Levi: Snowy Forest Ride and Polar Lights Tours

Silent snow and steady horses make this special. You’ll get picked up from Levi Center and whisked to the Polar Lights Tours yard for a quick intro, then ride Finnhorses through an arctic snowy forest.

What I really like is the small-group feel, limited to 6 riders, plus level-based departures so beginners and advanced riders don’t have to force the same pace. The guides (I saw names like Jenne, Yeni, Nette, and Jenni) tend to steer attention toward what you need, not some generic script.

One drawback to plan for is the cold. This ride is short, and in deep winter your hands, feet, and face will feel it fast unless you dress for it.

Key things that make this ride worth your time

• Separate beginner, advanced, and mixed groups run at different start times, so you get the right pacing.
• 80 minutes of horseback riding in the quiet snowy woods, not just a quick trot past a trail sign.
• Small groups of up to 6 make it easier to learn, ask questions, and stay comfortable.
• Helmets plus a safety briefing help first-timers feel set up from minute one.
• Hot juice and a local cookie warm you up after the ride, usually with a fire-side break.

Levi’s snowy forest ride: the simple plan that works

This tour is a very clean “two-hour box to check” in Levi. You’ll transfer from the center, get briefed, ride calm Finnhorses through a silent snowy forest, then warm up again before heading back.

The horses are the big reason this tour feels beginner-friendly without being boring. Finnhorses are built for steadiness, and the guides use them with people of different experience levels, including complete first-timers.

Getting to Hissitie 11 and finding your Polar Lights bus

Your day starts at Levi Center, Hissitie 11. The meeting point is across from the parking lot and next to the pizza place. Look for the bus or taxi with Polar Lights Tours written on it.

Once you’re aboard, expect a short 15-minute coach transfer to the riding location. Same deal on the way back: another 15 minutes to get you back to Hissitie 11.

This sounds basic, but in winter it matters. A clear meeting point and a vehicle that stays on schedule saves you from the usual “where is it, is it this road, did I miss it” stress.

The safety briefing: where first-timers get confidence fast

Before you mount, there’s a 10-minute safety briefing with the guide at Polar Lights Tours Oy. This is where you learn the basics of handling the horse in real snowy conditions, not a theoretical classroom talk.

You’ll get guidance on how to sit, hold the reins, and respond to the horse’s movement. If you’ve never ridden before, this is your comfort-building moment, and it sets you up for a smoother ride in the trees.

80 minutes on Finnhorses in the silent snowy forest

The core experience is 80 minutes of horseback riding. This is why the tour feels special: you’re not stuck in a parking-lot loop. You’ll be out on the trail where the snow muffles sound and the forest feels still.

You should expect a calm pace. That’s intentional. Multiple riders highlight how the horses look after you, staying steady even when the conditions are extremely cold or the group is mixed in ability.

Depending on the season and the trail, you might also notice signs of Lapland wildlife life. In past rides, people reported spotting reindeer and hearing huskies in the distance while they were out in the woods. You may not see everything every time, but the winter atmosphere is part of the payoff.

Beginners: what you’ll feel (and what you won’t)

If you’re new, you’ll likely feel supported from the start. Riders mention that Finnhorses seem used to working with different people, so you’re not expected to “already know horses.”

Also, beginners usually get their own departure time and group size. That means you can learn at a normal learning pace, and you won’t get pulled along by faster riders.

Advanced riders: pace options, not chaos

If you’re more experienced, you’re not stuck in a slow-only mode. There are advanced rider groups, and in at least one ride, the guide offered a chance for a gallop after less experienced riders finished returning. That’s not guaranteed every day, but it matches the tour’s “right pace for right group” philosophy.

Photo stop and why the timing is actually smart

After the main riding time, you’ll have a 10-minute photo stop. This is short on purpose. The goal is to give you a few minutes for photos without dragging the whole schedule longer in freezing conditions.

It also gives you a chance to grab a shot when the light and the snow look best. In winter, that’s not always obvious until you’re out there, bundled up, staring at huge trees and thinking, I should have brought my gloves for the camera moment.

Local snacks by the fire: hot juice and local cookie

Next comes a 20-minute snack break at Polar Lights Tours Oy. You’ll get hot juice and a local cookie, which is a simple but very effective winter trick: warm something inside you, then your whole body stops feeling like it’s negotiating for survival.

In colder weather, riders mention they also received extra winter gear like an additional layer jumpsuit on arrival during extreme temperatures. If it’s really biting, you’ll likely be handed the right extra insulation to keep you comfortable.

