Warm up at the Apukka Restaurant Rovaniemi Between Rides

Arrival and check-in at the base camp

When you arrive at Apukka Resort, you'll check in at the main building where staff will welcome you and confirm your booking. The resort is located in the Rovaniemi backcountry, accessible by the included transfer from Rovaniemi city center or Santa Claus Village. After check-in, you'll receive an overview of the day's activities and safety briefing before moving to the changing facilities. The team will answer any questions about the 6 km husky ride ahead and ensure you understand the itinerary for your 3 hour 30 minute experience.

The main building serves as your arrival point and base of operations. Staff will direct you to the changing rooms and explain where everything is located on the property. This is a good time to ask about facilities, facilities, storage options, and any last-minute questions before you begin preparing for your adventure. The check-in process is straightforward and typically takes just a few minutes.

Changing into thermal winter clothing

Dedicated changing rooms at the main building are where you'll put on your winter gear. Apukka provides thermal overalls, thermal boots, woolen socks, and mittens as part of your tour, so you won't need to bring your own cold-weather equipment. The changing rooms are equipped with benches and hooks where you can organize your street clothes and personal belongings while you dress. Staff are on hand to help you find the right sizes and ensure everything fits properly before you head out to the huskies.

The thermal overalls are full-body suits designed to keep you warm during the sled ride across the snow-covered landscape. Once you're dressed in the provided gear, you'll feel the difference immediately. The thermal boots are insulated and waterproof, essential for standing in the sled and walking around the husky farm. Take a moment to adjust everything and move around in the changing room to ensure you're comfortable before you leave the building.

Thermal overalls warming on pegs between rides

Toilets before and after your husky ride

Toilet facilities are available in the main building both before and after your sled adventure. Use the facilities during your check-in period while you're still in your street clothes, as a courtesy before you change into your thermal gear. After you return from the 6 km husky ride and remove your winter clothing in the changing rooms, toilets are again accessible so you can freshen up before your return transfer to Rovaniemi city center or Santa Claus Village.

It's wise to use the facilities before you change into the thermal overalls, as accessing toilets while wearing the full winter suit is less convenient. After your ride, you'll have time to change back into your street clothes and use the facilities before heading to the departure area. The restrooms are clean and functional, designed to serve the needs of tour participants.

Walking to the husky farm and meeting your team

After you're dressed in your thermal gear, staff will guide you from the main building to the husky farm where your dogs are waiting. The walk is short and manageable, taking only a few minutes across the resort grounds. As you approach the farm, you'll see the kennels and meet the friendly huskies who will pull your sled. The dogs are excited and vocal, which is entirely normal for huskies preparing for a run. Staff will introduce you to your team and explain how to handle the reins and communicate with the dogs during your journey.

The husky farm is an active, energetic place where the dogs live and train year-round. You'll get close to your team before departure and have the opportunity to pet them, which is included in your tour experience. This is an excellent time to take photos and get comfortable with your sled and the dogs. The handlers will ensure you know how to stand safely in the sled, hold the reins, and manage the braking system before you set off on the 6 km ride through the winter landscape.

Storage for bags and street clothes

Secure storage for your street clothes and personal bags is available in the changing rooms at the main building. Lockers or designated areas allow you to safely store everything while you're out on the husky sled. Keep only essentials with you during the ride, such as a camera in a secure pocket of your thermal overall. Your bag and clothing will be waiting for you when you return and change out of your winter gear.

Do not take valuables or items you don't absolutely need into the field with you. Store your phone, wallet, keys, and any outerwear you wore to the resort in your secure storage area. Staff can advise you on what's practical to bring on the sled; most people find that having their hands free for managing the reins is more important than carrying extras. When you return and change back into your street clothes, your belongings will be exactly where you left them.

Hot drinks and food options at the resort

A hot drink is included in your tour experience and is served at the main building, typically after your husky ride when you're back inside and warming up. This is a perfect moment to relax, reflect on your adventure, and enjoy a warm beverage while you change back into your street clothes. The hot drink helps restore warmth after your time in the snow and is a welcome part of the experience. Staff will serve you in the comfortable indoor space where you can sit and rest before your return transfer.

If you're interested in food or a hot meal beyond the included drink, it's best to ask staff during check-in about what options are available on the property or nearby. The tour itself focuses on the husky-sledding experience and the hot drink afterward. Planning your meals around your tour time is recommended, so you arrive at Apukka neither too hungry nor too full for the physical activity of managing a husky sled.

Phone signal and Wi-Fi connectivity

The Apukka Resort main building has Wi-Fi available for guests who need to stay connected during their visit. Phone signal in the area may be variable depending on your network provider, but most major carriers have coverage at the resort and surrounding areas. If connectivity is important for your plans, ask staff about the Wi-Fi network name and password when you arrive at check-in. They can also advise you on whether to expect signal during your time at the husky farm or only at the main building.

If you need to share photos or messages from your husky adventure, the main building is where you'll have the most reliable internet access. Consider uploading and sending anything you need to share before you head back out to the farm, or wait until you return and are changing clothes. Most visitors find that disconnecting from devices during the actual sled ride enhances the experience of being in the winter landscape with the dogs and the snowy Arctic scenery.

Before you book