Hi, I'm Mia Ahola
I was born and raised in Rovaniemi, the capital of Finnish Lapland, about eight kilometres south of the Arctic Circle. My father worked as a reindeer herder for a cooperative near Palojärvi, and my mother ran a small guesthouse in the city centre. I grew up surrounded by tourists who came to see the northern lights, ride huskies, and visit Santa Claus — and I watched them struggle to figure out which tours were worth their money.
After finishing a degree in tourism management at the University of Lapland in 2018, I started working as a seasonal guide for several tour operators in Rovaniemi. Over the next three winters, I led northern lights photography workshops, drove husky sleds through the forests of Ranua, and helped guests navigate the ice roads to SnowHotel. I saw how the industry worked from the inside — which operators cut corners, which guides genuinely cared, and which tours were designed to maximise profit rather than experience.
I started Lapland Adventure Guide in 2021 as a side project. The goal was simple: write honest, detailed reviews of the tours I had experienced, so future visitors could book with confidence. What began as a handful of posts about northern lights tours has grown into a library covering every major winter activity in the region.
I still live in Rovaniemi. Every winter, I book and take at least 15 tours as a regular customer — paying full price, just like you would. My reviews reflect what actually happens on those tours, not what the marketing materials promise.
Why Trust This Guide
Local Knowledge
I was born here, live here, and have worked as a tour guide myself. I know the difference between a well-run operation and one that relies on tourist turnover.
First-Hand Testing
I book and pay for each tour myself. No comped trips, no media rates. If I recommend a tour, it is because I experienced it and found it worth the money.
Honest Criticism
Every review includes a "who it's NOT for" section. No tour is right for everyone, and I tell you when to skip one even if it means losing a commission.
Regular Updates
I update reviews every season. Tours change, prices shift, and new operators appear. I revisit each tour at least once per winter to keep information current.
Credentials at a Glance
- Born and raised in Rovaniemi, Finnish Lapland
- Degree in Tourism Management — University of Lapland (2018)
- 8 years working in and reviewing Lapland's winter tourism industry
- Former seasonal guide for northern lights, husky, and snowmobile tours
- 150+ tours personally tested and reviewed since 2021
- Finnish native, fluent in English
How This Site Works
Lapland Adventure Guide is an independent review site. I compare winter tours available on Viator, the booking platform, and share my honest assessments based on first-hand experience.
My Review Process
- I book the tour. I purchase each tour as a regular customer through the same booking process you would use.
- I take the tour. I participate fully — riding in the van, taking photos, asking questions, noting the guide's attitude and the quality of equipment.
- I write the review. I cover what worked, what did not, and who should consider booking (or skipping) the tour.
- I include negative feedback. Every review has a "who it's NOT for" section that identifies which travellers should choose a different option.
Affiliate Model
This site participates in the Viator affiliate programme. When you click a tour link on this site and make a booking, I earn a small commission — typically between 4–8% of the booking value. The price you pay is exactly the same as if you booked directly through Viator. The commission does not influence my recommendations, and I include negative feedback on every tour regardless of affiliate earnings.
My priority is that you book the right tour for your needs. If that means I recommend a tour I do not earn commission on, that is fine. If I recommend a tour with an affiliate link, the commission helps cover the costs of running this site — hosting, photography equipment, and the tours I book for review purposes.
Full Affiliate Disclosure
Affiliate Disclosure: Lapland Adventure Guide is a participant in the Viator affiliate programme, an affiliate advertising programme designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by linking to Viator.com. Some of the links on this website are affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
All reviews and recommendations on this site reflect my genuine opinions based on first-hand experience. I do not accept payment or free tours in exchange for positive reviews. Tours marked as "sponsored" in the text were provided at a discounted rate for review, but I still include honest criticism.
If you have questions about my review process or affiliate relationships, please contact me at mia [at] lapland-adventure-guide.com.
Get In Touch
Have a question about a tour? Spotted an error in a review? Want to suggest a tour I should try next? I would love to hear from you.
Email: mia [at] lapland-adventure-guide.com
I reply to every message within 48 hours during winter season. During summer (May–August), replies may take a bit longer since I am usually out hiking or fishing.