A number of safari operators in the tourism hotspot of Rovaniemi are grappling with an unusually warm start to winter, which has left the area largely snow-free.
While tourists drawn to Finnish Lapland by snow and Santa Claus fill the city, the lack of natural snow has hampered outdoor activities.
Theo Turner, CEO of Lapland Taiga Safaris, said that his company has managed to organise only one snowmobile safari this season. Other snow-based activities have been cancelled altogether.
"About 40 percent of our planned excursions have been cancelled, either with full refunds or substitutions, if the customer agrees," Turner said.
Although work has been available for employees, it has fallen short of expectations. Seasonal guides on zero-hour contracts have been hit hardest, with no guaranteed working hours.
"They're understandably disappointed and asking for more hours, though most recognise the situation is beyond our control," Turner added.
Disappointed tourists and cancelled excursions
Veli Moilanen, CEO of Lapland Welcome, said that husky sledding tours have faced the most challenges, leading to cancellations and refunding of payments.
"We've been able to organise some snowmobile safaris by finding areas with more snow, often farther afield. We also have private trails with better conditions, but around Rovaniemi city itself, there's hardly any snow," Moilanen explained.
Moilanen told Yle that while most of his employees are salaried and have continued working, tourists have been the most disheartened.
"The atmosphere has been somewhat gloomy, even angry at times," he admitted.
Big players survive on stockpiled snow
Lapland Safaris, the region's largest operator, has weathered the snowless start better than smaller companies, thanks to stockpiled snow from the previous winter.
"We haven't had to cancel any major programmes, though longer snowmobile and reindeer safaris have been shortened," said CEO Rami Korhonen.
"We've stockpiled snow and spread it over key areas. Over the last 20 years, we've learned to prepare for this."
Korhonen added that their seasonal workers have remained employed, and some staff from smaller safari companies have sought work with them due to the scarcity of opportunities elsewhere.
Compared to pre-industrial times, Lapland has already warmed by an average of about two degrees Celsius due to human-caused climate change.
Last year the Finnish Environment Institute (Syke) warned that the region will warm by up to 2–3 degrees from the current state, i.e. 4–5 degrees compared to pre-industrial times, over the next half-century based on currently decided climate measures.
Coastal Lapland's season yet to peak
South of Rovaniemi, in Lapland's coastal region, the situation is slightly more manageable. The area's peak tourist season arrives later, and scattered snow patches have allowed for limited activities.
Päivi Ruotsalainen, owner of Sea Lapland Safaris, said her firm has been able to hold reindeer rides on thin snow and find spots for snowmobile safaris, although these remain sporadic early in the season.
"For now, we've kept staff busy with alternative tasks and training. The main season here begins next week," Ruotsalainen noted.
One highlight of the region during winter is the frozen Gulf of Bothnia, though current conditions delay its accessibility. Tourist activities such as icebreaker cruises from the port of Kemi are popular in this region.
"We won't be venturing onto the ice anytime soon," Ruotsalainen said.
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