Family skiing holiday in Finland

[chicaguapa]

I wondered if anyone has been to Finland? DC will be 7 & 4 so too young for major skiing. We are also beginners so would be happy to just have a nice holiday in the snow, feeding reindeers and going on a husky ride, as well as a bit of simple skiing thrown in.

Any recommendations? Tips?

[CountessDracula]

It's bloody cold
I would say too cold for a 4yo to have fun skiing

We were there when they all said it was quite warm and it was -15 in the day, they have virtually no chairlifts so you are freezing your butt off on drags for ages. And we were wearing proper wicking themral underwear, several layers of tshirts and fleeces, ski jacket and huge kwik-fit style jump suits and STILL cold. Going to the loo a nightmare even as an adult as you have so many layers, I wouldn't contemplate it with dd tbh. The snow is fantastic but the skiing very limited.

The food is mainly reindeer and salmon so if your kids are very picky may not be for you!

Reindeers, huskies etc great of course

If I were you I'd go to europe or go to finland but not bother with the skiing

[CountessDracula]

(sorry I mean the Alps)

[WitnessProtectionCod]

god why?
finland is dire

[CountessDracula]

yes it is rather dire I agree

[WitnessProtectionCod]

oh yes.

helsinki also very erm

plain

[CountessDracula]

In fact I have sworn that I am never returning
DH agrees

We only went for the dogsledding, we did lots of that but there was fark all else to do and the food was shite

[WitnessProtectionCod]

yes fodo shit
but i must say dhs aunts food was fab

[WitnessProtectionCod]

allt he middle aged finish women have brigh red hari and trendy glasses

[CountessDracula]

Oh don't get me wrong
I love reindeer and mash and salmon and mash

and salmon and potato soup

but not every meal!

We went to Finland's best restaruant it was ok but not up to uk standards

Helsinki was nice in a wya, everythibng close together, but dull as f**k

[WitnessProtectionCod]

very russian isfied
theres the harbour and..............

[CountessDracula]

Actually teh most fun we had was going round the department stores as dh had run out of undies, they have one which caters solely for lumberjacks it seems, then another which tries to be poncey and doesn't sell a pair of boxers for less than £50 but still manages to be totally dreadful

[CountessDracula]

omg and how COULD i forget

the Finnish equiv of Starbucks, there's one on every corner in helsinki
it's CLASS

[WitnessProtectionCod]

lol
the good things are..
erm marimekkko

[CountessDracula]

oh i dont even like marimekko

I bought a bag but binned it
too blue peter presenter

(it seemed like agood idea in drab helsinki but looked silly in london)

[WitnessProtectionCod]

ah i liek me oven gloves

[CountessDracula]

yes I guess they would be ok

[mejon]

Well DH and I have been twice and we are returning in January with 17 month old DD in tow .

We'd never been skiing before and were definitely not sporty types, but did some cross country skiing which was great fun - be prepared to spend a lot of time on your bottoms! Went to Yllas/Akaslompolo first time around which is a small village with plenty of cross country tracks aswell as 'proper' downhill skiing.

Second time around (when 12 weeks pregnant)we went to Levi which is a slightly bigger place with a bit more to do (if that's what you're after), but we're returning to the smaller resort this time.

With baby in tow this time, we're unlikely to do any skiing (or will take it in turns) but it will be a lovely place to take little ones for some snowy activity. You can visit reindeer and husky farms, go snowmobiling, snowshoeing etc. We will be staying SC in log cabins this time as we weren't too impressed with the food on offer at the hotels we stayed in though the accommodation was clean and warm (too warm!). We had variations of temperatures - coldest I think was -18 and warmest around 0/+1. Wrapping up in plenty of layers should help and if you do any skiing, you'll generate enough heat to keep you warm! Very bizarre sensation though is feeling your eyelashes and nose-hair freezing (and your hair if you've got a bit sweaty under your hat - sorry TMI!) HTH

[jenthehen]

Thank goodness for your post mejon! I was just having one of those oh my goodness what have I done moments as I've just booked to go to Ruka in a couple of weeks because I'd read such great reviews on trip advisor etc
Like you I just wanted a snowy break with the kids and a bit of skiing for DH. Any tips on what to take or how to keep dc's warm as they will be with me most of the day whilst DH skis?
(aged 3 and 6 )
I'm really excited, we're going to visit Santa, husky rides etc
If all else fails we'll sit inside and look at the pretty snow outside I suppose!!

[mejon]

Actually just got back from Lapland. The coldest day was -17 and warmest 0/+1.
I took merino wool long-sleeved vests and woollen tights as base layers then had a long-sleeved t-shirt, fleece jumper and fleece trousers topped off with salopettes and a jacket. I'd taken balaclavas but they were too big and kept falling over DD's face so she usually had a hat and the jacket hood up. If she was cold, she didn't let on!

In hindsight, I'd have taken a one-piece ski suit as opposed to jacket and bottoms as she did look rather stuffed (and comical), but at the time I wasn't able to find a small enough one. As your DCs are a little older, I'd imagine they'll be happy frolicing in the snow and that should help to keep them warm. Quite a few of the places I got my woollen items, snow boots, glove etc. now have sales on, so if you haven't already bought things, it might be worth a look. Let me know if you'd like to know where!

[jenthehen]

Thanks for that mejon, I'm just about sorted now for ski/snow equipment. I just need thermals, padded ski socks and goggles for myself. typically I've got the rest of the family kitted out and then remembered I'd better get some stuff too. Do you have any tips on what to take etc
Somebody told me today that a really good moisturiser is very good as the air is so dry. I was also wondering if I should take hot drinks, snacks etc out with me in a rucksack or do you think I'd be best just getting something from cafes etc
I've found some balaclavas for the kids at muddy puddles and I'm just waiting for the delivery now.
did you need base layer gloves aswell as ski gloves?

[mejon]

I took thermal layers for myself and either wore longjohns or a pair of thick tights under my ski trousers and found that I was quite warm enough without an added layer on the bottom half (got enough padding there anyway!) My boots were warm too so I didn't add socks if I was wearing the tights. On top of my vest I would have a long sleeved t-shirt and a thinnish fleece jumper then my ski jacket (which wasn't a padded one). I didn't bother with goggles and unless you are skiing I doubt whether you'd need them. My hands also get very warm so I would often be without gloves, but it depends on how much you feel the cold : I'd probably take glove liners just in case.

The air is dry but I only used my normal moisturiser and was fine though did apply vaseline to my lips a bit more frequently than usual.

I'm not familiar with Ruka so I'm not sure what kind of facilities they have there but I'm sure you'll be able to find cafes for drinks and snacks, plus it'll be an excuse to get inside if it's too cold. I probably wouldn't bother with a flask but no harm in taking some snacks. You'll find lots of great advice and information on the Lapland forums on Trip Advisor.