Riisitunturi Adventure
Private Snowshoeing Tour
Quick info
Location: Riisitunturi National Park, Lapland
Duration: 4.5-5 h in the park + transfers 30-45 min each way
Distance: 4-10 km, set around you
Difficulty: Flexible pace
Group size: Private group 1-8, guaranteed departure
Min. age: 6 (recommended)
Languages: English & Finnish
Price example: EUR 760 for 4 persons, children EUR 100
Includes: Guide, snowshoes, poles, ice grips, campfire food, hot drink, trail snacks, transfers
Pick-up: Ruka area and Kuusamo centre, or meet at the trailhead
Go further. Take your time.
Discover a different side of Riisitunturi National Park on a private 4,5-5 hour winter adventure planned around you.
With more time available, we can leave the most visited areas behind and explore quieter forests, remote corners of the fell and landscapes that many visitors never reach. Depending on your wishes and the snow conditions, the day can be an active snowshoeing adventure, a slow photography journey or something in between.
There is no fixed route and no need to decide exactly how far you want to go before the tour. We plan the day together.
Your Adventure, Your Way
At the beginning of the tour, your guide will ask what you would like to experience and how active you want the day to be. We also consider the weather, temperature, snow depth and trail conditions before choosing the route.
A typical route is around 4–7 kilometres, but active groups can explore up to approximately 10 kilometres. If photography or simply spending time in nature is more important than distance, we can walk less and stay longer in places that interest you.
We can follow the open fell landscapes, explore old spruce forests or head towards quieter parts of Riisitunturi where we are less likely to meet other visitors.
Depending on the conditions, we may travel with snowshoes, skin-based skis, winter boots or ice grips (packed trail is 4km). In deep or untouched snow, snowshoes allow us to leave the packed trails and explore further into the winter landscape.
Time for a Fire
With a longer day, there is also time to stop.
We will find a suitable place for a campfire break and enjoy something warm to eat and drink outdoors. The break is part of the experience rather than something we need to rush through before continuing.
The exact food can be agreed in advance, and dietary requirements can be taken into account.
For Adventurers, Families and Photographers
You don't need to be an experienced winter hiker to choose the Riisitunturi Adventure.
The longer duration gives us flexibility. Active guests can use the time to explore further, while families and photographers may prefer a shorter distance with more stops along the way and time for playing in the snow.
For photographers, we can plan the departure around sunrise, low winter daylight, sunset or blue hour and spend more time waiting for or following the changing light.
For families, the route and pace can be adjusted according to the group. And for those looking for a little more adventure, deep snow and the quieter backcountry of Riisitunturi give us plenty of possibilities.
What's Included
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Private local nature guide
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Private transportation from Ruka-Kuusamo to Riisitunturi and back. Transfers take 1-1,5h
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4,5-5 hours in Riisitunturi National Park
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Approximately 4–10 km, depending on your wishes and conditions
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Snowshoes and poles when needed
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Ice grips when needed
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Campfire food
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Hot drink
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Trail snacks
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Flexible departure time
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Private group of 1–8 persons
Every Day is Different
Winter conditions at Riisitunturi can change quickly. Fresh snow, wind, temperature, visibility and daylight all influence where we go and what equipment we use.
For this reason, there is no single Riisitunturi Adventure route. Your guide plans the day according to the conditions and your wishes.
This flexibility also means that we can change the plan along the way. If the snow is deeper than expected, we can shorten the distance. If the group feels good and conditions are inviting, we can continue further.
Shorter Visit to Riisitunturi?
If you would rather spend a shorter time outdoors, our Private Riisitunturi experience includes approximately 2.5 hours in the national park and 4 kilometres of exploring.
It is a good choice for first-time visitors, shorter winter days and anyone who wants to experience Riisitunturi without a longer outdoor adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the private tour suitable for children?
Yes. The private Riisitunturi tour suits families too (we recommend a minimum age of 6). We can bring a sled (pulkka) that parents can use to pull children if they get tired. In cold weather, always plan carefully with children: in severe frost we cannot stay outside for very long, so we adjust the route and the length of the tour together with you.
Do I need snowshoeing experience?
No. Snowshoeing is easy to learn and we set the pace around you. Walking in deep snow can be more demanding than ordinary hiking, so a moderate level of fitness is recommended.
What equipment is provided?
We provide snowshoes or ice grips (slip guards), depending on the route, and poles.
What should I wear?
Warm layers, a windproof outer layer, winter boots, a hat and gloves. If you need winter clothing, see our Rent Winter Clothing page. You can also read our winter clothing guide.
Where do you pick us up?
In the Ruka area (up to 5 km from Ruka Valley and Ruka Village) and in Kuusamo centre, or you can meet us at the trailhead.
What snacks do you serve? Can you take special diets into account?
We serve a hot drink and trail snacks, and our food always features plenty of local ingredients and northern flavours. Special diets are no problem: please tell us at least 3 days in advance.
Can I change my date?
Yes. Date changes are free when requested more than 7 days before the tour, subject to availability.