Northwind Lapland
Our story
NORTH WIND LAPLAND IS A LOT MORE THAN JUST A TOUR COMPANY
NORTH WIND LAPLAND IS A LOT MORE THAN JUST A TOUR COMPANY
NORTH WIND LAPLAND is a SOCIALLY RESPONSIBLE COMPANY and was founded in 2025 by four local entrepreneurs from Ylläsjärvi. Each of us brings previous entrepreneurial experience, a strong background in the tourism industry, and—most importantly—a shared love for the village of Ylläsjärvi and the wider Ylläs area.
We established North Wind Lapland to build on our strengths while staying true to our core values: respect for local lifestyle, a deep commitment to the environment, and an active social role in strengthening the Ylläsjärvi community.
What does SOCIALLY RESPONSIBLE COMPANY practically mean:
According to its articles of association, North Wind Lapland allocates more than half of its annual profit to promoting its social purpose — the development of the village of Ylläsjärvi. The company uses its profits either to develop its own social operations or to donate directly to the village’s development. Each year, North Wind Lapland engages in open discussions with the Ylläsjärvi Village Association on how the company can contribute to the development of the village through its activities and agrees on the key development priorities for that year.
Therefore, beyond creating unforgettable journeys for travellers, our business directly contributes to the well-being of the Ylläsjärvi community by creating local jobs, reinvesting profits and resources into village development, supporting kindergarten and school and preserving Lapland’s natural and village Ylläsjärvi’s cultural environment.
FOR US, TOURISM IS NOT JUST A BUSINESS – IT IS A WAY TO GIVE BACK TO THE PLACE WE CALL HOME !
Originally from France, I came to Eastern Finland in 2003 as an Erasmus student. During a study trip in Lapland, I totally fell in love with the nature and the area where I live now.
I have been guiding since winter 2004, graduated from International Wilderness Guide course in 2007, and kept on exploring the arctic region, from Scandinavia to Siberia, Alaska and the Yukon.
I live in Ylläsjärvi with my Finnish wife, our two kids and our dog since 2013.
I’m also a professional carpenter, so you can find me swinging the axe in the summer, hiking in the National Park or fishing at our traditional cabin. In winter time I love ski trekking, searching for wildlife and animal tracks, watching northern lights and many other outdoor activities.
I can guide your unique arctic experiences in French and English!
My ancestors founded the village of Ylläsjärvi in 1771, and the Ylläsjärvi family has lived here ever since. Nature tourism has been our main livelihood for many decades, and I have continued this tradition by earning a degree in sustainable nature tourism at the university of Lapland.
I have been a professional guide since 2001, and I am passionate about skiing in all its forms. The Arctic nature, its wildlife, and its unique phenomenon continue to amaze me every day. I also have a deep interest in our region’s rich history and heritage.
Beyond guiding, I am dedicated to voluntary work that benefits our home village—whether it’s preserving the local environment, supporting both young and elderly residents, developing the trail network, or organizing village festivals.
My husband Tomi and I have a teenage son.
Ylläsjärvi is more than just my home, it’s my life’s passion, and I can’t wait to share its beauty with you!
I am the son of a reindeer herder from the neighboring village of Kolari. Over 25 years ago, I moved to Ylläsjärvi after meeting Johanna, and this village has been my home ever since.
With a degree in Business Administration, I handle the paperwork for our company while also staying deeply involved in local tourism. For decades, I have worked as a guide, and in recent years, I have focused on ski instruction during the winter. In the summer, I build and maintain houses and help restore nature trails around our village.
I have a deep passion for alpine skiing and enjoy training for snowboarding whenever I get the chance.
Born and raise in Ylläsjärvi, Emppu is a local figure and entrepreneur as well as a very active person in the local community.
