Ylläs: Northern Lights Dinner with Snowcat Ride

The sky is a wild thing in Lapland. This Ylläs northern lights dinner pairs a snowcat climb with a cozy buffet at the top of Ylläs fell, so you get both comfort and that aurora suspense.

I like that you’re not just waiting outside, you’re moving through the dark on the way up, with a moment to scan the sky during the ride. I also like that dinner happens at elevation, at the Ylläskammi 718 restaurant, with a fireplace and a full buffet waiting for you.

One thing to consider: the snowcat ride can feel tight. Some nights mean more people in the same vehicle, and if the windows get frosty you may have limited views out.

Key things to know before you go

• Snowcat ride is about 15 minutes one way, with dinner at the top so the whole outing runs around 2.5 hours
• Ylläskammi 718 is the dinner spot, complete with a warm welcome drink and a buffet-style spread
• Northern lights hunting happens in motion and at dinner, so you spend the evening scanning more than commuting
• The buffet is Lappish-focused, including soup, starters, and a main choice such as reindeer or salmon
• English-speaking driver, with the option for Finnish, depending on the staff on the night
• Weather matters, and if the snowcat heater is weak, windows can frost up and reduce visibility

Snowcat ride to Ylläs fell, then dinner at the top

This is the kind of Lapland evening I like: simple structure, real winter scenery, and food that keeps you warm while you wait for the sky to do its thing. The plan is built around two equal halves, the climb and the meal. You start from Ylläs Ski Resort in Ylläsjärvi, then roll up to the top of Ylläs fell for dinner at Ylläskammi 718.

The pacing is practical. The snowcat part is short enough that you don’t lose the whole evening to transport, but long enough to feel like an event. And because the dinner is at the top, you get to settle in, eat something hot, and still look up without rushing back down right away.

You’re also getting something that pure “stand outside and hope” tours don’t. Even if the northern lights take their sweet time, you’re busy with the night, the ride, and a proper meal in a warm setting.

Starting point at Ylläs Ski Resort, Ylläsjärvi

You’ll meet at the parking lot next to the Children Area at Ylläs Ski Resort (Ylläsjärvi), right beside the chairlift base station. That’s helpful because it’s easy to orient to a known resort area, not an anonymous roadside stop.

You’re out for about 2.5 hours total, so build in a little extra time to dress and get oriented before the snowcat leaves. In winter, that matters more than people think, because the cold makes everything slower, especially zippers, gloves, and keeping your hands usable for phone photos.

If you want the smoothest start, aim to arrive already dressed for winter, not halfway ready in the parking lot. Warm clothing is required, and you’ll feel it fast once you’re on the snowcat.

The ascent: scanning for aurora during a 15-minute snowcat ride

The snowcat takes you two ways between the resort area and the top of Ylläs fell. The one-way drive is about 15 minutes, so you’re not stuck for an hour before dinner. This is one of the better designs for aurora hunting, because short travel time reduces fatigue while it still gets you higher and farther into the dark.

During the ride, you’re encouraged to keep an eye on the sky as you pass through the snowy terrain. That moving “in-between” time is valuable. You’re watching for changes in the sky while the light level drops and your eyes adjust. In clear conditions, that can be the moment when an aurora band appears, then fades, then comes back stronger.

Here’s the main practical drawback to watch for. Some nights can mean frosted windows, especially if the vehicle heating system struggles. If you can’t see out clearly, the ride still feels fun, but your photo odds drop and the view experience is less dramatic.

What to do with that? Don’t treat the ride windows as your only aurora viewing option. Keep your head up when the opportunity to look outward is good, then plan to do your real sky scanning once you’re near the restaurant area.

Ylläskammi 718: warm welcome drink and a Lappish buffet by the fireplace

After you arrive, you step into warmth at Ylläskammi 718. The evening starts with a welcome drink, and then you settle into a buffet spread built around Lappish delicacies.

This is where the trip earns its value. Aurora nights are cold by design, and waiting can make you miserable if food is an afterthought. Here, the meal is the comfort engine. You eat while you’re watching the sky in the same general window of time, so you’re not stuck hungry or stuck only eating.

What you’ll likely find is a buffet flow that includes soup, a starter section, and a hot main choice. Based on what’s served on recent evenings, your main can include sautéed reindeer or salmon, plus mashed potatoes and root vegetables. There’s usually also a cheese selection and a small dessert, often described as a mousse-like treat.

A nice detail is the atmosphere. The restaurant is modern and cozy, and there’s mention of a blazing fireplace. That matters because it gives you a natural place to warm your hands and reset your eyes before you step outside again to look up.

Food quality gets high marks for many people, especially the chance to try regional specialties. One downside to be aware of: service can feel busy on nights with larger groups. If you’re the type who dislikes slow refills, you might want to be calm about timing and plan to pace yourself at the buffet.

