Northern Lights Snowshoe Tour in Alta, Norway

No. The Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon, so sightings depend on solar activity, cloud cover and other conditions on the night of your tour.

The experience isn't dependent on an Aurora sighting, however. The guided snowshoe walk through the Arctic forest and the bonfire stop are central parts of the evening regardless of what happens in the sky.

No. This tour doesn't drive long distances searching for gaps in the clouds like a dedicated Aurora chase.

Instead, you'll explore the winter forest around Gargia on snowshoes before stopping at a bonfire to watch the night sky. If the Northern Lights appear, you'll experience them from the quiet of the forest.

Rather than searching for the Aurora from a vehicle, you'll head into the Arctic winter landscape on foot.

Your guide leads the group along a gentle snowshoe trail through the forest before stopping at a clearing for a bonfire, hot drinks and time beneath the night sky. The pace is intentionally relaxed, allowing you to experience the forest rather than simply pass through it.

The daytime Norway Snowshoeing adventure is designed around the winter landscape itself, taking you through snow-covered forest towards a mountain viewpoint.

This Northern Lights snowshoe tour takes place after dark and is built around a slower evening in the forest, including a bonfire stop and the possibility of seeing the Aurora.

Both are rated Easy and require no previous snowshoeing experience.

Choose this tour if you want snowshoeing, a quiet Arctic forest and a bonfire experience, with the Northern Lights as a possible highlight.

If seeing the Aurora is your main priority, a dedicated Alta Northern Lights tour is the better choice because the guide can travel farther and change locations in search of clearer skies.

No. Previous snowshoeing experience isn't required.

Your guide will help you get ready before setting out, and the group follows a gentle route at an easy, unhurried pace.

This particular snowshoe tour is rated Easy and is suitable for first-time snowshoers.

Snowshoes help distribute your weight across deep snow, making it easier to move through winter terrain. There's no advanced technique required for this experience.

The experience is rated Easy. The walk follows a gentle trail and is deliberately paced so guests can enjoy the forest and surroundings rather than focus on covering distance.

You should, however, be comfortable walking outdoors and spending several hours in Arctic winter conditions.

Partway through the experience, you'll stop at a clearing in the forest and gather around a bonfire.

You'll have time to sit, warm up with coffee or tea and listen as your guide shares stories about the landscape and traditions connected to the Aurora. If the Northern Lights appear, the forest clearing becomes your viewing spot.

The snowshoeing, forest walk and bonfire experience still take place.

This tour is designed as an Arctic evening outdoors rather than simply a means of reaching an Aurora viewing point, so there's still plenty to experience if the sky doesn't cooperate.

Yes, particularly if you'd rather experience the Arctic night on foot instead of spending the evening travelling by vehicle.

A dedicated Northern Lights chase has the advantage of being able to travel farther in search of clearer skies. This experience trades that mobility for a slower and more immersive evening in the winter forest.

Your guide introduces you to the surrounding landscape, the Arctic night sky and Sámi traditions connected to the Aurora.

The bonfire stop provides time to hear more about the region while warming up with a hot drink.

The complete experience lasts approximately four hours, including transportation, getting ready, the guided snowshoe walk and time around the bonfire.

The tour runs from November through April, during the winter season around Alta.

Conditions vary throughout the season, and weather can affect the experience on individual evenings.

The standard meeting point is Canyon Hotel, Markedsgata 6, 9510 Alta, where guests should arrive 15 minutes before departure.

Transport to the snowshoeing area is included.

Yes. Transport is included as part of the experience.

Guests can meet at Canyon Hotel in Alta before travelling out towards Gargia for the snowshoe adventure.

A headlamp is provided when needed, while warm suits, winter boots and mittens are available to borrow.

You should still arrive wearing your own warm layers suitable for Arctic winter conditions.

One thing I'd clarify operationally here: the inclusions don't explicitly mention snowshoes or poles, despite this being a snowshoe tour. I'd confirm that before publishing rather than assume they're included.

Wear warm clothing suitable for spending several hours outdoors in Northern Norway during winter.

Layers are particularly useful because you'll naturally warm up while snowshoeing and cool down while sitting around the bonfire. Warm suits, winter boots and mittens are available to borrow.

Yes. Coffee or tea and snacks are included, with the hot drinks particularly welcome during the bonfire stop.

The tour accommodates between 4 and 16 participants.

Winter weather around Alta can change quickly, and your guide may adjust the experience when necessary based on conditions.

Weather and cloud cover can also affect the likelihood of seeing the Northern Lights.

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 booking. Groups of 10 or more can arrange payment by invoice, due within 10 days of booking.