen. Hopefully, it will help you if we share the same feeling. =)

Learn more: Experience in Three Borders Snowmobile Safari (upcoming)

Physical exertion level: High-Intensity

I’m not sure how it will be for you, but as a first-time rider, this activity drained my energy the most. Nevertheless, it was the best and most unforgettable experience of my entire Lapland trip. It left me with so many emotions. I went from feeling anxious as the snowmobile tilted unexpectedly to feeling exhilarated by the speed and wind. It was a proud moment for me to overcome my fear and safely bring my passenger home.

There were moments when my arm was sore from the stress, but I realized that was totally normal. I learned how to relax and enjoy the ride, even during times when I thought I might give up. I really did step out of my comfort zone.

So yes, definitely a high-intensity activity for me.

• Physical Demand: Like how I described. I struggled a lot with learning how to use my body weight to tilt the snowmobile in the right way, so it could go wherever I wanted.
• Speed: While the learning curve for snowmobiling can be fun, it takes time to get comfortable. But don’t worry, just only for a short while! Once you do, you’ll be able to adjust to various speeds and tackle uneven terrain.
• Environmental Challenges: Yes, the weather could be severe when your activity starts. But as long as you follow the guide’s advice on how to gear up, it will be the best activity you’ve ever experienced.

Other tips from me:

• Pay attention to instructed hand signals
• Keep your distance from the ones in front of you and go in line
• Always follow the rules. Don’t do crazy things, otherwise, you will be kicked out of the activity with no refund
• Gear up properly according to guidelines
• Always remember to enjoy the scenery and have fun!

3. Cross-country skiing

Everyone who can run also can ski! 

The word “cross-country” in cross-country skiing comes from the idea of skiing across wide, open spaces and natural landscapes. Historically, skiing was a way for people in snowy regions to travel long distances, moving through forests, over fields, and across rural areas.
So “country” refers to those expansive, outdoor environments, not necessarily a specific nation.

If you’ve never done cross-country skiing, it’s a good start for beginners. I was helped with the skiing gears by an experienced guide, which made a rookie life like me much easier.

Physical exertion level: Moderate to High-Intensity

Did you know, that Cross-country skiing is known for being one of the most physically demanding winter sports? Whether you’re skiing through snow forests or climbing up hills, this activity challenges both endurance and strength. But how intense is it, really?

I personally range this activity from a moderate to high-intensity workout depending on several factors: terrain and pace.

Learn more: All about cross-country skiing (upcoming)

Like snowshoes, one of the great things about cross-country skiing is its flexibility in intensity. Beginners can start on flat trails at a leisurely pace for a low-to-moderate exertion level. As you improve, you’ll likely increase your speed and try more challenging terrain, push your limits and experience a higher level of physical exertion.

Other tips from me

• Warm up properly: Remember to stretch before this activity! Making a slow start can help you avoid muscle strain.
• Dress in layers: Skiing in the cold requires good thermal regulation. Start warm but be ready to shed a layer if you start to sweat.

4. Ice skating on Inari Lake

Looking for a unique winter adventure? Come ice skating on the frozen Inari Lake, where you’ll experience the only natural ice track in all of Lapland!

Natural ice tracks and human-made ice tracks both provide chances for ice skating, but ever wondered why natural ice tracks, like the one on Inari Lake, are special?

• Authenticity: Skating on natural ice connects you to the environment in a way that synthetic surfaces cannot replicate. The feeling of gliding on real ice, formed by natural weather conditions, is more organic. Sometimes you will encounter gentle hills that enhance your skating experience.
• Stunning views: Enjoy beautiful backdrops like snowy hills and forests of the frozen Inari Lake.
• Uniqueness: Each natural ice track is unique and can vary from day to day depending on weather conditions.
• Freedom to Roam: You can explore bigger areas on natural ice, unlike the limit of an artificial rink.

Physical exertion level: Open-level intensity

You can decide how intense this activity can be as it’s perfect for all skill levels.

Don’t worry if you’re new to ice skating or haven’t skated in a while! The guides are here to ensure you have a fantastic time, offering helpful technique tips to improve your skating skills. Take it easy!

Also you’re not comfortable on skates or prefer a different way to enjoy the track, there are also kicksleds! These fun and easy-to-use sledges are a perfect alternative for those who can’t skate or want to relax and take in the stunning scenery at a leisurely pace.

If you a pro, you probably know ice skating requires balance, core strength, and coordination. The combination of physical exertion and skill development makes it an engaging activity for thrill seekers. On the ice, you can reach impressive speeds and feel the rush of wind through your face!

Lace up your skates, embrace the adventure, and let the stunning wilderness of Lapland take your breath away!

Read more: Top three Lapland activities for Culture Enthusiasts

Other tips from me:

• Choosing the skates size: Make sure they fit well, providing enough ankle support. They should be snug but not too tight. But not too loose, it will make it harder to balance. Check how to tie the skates properly.
• Dress warmly: Layer up with moisture-wicking clothes to stay warm, but don’t choose bulky clothes that could restrict your movement in this activity.
• For beginners, bend your knee and learn first how to balance on the ice. Then practice walking small steps on the ice before trying to glide!
• Of course, check with your guide if you need more tips!

Ending

Each adventure has provided lessons that extend far beyond the activity itself.

This is a special category that in my opinion, you should choose at least one activity to try to step out of your comfort zone. All of them taught me so much about myself, from developing mental focus and quick decision-making to physical coordination and balance.

For the first two, Husky safari and Snowmobile safari, I have acquired some seriously precious skills:

• Adaptability: Both activities require you to adapt quickly to changing conditions, whether it’s the behaviour of the huskies or the speed/terrain on a snowmobile.
• Focus and Awareness: Both require constant attention to the surroundings, decision-making and reacting appropriately.
• Confidence: Successfully handling speed, control, and unexpected challenges boosts my confidence in high-pressure situations.

For cross-country skiing and ice skating, developing excellent balance and body coordination is super essential. I’ve realized that maintaining control over my body is a lifelong learning journey, especially when it comes to turns. The mental focus needed to perfect moves on the ice and skis is a valuable skill. It can be extremely useful in life.

Thrill-seekers not only pursue excitement, but also seek dramatic experiences, knowledge, and beneficial skills that can be applied to life. With this attitude, you will undoubtedly continue to gather rich experiences and stories worth sharing!

To us, thrill-seekers!