How the northern lights moment usually works here

This isn’t a guaranteed aurora tour. The point is you’re positioned and scheduled so you have real chances. Your sky time comes in two places: during the snowcat ride up and down, and during the dinner itself. While you eat, you can keep an eye on the sky for activity.

When aurora shows up, it tends to be worth the patience. Feedback from recent nights includes lucky moments where people saw strong lights outside in the dark, enough to call the experience memorable.

If the aurora is faint, you might not get the big wow immediately. That’s normal in real aurora viewing. Your best strategy is mindset and timing. Eat first, settle in, then step outside for a look when you feel the sky warrants it. If the sky stays calm, at least you’ve had a proper meal and warm setting.

Also, if you’re thinking of photos, remember this: frozen windows can ruin your view from inside the snowcat. For the best odds, plan to look from outdoors whenever possible, not through hard-to-see surfaces.

Price and value: is $149 per person fair?

At $149 per person for a 2.5-hour outing, you’re paying for three things bundled together: snowcat transport, a warm restaurant meal, and a welcome drink. It’s not just a ride, and it’s not just dinner.

The value makes sense if you want an all-in-one aurora evening without renting gear, planning your own transport, or juggling multiple stops. Your time is protected. You’re not guessing when to leave, and you’re not managing a DIY schedule in the cold.

It may feel pricey if you’re mainly interested in the food, because some people describe the buffet as good and plentiful rather than life-changing. But if you’re aiming for the full winter evening experience, including the atmospheric restaurant and the built-in chance to scan the sky, the cost is easier to justify.

Bottom line for value: you’re buying convenience plus atmosphere. If that matches your travel style, it’s money well spent. If you’d rather keep costs low and do northern lights viewing independently, you might compare other options.

What to wear and bring for a comfortable night

This tour is winter, and the outdoor viewing depends on cold conditions. The clear instruction is warm clothing, and that’s not optional.

I recommend you treat it like a long time outdoors, even if you’re mostly inside. Bring layers you can adjust. Warm gloves are a must, because you’ll likely want your hands free for brief moments outside looking up. If you wear a hat, keep it snug, since cold wind can steal warmth quickly.

For photos and phone use, keep in mind that very cold weather shortens battery life. If you plan to take pictures, consider keeping your device warm between bursts.

If you tend to get cold in vehicles, you’ll want extra insulation. Some nights can bring frosty windows, which usually means you feel the cold more, even if you’re not directly exposed to wind.

Group vibe: the upside and the trade-offs

One of the big themes in real feedback is the difference between the restaurant experience and the ride experience. The dinner part tends to land well: friendly staff, cozy setting, and a buffet where you can sample regional items.

The ride part is where the trade-offs show up. Some evenings can mean a lot of people in the same snowcat. That can make the atmosphere feel less like a private adventure and more like a shared shuttle in winter gear.

If you’re very focused on views during the drive, you should prepare for the possibility of limited visibility due to frosty windows. The ride can still be fun, but treat the scenery as a bonus rather than a guarantee.

If you’re traveling with patience and you’re here for the full package, that group vibe usually won’t matter much. If you’re sensitive to tight spaces or prefer quiet, you may find the snowcat portion less relaxing than the dinner.

Who should book this snowcat dinner

This is a great fit if you want:

• A short, organized aurora evening with built-in time to eat
• A warm, fireplace-friendly dinner at the top of Ylläs fell
• A chance to see the lights without spending your whole night bouncing between locations
• A buffet meal where you can try multiple Lappish specialties

It might be less ideal if you:

• Get bothered by crowds in a shared vehicle
• Expect clear window views throughout the ride
• Prefer service that feels extra fast and effortless during busy meal periods

If you’re visiting Ylläs and you want one memorable evening that mixes winter fun with real food, this checks a lot of boxes.

Should you book the Ylläs Northern Lights Dinner with Snowcat Ride?

I’d book it if you want a structured aurora night that doesn’t leave you hungry or cold for long stretches. The biggest strengths are the cozy dinner atmosphere at Ylläskammi 718, the buffet built around regional flavors, and the fact that the aurora chance is woven into the evening rather than tacked on as an afterthought.

I’d hesitate if the idea of a tightly packed snowcat and potentially frosty windows would stress you out. In that case, you might look for a different style of northern lights experience that prioritizes open viewing.

For most people, especially couples and friends who want a warm, fun night with a genuine shot at the aurora, this one is a solid choice.

FAQ

How long is the Ylläs Northern Lights Dinner with Snowcat Ride?

The whole experience, including dinner, is about 2.5 hours.

Where is the meeting point for the snowcat ride?

You meet in the parking lot next to the Children Area of Ylläs Ski Resort in Ylläsjärvi, next to the chairlift base station.

What is included in the price?

It includes a two-way snowcat ride from Ylläs Ski Resort, Ylläsjärvi to the top of Ylläs fell, a welcome drink, and a buffet dinner with Lapland delicacies.

What should I bring with me?

Bring warm clothing.

When is this activity available?

It is available during the winter season.

Is it refundable if plans change?

Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.