I’ve never wanted to do anything else at Lapland Safaris except guiding. I enjoy spending time outdoors, and I live an active outdoor lifestyle in my free time as well. This job comes naturally to me. There are very few things I encounter on safaris that I don’t already know or recognize. I get to use my knowledge of nature and spend time with people, which is truly rewarding. I want to do this job for as long as my body allows. Skilled, professional guides are always needed, and I strive to be a trusted team member who can be counted on even in the toughest situations. These days, my son also works as a safari guide for Lapland Safaris, and both of my daughters join the team mainly during the Christmas season. 

I lead a wide variety of safaris, including many challenging ones. What I enjoy most are fishing trips, where I not only help guests catch fish but also prepare the meals. It’s important to remember that for the customer, every trip is a unique experience – even if it’s a routine tour for the guide. I don’t seek awards or praise; working in nature and having genuine interactions with customers and colleagues is enough for me. We have an amazing team spirit. Top professionals come to Lapland from all over the world, and I have incredibly skilled colleagues from places like France and Spain. 

My workday typically starts around eight, depending on the scheduled safari or safaris for the day. First, I print the necessary papers and begin preparing for the tour – preparing juices, defrosting sausages, making coffee or tea, sometimes preparing meals for ice fishing, and often packing fishing gear. I handle customer pickups if needed. When guests arrive at the safari office, they read and sign a commitment agreement acknowledging the safari terms. Once the paperwork and gear are ready, we dress the customers for the trip. After that, we fit helmets and head to the snowmobile area for a brief lesson. Then the journey begins. We enjoy the day, and after the safari, there’s still gear returns, transport arrangements, and cleaning and maintenance of used equipment. 

Even though I have years of experience and strong expertise, I try to be a one-man entertainment show on safaris – the good vibes come from within. I enjoy storytelling, like explaining which animal left which tracks in the snow. The atmosphere often peaks around the fire, with warm juice in hand and a quiet moment to pause. On one snowshoeing trip during a deep freeze, I got the whole group singing Bonnie Tyler’s “Turn Around.” A great experience is built from small things. A positive attitude goes a long way in this job, and authenticity always comes through – even when there’s no shared language. 

When you’re working in nature, no two days are the same. One of the most memorable safaris was when we were crossing the ice of lake Norvajärvi. The last snowmobile in the line ahead of me sank through the snow into the water and nearly submerged. I stopped my own group of seven snowmobiles and walked to check the area. I fell into the ice hole up to my neck – it turned out to be a thawed hole over two meters wide under the snow. I told the guests I’d climb out myself and used the knives on my belt to get back up. After getting out, at minus 25°C, I thankfully had dry wool socks and mittens to put on. After about a 20-minute ride to a trapper’s hut, we sat down for lunch. I stripped down to my boxers by the fire to dry off. The guests thought the icy plunge was part of the program – they didn’t even realize it had been a real accident. We all burst out laughing when I explained that no, this isn’t part of my daily routine! 

My connection to Lapland runs deep. I’m from Rovaniemi, several generations back, and we have a cabin on the Finnish–Norwegian border. I couldn’t imagine living anywhere else. I enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities – sports fishing, hunting, mushroom and berry picking. So, I spend a lot of time in the forest even during my free time. Nature is my therapist and a vital source of mental well-being. 

As a safari guide, I get to do what I truly love: helping people experience the wonder of Lapland’s nature. I know I’ve done my job well when guests keep coming back to join my safaris again and again.