6 excuses that don't count in the snow.

Too cold. Too crazy. Too far. Not possible with my car...
Sound familiar? That's exactly what everyone says—before they drive their first winter rally.
Because once you've drifted through Lapland at minus twenty degrees, camped under the northern lights, or started your engine in the morning ice fog, you know:
Cold weather is no excuse. It's the beginning of the adventure.

And because we know all the excuses, we've collected them.Here are 6 excuses why you haven't done a winter rally yet –
and countless reasons why you should do it now.

1. Excuse: “It's always dark in Scandinavia and the Arctic Circle in winter!”

No – that's not true.
The sun also shines in winter at the Arctic Circle, and during the rallies in February and early March, you can expect around 10 hours of daylight.
The sun rises around 7:00 a.m. and doesn't set until around 5:00 p.m. – plenty of time for panoramic views, drifting, and action.
And even the nights are anything but dark: the snow reflects the moonlight, the sky glows – and sometimes the northern lights dance right above your car.
 

2. Excuse: “You hardly ever see the Northern Lights!”

Wrong – you're traveling at the best time of year.
In February and March, the chances of seeing the Northern Lights dancing across the Scandinavian sky are better than ever.
In northern and western Norway, they shine on 9 out of 10 nights when the sky is clear – often so brightly that they even make the snow shimmer green and purple.
And once you've seen them, you'll never forget them: the silent flickering, the feeling that the sky itself is in motion – and you're right in the middle of it.
 

3. Excuse: “You can only do a winter rally with an off-road vehicle!”

Thought wrong.
In our winter rallies, it's not the vehicle that counts—it's the will to drive it.
Whether it's a VW Beetle, Mercedes 190, VW T4 bus, or Porsche 944—many teams have already reached the North Cape with exactly these kinds of classic cars.
Every car writes its own story here. And anyone who thinks you need four-wheel drive and high-tech has never seen what real adventurers can achieve with passion and winter tires.
Take a look at the variety of vehicles in the video – and be inspired: Viking Snow Aftermovie
 

4. Excuse: “You can't find accommodation in Scandinavia in winter!”

Not at all.
Even in the far north, finding accommodation during the rally is easy.
Whether you're looking for a cozy cabin, a classic mid-range hotel, or a luxurious spa, you'll find everything your adventurous heart desires along the stages.
And if you prefer to camp under the northern lights, you can do that too, of course.Before the rally starts, all teams receive detailed hotel recommendations, the schedule, and an overview of all stage destinations—so you know exactly where you'll end the day.
 

5. Excuse: “There's hardly any action or activities in winter!”

Oh yes – lots!
Our winter rallies are packed with adrenaline and action:
Drift on a frozen fjord, go ice swimming after a sauna boat tour, test your reactions while sledding in the ski resort, or experience the silence of the north on a husky or reindeer sleigh ride. You're guaranteed not to feel cold here—except from excitement.
 

6. Excuse: “Winter equipment is so complex!”

No need to stress—you don't need much more than you do in summer.
A set of good winter tires, a warm jacket, and maybe some long underwear—that's usually all you need.
With the SAC Winter Rally Checklist for Vehicles & Equipment, you'll be perfectly prepared in no time.
No overkill, no stress—just rally-ready, and off you go.

So, no more excuses!
Winter is waiting—and it's not for the hesitant.
Ice, snow, wide open spaces, freedom: exactly what you're riding for.
Because eventually you'll talk about it—
about drifting on frozen lakes, about skies full of northern lights, and about the moment you just went for it.

We look forward to seeing you again on the frozen roads of Scandinavia.

To the Viking Snow Scandinavia Rally 2026 / To the Baltic Sea Circle Winter Edition 2026