Snowmobile safaris

Photo: Jorma Lof	Photo: Pasi Ikonen

The open expanses of Enontekiö’s fell landscapes are unforgettable terrain for snowmobilers. Snowmobile conditions in the region are normally available right at the beginning of winter, and last right through the spring. However, you can not ride a snowmobile wherever you wish, as snowmobiling is done on snowmobile routes – of which Enontekiö boasts around 600 kilometres.

The majority of Enontekiö’s snowmobile routes will be made official snowmobiling routes. You can ride these routes without needing a separate permit. But if you want to snowmobile through the wilderness regions from Palojärvi to Kilpisjärvi, you will need to buy a national permit from Metsähallitus. You will also need a snowmobile permit when riding from Syväjärvi to Kaaresuvanto and from Raittijärvi to Saarikoski. The route between Palojärvi and Kilpisjärvi will be closed in 2010 2nd of May.

A special permit for cabin residents and guests of locals is still available from the Fell Lapland Nature Centre Skierri. These permits should be applied for well in advance.

Snowmobile riders use the routes at their own risk, and traffic regulations need to be adhered to.

Snowmobile permit for the Kilpisjärvi region

If you ride a snowmobile in the Kilpisjärvi village area, you will need to get a snowmobile permit for Kilpisjärvi. However, if you plan to visit the three nations’ intersection across the frozen lake, you will not need a permit. Permits are sold by Kilpisjärvi companies. More information about this permit and permit area is available from Kilpisjärvi Visitor Centre, tel. +358(0) 205 64 7990 or Fell Lapland Nature Centre Skierri, tel. +358(0) 205 647 950.

Victorian Route

In winter 2003 – 2004, the Victorian Route was opened, travelling both sides of the border river from Muonio to Kilpisjärvi. In autumn 2004, the Palojoensuu – Hetta route was opened, so now you can snowmobile from Enontekiö to Hetta, and right the way through to Kilpisjärvi. Alternatively, you can choose the wilderness route travelling via the Palojärvi village, in which case you will need to buy a snowmobile permit.

Snowmobiling over national borders

Departing from Enontekiö, you can take snowmobile routes south (Muonio, Kittilä) and east (Inari). You can also ride by snowmobile to Sweden or Norway. If you want to snowmobile to Norway, you will have to travel via the Customs, and information on border crossing places to Sweden is available from the Kilpisjärvi Customs, tel. +358 20 49 28820 or from the Karesuvanto Customs, tel. +358 20 49 28800. You should also read the regulations for snowmobiling for the country you plan to visit.

The Scandinavian Arctic Trail Snowmobile Route travels in the Enontekiö Municipality region, and is supported by the services provided by the companies along the route. This comprehensive snowmobiling site for the entire North Calotte region provides further information on the travel services available along the route. The majority of snowmobile routes for the Enontekiö region are maintained by the Municipality of Enontekiö. Further information available from: Lasse Mäkitalo, tel. +358 400 393 798

The wilderness route from Palojärvi to Kilpisjärvi, and marked routes to Kaaresuvanto and Saarikoski are maintained by Metsähallitus

Further information available from: Metsähallitus, Enontekiö, e-mail: tunturi-lappi@metsa.fi, tel. +358 205 64 7950