Laplandica

…brings out snowmobiles. If I’m not mistaken, Norrbotten and Västerbotten have the most snowmobiles in Sweden and, with winter and snow knocking at our door, these machines will soon be buzzing the forests, lakes and mountains. As a visitor, it is tempting to rent snowmobiles or participate in snowmobile activities, unless you’re ecologically minded. But, in all likelihood, you will hardly be met by a tour guide or tourist bureau that explains about snowmobiling and the Right to Public Access.

Photo: Snowmobiling along a marked trail in The Tarra Valley

As I wrote before, organized outdoor activities by tour operators, travel agencies, hotels, camping and cabin businesses etc., and there’s a lot of them out there, must have written permission from landowners to conduct outdoor activities on their property. These operators even include EU or foreign businesses conducting activities on land in Sweden for any activity on any land in all seasons.

Besides snowmobiles, commercial businesses organizing outdoor activities with dog sleds or just ski tours are regulated by this same requirement. A commercial operator should inform their participants about driving laws and safety with snowmobiles or ATVs.

You must be at least 16 years old and have a special “drivers permit” or be adult age with a legal driver’s license to drive snowmobiles. Also, snowmobiles are not allowed to be driven on bare ground, patches of bare ground, over new tree planting areas and drivers must show strict carefulness in not damaging trees, plants, fences, private yards etc. Use snowmobile trails marked on maps.

Photo: All tour operators must have written permission for commercial outdoor activities from landowners

Snowmobiling is not allowed within national park boundaries in Laponia other than the Saami, park wardens engaged in work or others with special permission. Please respect areas that are set aside for reindeer work and calving areas that are outside the parks. The local police, snowmobile clubs or regional government have this information and will help you with your plans.

Now, this may seem harsh, and especially when coming to Lapland and seeing that the “natives” do or say otherwise, but many regulations are for preservation. In this case, to preserve as much natural beauty as possible in respect for landowners so that others in many years ahead may also enjoy being outdoors.

So, when visiting, ask if your tour operator has written permission from landowners. Ask to see a copy (they are required to always have a copy at hand during tours). Promote good practices and common sense and don’t be misled by “local customs”.

Otherwise, be careful out there! Be responsible! Don’t drink and drive.
Snowmobiles have killed!