Alta Snowtrain Tour: Arctic Winter Adventure

A Snowtrain is a heated passenger sled pulled behind a snowmobile. Unlike a traditional snowmobile tour, you don't need to drive or operate anything yourself.

You remain a passenger throughout the journey, allowing you to sit back and concentrate on the Arctic landscape around you while someone else handles the driving.

Choose the Snowtrain tour if you want to experience Gargia Valley and Finnmarksvidda without driving yourself. You'll travel as a passenger in a heated sled, with no previous experience or driving licence required.

If you'd rather take a more active role and drive through the Arctic landscape yourself, our Alta Snowmobile Tour is the better choice.

No. You don't need previous snowmobile experience or any special skills to join.

There's nothing for guests to drive or operate during the tour, making this one of the easiest ways to experience the winter wilderness around Alta and Finnmarksvidda.

No. Guests are passengers throughout the entire Snowtrain journey, so no driving licence is required.

If you're interested in driving through the Arctic landscape yourself, one of our guided snowmobile tours would be the more appropriate option.

The tour is rated Easy and doesn't involve any strenuous physical activity. You'll remain seated in the heated sled during the journey, with no driving or special technique required.

This makes the experience particularly suitable for travellers who want to explore the Arctic winter landscape without taking part in a more physically active adventure.

Yes. The combination of a heated sled, no driving and no physical requirements makes the Snowtrain particularly well suited to families and mixed-ability groups travelling together.

One thing is missing from the supplied copy, though: a minimum age. I wouldn't state that it's suitable for all children unless the operator has confirmed there is no age restriction.

The tour is designed to be an easy way to experience the Arctic landscape without needing to drive a snowmobile or take part in strenuous physical activity.

You'll remain seated for the Snowtrain journey, making it a particularly accessible option compared with more active winter experiences.

The complete experience lasts approximately four hours.

Around 2.5 hours are spent aboard the Snowtrain itself, with the remaining time covering transfers and the other parts of the experience.

The journey takes you from Gargia Valley through snow-covered forest towards the open landscape at the edge of Finnmarksvidda.

As the route climbs, the trees gradually thin before giving way to the vast, largely treeless terrain of the plateau.

Finnmarksvidda is Norway's largest plateau, stretching across the interior of Northern Norway.

Its open, largely treeless winter landscape provides a dramatic contrast to the forests surrounding Gargia Valley and is one of the main highlights of the Snowtrain journey.

The passenger sled is heated, providing shelter and warmth during the journey.

You should still dress appropriately for Arctic winter conditions. Warm clothing and footwear are recommended, particularly woollen base layers, and a thermal suit can be borrowed if needed.

Wear warm clothing and footwear suitable for winter conditions in Northern Norway. Woollen or thermal base layers are recommended even though the Snowtrain itself is heated.

A thermal suit can also be borrowed if needed.

Your guide introduces you to Finnmarksvidda's landscape and wildlife, as well as the people who have lived and travelled through the region for thousands of years.

The guided commentary turns the journey into more than simply a sightseeing ride across the snow.

The tour accommodates between 2 and 11 participants, keeping the group relatively small throughout the experience.

Yes. Transfer is included as part of the experience.

The standard meeting point is Canyon Hotel in Alta, and you can also meet at Gargia Lodge.

Yes. Hot beverages and snacks are included as part of the Snowtrain experience.

Winter conditions in Northern Norway can change quickly, so the route or running order may be adjusted when necessary.

Your guide will make decisions based on the conditions on the day.

For bookings of up to 9 guests, cancellations made 10 or more days before departure receive a full refund. Cancellations made 4–9 days before departure receive a 50% refund, while cancellations within 4 days of departure are non-refundable.
Groups of 10 or more follow a separate cancellation schedule outlined in the Terms and Conditions.

Tipping isn't customary or expected in Norway. If you've particularly enjoyed the experience and would like to tip your guide, you're welcome to do so, but it's entirely optional.

Payment is made by card at the time of booking. Groups of 10 or more can arrange payment by invoice, due within 10 days of booking.