Going to Lapland what do I need?

[CaptainFussyPants]

After a shitty year last year, said fuck it and booked to go to see Santa in Lapland as a Christmas surprise. Now I’m panicking about what I need to take? The information they send says they provide snow suit and gloves and boots. Are they suitable? Is there anything else I need to take? It says no jeans, but I live in jeans so don’t own anything else. Will cheap joggers do? Why about for the kids? What do they need? Two primary school children and a toddler if that helps!

@Laiste is that over or under the thermals?

Are you on Facebook? I’m going to Lapland next month and there’s a few groups I’ve found useful for packing tips.

Have you double checked about the gloves? A few companies aren’t providing them this year because of Covid. From what I can tell it’s base layers (not cotton ones!) and then more layers on top before the snowsuit. I’m going for joggers and a sweatshirt for the kids and will take some long sleeve tops in case they need another layer. If it’s a package then the evenings seem pretty casual-Christmas jumpers and leggings etc.

Socks are my stumbling block! I think I’ve sorted out pretty much everything else for me and the DDs this weekend.

Under

Leggings, long sleeved t shirts (both ideally thermal, Aldi have them as does mountain warehouse) then jogging bottoms, thick socks, plus normal socks, thin gloves (for under the ones they provide) sunglasses or goggles if not provided in case of sun. Warm hat

Oh and fleeces of course, I use take tube scarves which double up as face masks. Never done Lapland but the Cairngorms in winter was minus 14 when I was there last in winter

Haven't done Lapland but we did Norway in late November/Early-Mid December a few years back and do highly recommend the Primark thermal under layers, I wasn't sure they'd be any good but actually did the job very well. We did a lot of outside excursions and it was very cold all the while. I didn't think about how wet the snow might make my clothes having only ever holidayed in hot places So ended up buying a new pair of gloves on top of ones I took with me so if I were going again I'd take spares of stuff like that!

RaisedByPangolins can I ask what company you booked with please?

You need thermal base layers for yourself and all the kids (leggings and long sleeved tops, close fitting, merino is ideal but brushed polyester ones are cheaper). Then a layer on top eg slim fit joggers and micro fleece (or they’ll runch up in the snowsuits). Then clothes for when not in a snowsuit eg wool jumpers, warm coat, hat, thermal gloves, snow boots, thick thermal socks, eg for when you go out to dinner, transfer to the airport, playing in the snow etc. Think of it like a ski trip.

Headtorch is a great idea as you can be hands free while illuminating the dusk. There’ll be few hours of daylight and a long twilight period where the kids might want to play out.

Grip chains or crampon spikes for your boots will help on icy areas and on compacted snow.

You need to move this to the travel section first of all.

The main thing is to avoid cotton. So wool, fleece, silk all OK but no cotton as it absorbs moisture then gets cold very quickly. Merino wool is great for socks/base layers. I found the kids merino base layers fit me fine and are a lot cheaper than the adults (I’m size 8-10 but not petite and I didn’t even buy the largest size!). Merino socks are amazing.
Wearing too many layers is counterproductive, there needs to be some room under your snowsuit to trap warm air.
Head torch and ski goggles are also a good idea. No need for makeup as mascara etc will freeze the instant you step outside!
Unless you have a newish phone the battery will die within minutes of being outside so you may need to consider other options if you want to take photos.

Everything already covered although our hotel had a a pool so we took swimming stuff too.
Have a fab time OP!! Amazing place, so tranquil.

If you’re struggling to get thermal leggings and tops, thermal pyjamas serve the same purpose. You are in your snow suit a lot, nobody really sees underneath. It’s not a holiday for taking different evening outfits, most evenings I just kept my leggings on and put on a Christmas jumper.