This guide is built from our own winters in the Arctic and from the live Legendary Adventure tour pages in Tromsø — prices, pickup times and what is included come straight from the operator, never invented.

Why snowshoeing suits a half-term week

A week in Tromsø can easily turn into a series of long evenings. Snowshoeing adds a daytime activity that gets everybody outside in the snow, requires no skill and leaves the evening free. It is a gentle way to see the landscape and a good option for teenagers who want to feel they have done something active.

What the 4 hours include

The four hours include the transfer, so the time on snowshoes is shorter than the headline figure. The group meets at 10:00 outside Clarion Hotel The Edge, where the guide arrives in a black Mercedes minivan. The group is 2–8 guests. You are given snowshoes and poles, walk through snowy terrain with the guide, and stop for views of the surroundings. The tour description mentions the chance to see Arctic wildlife such as reindeer, foxes and sea birds, but there is no guarantee.

Ages and fitness

The shared hike is recommended for ages 10 and up. For younger children, the private version is the realistic route, although it carries the same age note, so talk to the operator if you have children under 10. The walking is slow and steady, not a race. If you can walk for an hour or two on a woodland path, you can snowshoe. Check the details on the booking page before you buy.

What to wear in February

February in Tromsø is cold, but usually less extreme than people expect. Wear a wool base layer, a fleece or wool mid layer, a windproof and waterproof outer layer, insulated waterproof boots with room for thick socks, a hat, mittens and a buff. Sunglasses help when the sun comes back in late winter. Pack a small bag for snacks and a bottle of water.

Fitting it into a short trip

A typical half-term week might look like this: arrive, rest, a northern lights tour on night two, a snowshoe hike the next morning or on a quieter day, a fjord tour another day, and a spare evening for the aurora. The Northern Lights Tour5% off · HUNGRYTRAVELFAMILY5 leaves at 19:00 or 18:30 and runs 5–8 hours, so we would not schedule a snowshoe hike for the morning after a late chase unless everyone is keen. See our guide to pairing a morning snowshoe with an evening chase for details.

Private hike for a family group

The Private Snowshoe Hike5% off · HUNGRYTRAVELFAMILY5 is NOK 12,000 per group of up to 8 and has a 10:00 pickup. For a family of five, that is NOK 2,400 per person, which is more than the shared hike but gives you your own guide and pace. For larger family groups it becomes more competitive. We compared the two in our guide to private tours for families.

How to book with the Hungrytravelfamily discount

Open the booking page for the tour you want, choose your date and number of guests, and type HUNGRYTRAVELFAMILY5 into the promo-code field at checkout. Check that the 5% shows in the total before you pay. You are booking directly with Legendary Adventure, so the terms are theirs, including the full refund when you cancel more than 48 hours before departure.

We are Legendary Adventure’s partner and may earn a commission on bookings made with the code. It never changes the price you pay. The Arctic Snowshoe Hike is NOK 1,500 per person.

Daylight in mid-February

By mid-February the sun is back in Tromsø after the polar night, and the days lengthen quickly. A 10:00 pickup puts the hike in good daylight, with snow that sparkles and mountains that are clearly visible. This is a very different feeling from December, and families often find it the easiest time of the winter to be outdoors. Bring sunglasses and sun cream for faces, because snow reflects light more strongly than people expect.

Booking early for half-term

School holiday weeks are popular, and dates for the most-wanted activities fill earlier. If your trip is mid-February, look at the calendar as soon as your flights are booked rather than when you arrive. The booking window for tours in Tromsø is wide, and the operator’s calendar shows live availability.

A snowshoe day with teenagers

Teenagers tend to be the hardest audience on a family trip. A snowshoe hike works because it is active, outdoors, short enough and different from anything at home. Let them carry their own water, take photos and walk at the front. Keep expectations modest and the snacks plentiful. If a teenager wants a more demanding outing, the Arctic Snowshoe Adventure (Advanced) is 6 hours and for ages 16 and up, but it is listed separately and is not for younger family members.

What if the weather is poor?

Snowshoe tours run in snow, cold and wind, and the guide decides on the day. If the operator cancels for safety or weather, it will offer a rebooking or refund. If you are worried, read the terms on the booking page, and remember the 48-hour cancellation rule.

What we would book

Families with children 10+: the Arctic Snowshoe Hike5% off · HUNGRYTRAVELFAMILY5. Larger groups or mixed ages: the Private Snowshoe Hike5% off · HUNGRYTRAVELFAMILY5. For the evening: the Northern Lights Tour5% off · HUNGRYTRAVELFAMILY5 or the Private Northern Lights Tour5% off · HUNGRYTRAVELFAMILY5. See our Tromsø activities hub for the full list.

FAQ

Our Honest Final Word

Snowshoeing is a low-stress way to give a half-term trip a daytime highlight. It suits children from 10, it is not demanding, and it leaves the nights free for the northern lights.

Book the Arctic Snowshoe Hike5% off · HUNGRYTRAVELFAMILY5 or the Private Snowshoe Hike5% off · HUNGRYTRAVELFAMILY5 and enter HUNGRYTRAVELFAMILY5 at checkout for 5% off.

5% off · code HUNGRYTRAVELFAMILY5

Our Tromsø family picks

Tap a tour to see live dates and prices. Enter HUNGRYTRAVELFAMILY5 in the promo-code field at checkout for 5% off.

Small group · 4 HoursArctic Snowshoe HikeFrom NOK 1 500 per personBook with 5% off →Private · 4 HoursPrivate Snowshoe HikeFrom NOK 12 000 per group (private)Book with 5% off →Small group · 5-8 HoursNorthern Lights TourFrom NOK 2 300 per personBook with 5% off →Small group · 4 HoursAurora Snowshoe HikeFrom NOK 1 500 per personBook with 5% off →

Code HUNGRYTRAVELFAMILY5 works on every Legendary Adventure tour booked online. We are Legendary Adventure’s partner and may earn a small commission — it never changes your price.