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Clothing and How to Dress for your Arctic Experience:-

Our Lapland trips and short breaks will take you well within the Lapland Arctic Circle, so you'll need to wrap up! Lots of warm layers, thermal vests and underwear, waterproof boots, jacket and trousers are a must, as are cosy hats and gloves.

The weather in December and Christmas time is: 

Daily max = 12°C, but it can get very cold -
Daily min= -40°C !!!

Snow falls in Lapland between October and May and it is common to find thick snow cover in December. There is very limited daylight at this time of year as the sun rises around 10:30 and sets around 15:30. The cold will dry out your skin, so it is advisable to take an oil based moisturiser and lip balm to avoid chapping. Please note water based moisturisers will freeze in the cold.

This is how Brian from www.SantaClausTrips.co.uk  dresses for Lapland:-

Head  - Wooly Hat
            - Balaclava
            - Scarf
            - Oil Based Moisturiser (Hands & Face) 

Body- Thermal Long Sleeved Vest
          -  T-Shirt on Top
          -  Fleece Top / Wooly Jumper
          - Winter Jacket for Travelling / If its really
             cold I put it on under my thermal suit

Legs - Thermal Long Johns
          - Jogging Bottoms / Track Suit Trousers /
             Cargo Pants
             (Not Denim or Cords)

Feet  - 1 pair of thin socks and 1 pair of ski socks on top
          -  Winter Shoes for Travelling / Thermal Boots once issued

Over all of this I pull on my Thermal Suit which is normally supplied or hired from the tour company.

Remember Layers are always best as you can always remove them if your too warm and they need not cost a fortune. I keep an eye out for specials in Aldi / Lidl and T-J Hughes  or even down at my local market.

Following this simple guide will keep you warm and toasty during your Lapland / Arctic Experience.

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Karesuando

IN ONE OF the most far-flung corners of Santa’s kingdom, deep inside the Arctic Circle, the picturesque village of Karesuando is set on the edge of a vast wilderness where beauty, nature and wildlife abound. Here, in the heart of True Lapland, the land stretches in all directions, offering views across the Arctic tundra, frozen lakes and rivers and silent forests.

Karesuando is a picturesque village on the border between Finland and Sweden, which means you are able to walk from your hotel into a different country! The main village sits on the Swedish side of the River Muonio, while the Davvi Arctic Lodge, is in Finland.

The village has an attractive wooden church, the most northerly in Sweden. Set at the heart of the Sami reindeer herding region, Karesuando was once an important trading post for hunters and trappers. It also assumed signifi cance as a border post between Finland and Sweden.
(Information from Transun Travel 2010 brochure)

You can visit the official tourist site for Karesuando by clicking here

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Hetta

HETTA, IN THE far north of Finnish Lapland, is the True Lapland and a perfect base from which to go in search of the real Father Christmas. It is a small village, surrounded by miles of forested snowscapes and alongside a dramatic frozen lake. The vast wilderness expanses of this region have long been traversed by the indigenous Sámi people; and many Sámi families are still resident in Hetta. The village is proud of its heritage and has a small museum depicting the Sámi way of life. Other facilities include a small drag lift to the top of the local fell for children. The setting is beautiful, with the village lying alongside Lake Ounasjärvi, with dense forest beyond. The village has an attractive church, with its distinctive, slender belltower.
Since the village remains largely uncommercialised, there are none of the international chain hotels you might fi nd in more crowded Lapland resorts. Instead, this is True Lapland, where old-fashioned values of hospitality hold sway among a small range of attractive, family-run hotels and log cabin villages.
(Information from Transun Travel 2010 brochure)




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Saariselka

Saariselkä is the most northerly of Lapland’s resorts,and nestles in a picturesque, unspoilt wilderness of gently rounded hills and snow-laden forests, 200kms north of the Arctic Circle. The perfect resort for every snow adventure you can think of, Saariselkä offers everything from husky-sledding, tobogganing and skiing to thrilling snowmobile safaris, either in the daytime, or afterdark in search of the fabulous Northern Lights!

Saariselkä’s Sami People
Saariselkä is the most northerly of Lapland’s resorts, nestling in a picturesque white wilderness of gently rounded hills and snow-laden forests, 200kms north of the Arctic Circle

Here in Santa’s spiritual home, it is the call of the untouched wild that makes Saariselkä so unforgettable, and the native Sami, with their fascinating cultural heritage and hospitable charm, welcome and enthral visitors with their tales and legends of bygone days.
(information from Esprit Holidays Santas Lapland)

You can visit the official tourist site for Saariselka by clicking here

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Rovaniemi

Lapland’s cosmopolitan capital Rovaniemi has a picture-perfect landscape, loads of outdoor activities and plenty of culture. The Christmas spirit is everywhere. Kids will love the chance to meet Santa and study at elf school at Santa Park. Then there’s the opportunity to try a spot of ice fishing or visit a reindeer farm. And if you want to stay put, the city’s shops, restaurants and bars are on your doorstep.

Beyond the fairytale city, you can head out to a quiet snowy wilderness for a reindeer or snowmobile safari, a husky sleigh ride or a spot of skiing.

Airport Transfer: 15mins 
(information from First Choice Holidays)

You can visit the official tourist site for Rovaniemi by clicking here 

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Levi

A stunning ski resort surrounded by sparkling snow, Levi's fantastic for winter activities, like skiing, husky dog sledging, snowmobiling and ice-fishing. From championship pistes to gentle beginner slopes, Levi also offers cross-country trails through beautiful pine forests and après-ski in its restaurants and bars, some of which have dance floors.

A charming Lappish town with all the cosmopolitan facilities of a modern ski resort and plenty of winter activities, Levi's a unique destination, ideal for both families and couples.

Airport Transfer: Approx. 30mins 
(information from First Choice Holidays)

You can visit the official tourist site for Levi by clicking here


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Yllas

For a taste of real Lappish living, Yllas is an unspoilt resort, surrounded by miles of white landscapes. In the resort, you'll find a small selection of traditional bars and restaurants and plenty of winter activities, including reindeer safaris, snowmobiling and great skiing
(information from First Choice Holidays)

You can visit the official tourist site for Yllas by clicking here

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Pallas
If Iyou’re looking for the ultimate festive setting – they don’t come any better than Pallas. This snow dusted wilderness has got Christmas all wrapped up. Tucked away in the northern fell region of Finland, it’s about as far from the commercial crowds as you can get. Think endless glittering-white landscapes, wintery forests and lashings of peace. This must be one of Santa’s favourite places to put his feet up after a busy Christmas Eve.

Airport Transfer: Approx. 45mins.
(information from First Choice Holidays)

You can visit the tourist site for Pallas by clicking here

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