From Alta: Daytime Snowmobile Adventure

About This Experience

This daytime trip starts with a pickup in Alta and a drive to the operator’s 150-year-old mountain lodge in Gargia Valley. After a safety briefing and driving instructions you ride in pairs, a driver and a passenger on each snowmobile, with the chance to swap seats along the way. The route follows the old postal road through snow-covered forest up to the edge of Finnmarksvidda, the large mountain plateau of Finnmark, and a mountain range called Beskades, where the land opens out in every direction.

The tour lasts 4 hours, but the actual time on the snowmobile is about 2 hours; the rest is transfers, dressing and instruction. Coffee, tea and locally made snacks are served, and thermal suits, shoes, gloves and helmets are provided. No previous experience is needed, but only holders of a valid B-class (car) driving licence may drive, and you must show it before the ride. Guests without a licence ride as passengers from age 12.

It suits first-timers who want views of the open plateau in daylight, and groups can be up to 30 people. Trail riding depends on the snow, and when we checked in early November 2026 the first bookable date was 16 November. From late November to mid-January the sun does not rise in Alta, so in that period a daytime trip runs in twilight. For the aurora, look at the operator’s evening snowmobile tour instead.

Reviews average 4.9 from 70. Guests praise the guides, the attention to safety and warm clothing, the clean facilities and the views from the high ground. The lower-rated reviews make one point: of the 4 hours, the riding felt short, with one guest reporting about 45 minutes at the controls, and a Norwegian reviewer found the group speed slow because nervous beginners set the pace.

Highlights

• Ride the old postal road up to the edge of Finnmarksvidda
• Wide-open views across the plateau near the Beskades range
• No previous experience needed to drive a snowmobile
• Swap between driver and passenger seats along the way
• Start from a 150-year-old mountain lodge in Gargia Valley

What's Included

• ✓ Pickup and drop-off in Alta
• ✓ Professional guide, safety briefing and driving instructions
• ✓ About 2 hours of snowmobiling, two people per snowmobile
• ✓ Warm thermal suits, shoes and gloves
• ✓ Helmets
• ✓ Coffee, tea and locally made snacks

Not Included

• A snowmobile to yourself (two people share each machine)
• Driving for guests without a valid B-class licence (passenger seat only)

What to Bring

• Driver's license
• Warm base layers to wear under the thermal suit
• Hat or neck gaiter
• Camera

Good to Know & Caveats

• Only holders of a valid B-class driver's license are allowed to drive a snowmobile in Norway. You must present your license for verification before the ride. Guests without a valid license can only be passengers (minimum age 12).
• The actual time spent snowmobiling is about 2 hours of the 4-hour trip.
• Start times vary by date: check availability to see starting times. Confirm the pickup point in Alta on your voucher.
• From late November to mid-January there is no sunrise in Alta, so daytime trips then run in twilight.
• Not suitable for pregnant women or people with back problems. Alcohol and drugs are not allowed.
• Free cancellation: cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Meeting Point

Pickup and drop-off are included in Alta, and the exact pickup point is on your voucher.