Going to lapland, what do we need?

[BillywigSting]

We (myself dp and ds who is 5) are going to lapland at the end of November for three days.

None of us have ever been anywhere colder than Scotland, so have no idea what we really need.

We're going to see santa and go on a husky /reindeer ride, hopefully see the northern lights etc. The place we are staying (in Saariselka) provides boots, socks, gloves and a snowsuit each, but what other clothes do we need? Dp only has jeans or work trousers, I'm guessing those aren't going to be ideal?

Weather forecast is for -4°c to - 15°c

Lots of thin tops that you can layer are best.
No bulky jumpers.
Definatley not jeans, joggers are better.
Thermals are a must too, especially for ds.
My youngest was about the same age when we went and he felt the cold much quicker than we did.
We also had a thin beanie that went under a thicker hat which worked well and the same for gloves.
You'll have a great time.

Following.

We are off to Finland!

We’re going too. Have bought thermal base layers, balaclavas, sweaters, fleeces and joggers as mid layers. Also ski socks and gloves.

Can I come? Loved it - we went last year.
We wore: base layer- thermal long sleeved top and either bottoms or thermal tights (me). DA had merino thermals from Mountain Warehouse.
Mid layer- jogging bottoms and a thin fleece. 2 pairs of ski type socks.
Then the suit they give you.
You also need gloves- inner thin pair and waterproof ski gloves/ mittens over the top. I wore silk glove liners. For DS I had lots of those kids magic gloves as he kept getting them wet.
Hat and a snood- again spares for DS.
Hand and foot warmers are useful- especially the foot ones.
Take snacks- the food wasn’t great for fussy DS.
Enjoy [santa]

Thermals (Even though I ended up sweating because I was so layered up).

Thanks everyone.

They give us socks, gloves, snowsuits and boots so we're all set for those.

I've got some thermal base layers for us all, some cold weather joggers for dp (ds and I both have fleece pants already), extra warm ski socks, glove liners and fleece tops. The woman in the shop (decathlon) said just normal winter clothes over the based layer and the fleece on top would be ok, do I need anything else?

I find ski mittens much warmer than gloves.

Hats and snoods. We found fleece snoods easier than a scarf and useful for pulling up over your face on chilly rides. Also huskies smell!

We've been to Saariselka, lovely place. We went in January 2016, plenty snow around. We have winter lined crag hoppers and they were fine.

Where are you flying to? We flew with Jet2 and there was a 3 hour transfer - stop half way at a petrol station.

Sun cream!!! Believe it or not your face (the only skin really exposed) will get burned

Sun cream hadn't even thought of that!

We're flying into ivalo, only a 20 minute transfer. The 'elves' are meeting us at the airport with a couple of reindeer then its onto a coach to the hotel where we get all the gear they're providing

I think everyone has it covered with regards to the clothing.

We went for Christmas 2016 and it was actually quite 'warm' (-8) at least with layers you can add and subtract as needed.

Take some snacks. Food is plentiful but basic. Have a great time!

Getting some tips, we are going to saariselka in February but we've booked everything separately ourselves so need all our own gear.

Can i ask who you have booked with as looking for recommendations. We have seen jet2 as above poster says it's a long transfer time. Thx

No advice, but what’s the oldest do you think you can take children when they still believe?

Sorry I also have a q..... we would love to go next year but DS2 will only be 3y9mo, is that too little to deal with the cold? He’s very robust and non whiny (at the moment). DS1 will be just turning 8 so worried if we leave it another year he may not believe....

@soberfutures we booked our flights with finnair.

We go on the 27th Dec so just place marking for tips 🤶🏻

We booked everything as a package with Santa's lapland.

You get a private meeting with the man himself, a husky sled ride, a reindeer ride, accommodation at half board, flights, transfers and cold weather gear included.

They even give you special paper and envelope for the kids to write a letter to santa that you slip to one of the 'elves' who then passes it on so he mentions something on it when they see him.

Getting quite excited now!

I would say 3 is probably a bit too young, ds is five now and I'd say only just old enough but people who live in lapland have babies so I'm probably just overly cautious (having never been further north than Scotland).

Like they day, no such thing as bad weather just the wrong clothes

@Twinklz our eldest is on the cusp of believing / not believing but we've been assured by everyone that has been that even if he isn't fooled by Santa the rest is just amazing. It's turned some adults into believers 

We went there last year. It's amazing!
You need thermals (decathlon good)
Joggers. Ski socks
Most important thing we forgot is balaclava. The cold burns your face. On the main day wear 4 pairs of socks as the cold comes up from the ground. Our bodies were fairly warm. We did thermals tshirt long sleeve tshirt and fleece and thermal trousers joggers.
You hardly need any money when there and no one bothers to dress up!
You'll have an amazing time!

I believe it can be warm but it was -20 when we went. It's more the ground and face that feel it.

For those asking... We pick saariskelka as quite remote and not busy at all. There's an amazing tobaggon run.
Went with Santa's Lapland. Couldn't rate them more highly.

I think everyone has it covered. Depending on how much daylight you get you may need sunglasses.

We went in February half term 3 years ago, and when it was sunny it was too bright to not wear sunglasses.

We did a lot of snowy activities and I certainly wouldn't have take a 3/4 year old on this holiday.