Seems like a nice project.
Agreed that some years are dry without much snow, have at least some options if you cannot ski. It would be a really long walk. A fatbike would be a nice option.
The biggest tips I can give you as a foreigner living here is be ready to be wet. Winters are much milder than people expect for 65 degrees latitude. Also, navigation can be challenging in the storms, which come more often than we would like. Maps, GPS are fine but you will have to break into the storm if you want to progress well.
Good luck!