Snowmobiling isn’t as easy as it looks. It’s not difficult but it does take a while to get the hang of it. Operation-wise, it’s simple. Press a button and the snowmobile will start. Press the accelerator, it will move forward. Turning right or left is harder as it requires shifting your body weight in the direction of the turn. The most important thing to note is that the handles will jerk backwards and forwards as the snowmobile moves. Let it. Our guide did mention this during his briefing but I didn’t really get it till I was driving. My initial mistake was attempting to hold the handles steady. That took up too much energy and made my hands sore. After I realised that despite the constant jerking, the snowmobile still moves along a straight path, I relaxed and had a much better time.

Also, your placing along the line matters. If you are a nervous newbie, it’s better to be directly behind the guide in the beginning. Snowmobiles generally follow the tracks of the snowmobile in front. Hence, if there are clear defined tracks, it will move along the path without much guidance from you, even through minor bends. Way easier than being at the tail end of the group.

It was snowing when we started off but we were sufficiently warm in the overalls. It was exciting to whoosh through the stark white landscape that was Lake Inari. In every direction, there were huge flat expanses of white snow rimmed with dark trees. The skies were heavy with grey clouds, with nary a hint of blue. In fact, everything seemed either grey, black or white. The lack of colours gave a raw beauty to the landscape.

At some points, we found out that the ice wasn’t very deep, or hard. That was a tad worrying as we could imagine the ice breaking, and us plunging into its icy depths. During those parts, it was essential to keep to the guide’s tracks and not veer off to the sides.

I was glad when it was lunch time. Fun as it had been, I was happy to have a break from the biting wind. Even though the helmet does help to cut out most of the wind in your face while riding, the lower part of your chin still gets it. I’ll recommend wearing a balaclava. You can’t have anything too thick as it might interfere with the helmet strap.

Our guide has been towing our lunch from the beginning!He brought us up a tiny hill to this hut.

And built us a roaring fire. Now I understand why there was a log in his supplies. He first chopped the log up into smaller pieces, before proceeding to scrape at the wood till there were strips fanning out. The strips were then lit and used to start the fire.

In went the kettle with our drink – berry juice! Salmon soup with potatoes was dished out from the metal pot. It was so good I had 3 servings. Warmed up my tummy nicely.  Berry juice was also super yummy! It reminded me of Ribena, but hot. Not sure what berries were used. The guide only mentioned that it’s a blend of berries.

Sun appeared as we were leaving the hut. Finally. The snow looked velvety smooth in the soft sunlight.

Snowmobile Tracks

Quaint Birdhouse

Mesmerising Texture

The return journey covered the same route so we were able to go at a faster pace. We made it back safe and sound (albeit with slightly stiff limbs). Time for chips and milo in our cabin. 🙂