Witness one of the most fragile and powerful moments in Sámi life — the arrival of new life in the Arctic.
This is not an attraction.
It is a rare invitation into a living moment that normally happens far from people.
At a Glance
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Season: May 4th – May 20th (very limited window)
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Duration: 7–8 hours
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Group size: Very small groups only
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Difficulty: Easy
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Age: 8+
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Location: Quiet mountain valley used for calving
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Meals & guiding: Included
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Availability: Extremely limited
What You Will Experience
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Travel by snowmobile sled into the spring mountain landscape
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Be among the reindeer herd during calving season
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Help with feeding and daily tasks when appropriate
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Learn how Sámi families protect the herd during this fragile time
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Sit by the fire and share a traditional Sámi meal
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Hear stories and joik when the moment calls for it
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Experience deep silence, snow, mountains and trust
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Exceptional photo opportunities — without disturbing the animals
The Experience
Every spring, the reindeer return to the same mountain areas to calve.
They have done so for generations.
This is where we live with the herd during this sensitive time. Quietly. Respectfully. On the reindeer’s terms.
For a short period in May, we invite a small number of guests to join us — not as observers, but as participants in the day.
There are no guarantees.
No performances.
No staging.
If the timing and conditions are right, you may witness a newborn calf take its first steps into the world. If not, you will still be present during one of the most important periods in Sámi reindeer herding.
The value is not in what is promised — but in what is real.
+ A Typical Spring Day
This is an example only.
Weather, reindeer behavior and conditions decide the day.
Morning – Pickup & Journey
Pickup from Alta, Storslett or nearby areas. Travel by snowmobile sled into the calving area, seated on warm reindeer hides.
Midday – Time with the Herd
We move quietly among the reindeer. Depending on the day, you may:
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help prepare or distribute feed
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observe reindeer behavior during calving
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learn how herders read signs in snow, tracks and weather
If a calf is born during the visit, we keep distance and respect — witnessing without interfering.
Fire & Food
We gather around the fire and prepare a meal using what the season provides. Simple, traditional food, made and eaten outdoors — the Sámi way.
Stories, Joik & Stillness
In the quiet moments, stories are shared. Sometimes a joik emerges — not planned, not performed. Just part of being there.
Afternoon – Return
Slow journey back through the landscape, following the same routes the herd uses.
Food
All meals are prepared by the Sámi family:
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Traditional Arctic dishes
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Reindeer-based meals and seasonal ingredients
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Hot drinks by the fire
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Dietary needs can be accommodated with advance notice.
+ What’s Included
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Sámi guide from an active reindeer-herding family
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Snowmobile sled transport with warm reindeer hides
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Time with the reindeer herd during calving season
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Feeding and daily-life participation (when appropriate)
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Traditional outdoor meal & hot drinks
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Warm outer clothing if needed
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Flexible pickup from Alta / Storslett area
+ What to Bring
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Proper winter clothing
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Thermal and wool layers
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Winter gloves and hat
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Winter boots (if you have)
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A sense of adventure and openness to slow life
Important to Know
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Weather conditions may affect activities
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Reindeer movement varies daily
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This is an off-grid, simple-living experience
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Guests must be comfortable with cold, snow and limited facilities
