Glide and Drill: Electric Snow Scooters and Ice Fishing on Lake Saimaa
Pilot a silent, wooden-bodied electric scooter across a frozen lake, then drill a hole and try your luck with ice fishing—an intimate Finnish winter ritual
By the time you step onto the frozen surface of Lake Saimaa, the winter has already done half the work of the storytelling. The world here feels pared down to white and silence—the kind of silence that holds its breath until you shift your weight and the trees exhale. A line of low-slung wooden-hulled scooters sits ready near the shore, their Finnish-crafted profiles promising a quiet, almost conspiratorial glide over packed snow. The guide nudges an eLyly electric snow scooter forward; the hush is punctuated only by the soft whirr of an electric motor and the crunch of your boots. In that first minute you understand why this is part winter playground, part moving meditation.
Trail Wisdom
Dress in layers
Wear moisture-wicking base layers, an insulating mid-layer, and a windproof outer shell to manage changing temps on the lake.
Bring waterproof boots
Expect slush around fishing holes and impervious ground on the shore—waterproof insulated boots keep you comfortable.
Keep electronics warm
Store phones and batteries in an inside pocket to prevent cold-induced shutdowns and bring spare batteries if you have them.
Listen to the guide on ice
Scouting and route selection are done by the guide—follow instructions on safe paths and stopping points.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Explore small cleared island beaches near Puumala for quiet winter photography
- •Ask your guide about traditional winter fishing spots used by locals—many are off-the-beaten-path
Wildlife
White-tailed eagle, Saimaa ringed seal (rare)
Conservation Note
Lake Saimaa hosts vulnerable species like the Saimaa ringed seal—visitors should avoid disturbing shoreline habitats, follow guide directions, and practice catch-and-release where requested.
Puumala sits in the Lake Saimaa region where winter transportation over ice has been a local lifeline for centuries; today the lake’s islands and channels reflect glacial sculpting and maritime culture.
Seasonal Guide
spring
Best for: Late-season ice fishing, Quiet snowy landscapes
Challenges: Thinning ice, Unpredictable melt conditions
Early spring can still offer ice fishing if the lake remains frozen, but use caution—ice weakens rapidly as temperatures rise.
summer
Best for: Boating and island hopping, Fishing from a boat
Challenges: No ice—scooters not operable, Different activity offerings
Summer replaces scooters with boats and paddles; this specific snow-scooter + ice-fishing experience is not available.
fall
Best for: Changing colors on the archipelago, Pre-winter planning and local culture
Challenges: Shorter daylight, Wet, unsettled weather
Fall is transitional—great for scouting future winter trips and enjoying fewer crowds, but not for this winter-specific activity.
winter
Best for: Electric snow scootering, Ice fishing and winter photography
Challenges: Cold temperatures, Need for stable ice cover
Mid-winter offers the most dependable conditions for scooters and ice fishing—pack for real cold and follow guide instructions.
Photographer's Notes
What to Bring
Insulated waterproof winter bootsEssential
Protects feet from slush and cold during riding and while fishing on the ice.
Warm mittens + liner glovesEssential
Mittens for warmth with liners for dexterity when handling gear or bait.
Layered clothing systemEssential
Base, mid, and outer layers let you adapt to exertion and wind on the lake.
Sunglasses with UV protection
Reduces glare off snow and ice for safer riding and better photos.
Common Questions
Do I need a drivers license to ride the electric snow scooter?
No—eLyly electric snow scooters used on this tour do not require a driver’s license; guides provide training and supervise riding.
Will I catch fish?
Fishing success varies with conditions and timing—guides provide sonar viewing and assistance, but catches are never guaranteed.
Is this suitable for children?
Families with older children who can follow safety instructions and tolerate cold can enjoy the activity; check age restrictions with the operator.
How cold does it get and what should I wear?
Temperatures can be well below freezing—dress in insulating layers, waterproof boots, and mittens; bring spare gloves and warm headwear.
What happens if ice conditions are unsafe?
Guides assess ice daily and will change routes or cancel if conditions are unsafe; customer protections like free cancellation typically apply.
Are the scooters environmentally friendly?
Yes—the scooters are fully electric and zero-emissions, and their wooden hulls reduce visual and material footprint compared with gas-powered alternatives.
What to Pack
Insulated waterproof boots, layered clothing, warm mittens, sunglasses (glare protection)
Did You Know
Lake Saimaa is home to the endangered Saimaa ringed seal, one of the few freshwater seal populations in the world.
Quick Travel Tips
Book mid-winter for stable ice; confirm meeting point and transport options; pack spare gloves; notify operator of any mobility issues
Local Flavor
After the outing, warm up like a local: seek a lakeside café for fish soup or smoked whitefish and find a public or private sauna to rinse the day away—Finnish winters are as much about warm rituals as cold landscapes.
Logistics Snapshot
Closest airport: Lappeenranta or Savonlinna (drive 1–2 hours); meeting point: Puumala shoreline (operator will specify exact location); driving distance from Puumala town center: typically under 10 minutes; cell service: variable on the ice—keep expectations modest; permits: none typically required for tourist ice fishing on guided tours.
Sustainability Note
The electric scooters are zero-emission and the tour operates with minimal disturbance—pack out all waste, respect spawning areas, and follow guide instructions to protect sensitive lake habitats.
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