Where the guides come in: the difference between safe and great

The ride isn’t only about horses. The guide is the quality control.

I noticed a pattern in the names people recalled and how they described the vibe. Guides like Jenne, Yeni, Nette, Jenni, and Saaga came up repeatedly, and riders consistently praised how guides:

• explain things clearly before you start
• adjust help based on your ability
• keep safety thorough without turning it into a lecture

That matters because horseback riding in snow is not “just outdoors.” Your body learns the rhythm, your balance changes, and the horse’s movements feel different in packed powder and snowbanks. A good guide helps you read what’s happening.

Beginner vs advanced start times: the scheduling that protects your experience

One of the most useful details is that departures are split by level. Starting times are:

• 8:40 for beginners
• 10:40 for advanced riders
• 12:40 for mixed group

This is more than scheduling. It changes how the ride feels. Beginners get a calmer flow, and advanced riders can spend more time riding at their own rhythm. It also keeps the guide from constantly trying to manage two learning speeds at once.

If you’re brand new, I’d pick the beginner time. If you’ve ridden before and want more freedom, the advanced time is usually the better fit.

Price and value: is $147 worth two hours?

At $147 per person for about 2 hours, you’re paying for three things at once:

1. transportation from Levi Center and back
2. trained Finnhorses with a safety briefing and guide support
3. the whole winter setting with warmth included at the end

On paper, it can look like a short ride, since only 80 minutes are actual riding time. But in winter, short is often good value. The time is well used for learning and for the best part of the experience, the trail ride in the forest.

Also, the tour includes more than you’d expect at this price point: helmet, hot juice, and a local cookie. And because the group maxes out at 6, you’re not paying for a crowd experience. That often makes the difference between feeling rushed and feeling taken care of.

Cold-weather tips so you don’t cut the ride short in your head

The biggest practical reality here is cold. Even riders who are tough about winter talk about how cold it can get, with one example of temperatures down around minus 40.

Here’s what you should do before you go:

• Dress in warm layers you can move in, not one bulky outfit that traps sweat.
• Prioritize warm gloves and footwear. Your hands and feet go first.
• Add something for wind protection if you have it, a hat that covers your ears helps.
• Bring a plan for camera handling. If your fingers freeze, you’ll stop taking photos and focus only on surviving the next five minutes.

And yes, you’ll likely get extra gear if it’s extremely cold, but don’t rely on that. Wear your best winter stuff as if you won’t get anything added.

Who this snowy forest ride suits best

This is a great fit if you want:

• a first horseback experience without feeling thrown in
• a calm winter activity in Levi that doesn’t require technical knowledge
• an atmosphere-focused ride, silent trees, steady horses, and a warm break after

It’s also a good choice for experienced riders who want to enjoy the forest without constantly thinking about control. The level-based group structure means you’re more likely to get the pace you’re comfortable with.

If your ideal winter day is a long, fast, all-day outdoor push, you might find this tour shorter than you want. But if you want a tight, well-run experience, it does the job cleanly.

Should you book Levi: Snowy Forest Ride and Polar Lights Tours?

I’d book it if you want a well-supported, small-group Finnhorse ride through Lapland’s quiet snowy forest with warm drinks waiting after. The level-sorted departures, helmets included, and the consistent praise for guides and well-cared-for horses point to a tour that’s designed for real people, not just experienced riders.

I’d hesitate only if you hate cold and you’re not ready to layer up, or if you’re expecting a long ride. The value here is in the quality of the trail time and the comfort plan, not in stretching it into a half-day marathon.

If you match those expectations, this is one of the most straightforward ways to experience winter Lapland on horseback from Levi.

FAQ

How long is the activity in total?

The tour runs for about 2 hours in total.

How much time do I spend riding the horse?

You’ll ride for about 80 minutes.

Where do I meet in Levi?

Meet at Levi Center, Hissitie 11, across from the parking lot and next to the pizza place.

How do I recognize the transport?

Look for the bus or taxi with Polar Lights Tours written on it.

What time does the beginner group start?

The beginner group starts at 8:40.

What time does the advanced group start?

The advanced group starts at 10:40.

Are there mixed groups too?

Yes. A mixed group runs at 12:40.

What’s included in the tour?

Included are pickup and drop-off from Levi center, a helmet, and hot juice with a local cookie. There is also a snack stop during the tour.

What languages is the guide speaking?

The live tour guide provides English and Finnish.

What should I bring, and is cancellation refundable?

Bring warm clothing. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and you can also reserve now and pay later.