Lapland Advice

[MuddlingThrough1724]

Safe to say this year has been less fun than imagined, and we are looking ahead to next year. Thinking of holidays, we suspect spring and summer too risky for travel so debating an all out pre-Christmas trip to Lapland with our daughter who will then be 5 (and not yet compulsory school age).

Has anyone got any tips for hotels, travel companies (would prefer to book a package), things to see and do etc? Likely looking a a few days rather than a day trip.

Thanks in advance!

I’ve just booked a trip to saariselka just before Christmas, it’s quite far north to give the best chance of snow as it can be quite light apparently in dec.
I’d also get something booked ASAP as Finland’s borders are closed and everyone who had this year booked gets first refusal for 2021 and there’s not much availability.

We went three years ago, stayed in Ruka and booked through Crystal - for us it was a ski holiday with added Christmas bits and we had the most fantastic time. We went for a week because we skied most days but there’d be plenty of things to do without skiing: we did husky sledge trip, met (the real) Santa and did a trip to see reindeer and be pulled by them on a sleigh. DS was 5.8 at the time and loved it all, as did we!
We stayed at the Hotel Cumulus, it was brilliant and we’d love to go back someday. Can highly recommend it!

Do you mind sharing who you booked with @pollylocketpickedapocket

Tui. I had planned to go to rovanemi and I’d have done it independently but didn’t want to risk no snow and really do want to go before Christmas.
I’m flying from Manchester. If you’re going from London there may be more options.

@pollylocketpickedapocket I visited saariselka a few years bavk with tui. It was fantastic. I chose it as it was further north and more secluded. It was beautiful and unspoilt and alot of snow. Ther eis a very small village close by, a ski slope, and plenty of sledding. The hotel was lovely. And the trip to see santa was fantastic. When we were due to leave our flight couldn't leave due to a snow storm so tui drove us down south to rovaniemi, where we stayed thw night there was far more going on, but it wasn't as scenic or as snowy. It made me realise I made the right choice

We went to Saariselka with Esprit/Santa's Lapland and had an amazing time. We were there over Christmas Day itself so a huge Christmas meal was provided. The hotel we stayed in had a swimming pool and I'm glad we were resident there so we could make use of it without having to put full snow gear on.

You’ve all made me so excited! Our hotel also has a pool!
Spacerader were you there in December??

We booked Saariselka with Santa's lapland. Was mean to go a few weeks ago (booked a year in advance i.e. Pre-Covid) but it was obviously cancelled. Can't go next year as have a baby now due and just wasn't feasible. Luckily, DCs had no idea so they weren't disappointed! Had no issues with the booking or refund process from Santa's Lapland, great communication throughout so even though we didn't get to go - I'd have no issues recommending them on the basis of my personal experience.

Following

Thanks everyone so far! Lots to consider and research!

We went with Inghams and they were amazing. It was the year when there was not much snow, so they rang to cancel because they didn't think we would get the full experience but when we said we still wanted to travel they were really helpful and everything went ahead smoothly, they rearranged some things but we still got to do the husky and the reindeer rides and obviously meet the man himself!! In the end there was loads of snow and we had an amazing time looked after by some amazing people. We stayed in a log cabin and ate at the hotel on site every day, it was truly the best experience. Enjoy!!!

We went with Canterbury to Phya 2 years ago for 3 nights. It was expensive but worth it! Think it was just under £7k for 5 of us (eldest classed as adult) but all food included and the experiences too which were full length ones, not like the tasters you get with TUI.

We stayed in a log cabin. It was great. They do have hotel options but loved staying in the cabin as the kids go straight out to play in the snow!

We went to Luotso with Canterbury Travel a few years ago. It was very well organised and my children remember it very fondly.

@pollylocketpickedapocket yes we went in December. Around about the 17th we went.

We went to Luosto with Canterbury Travel a few years ago. We went for three nights, returned to U.K. 23rd December.

It was absolutely fantastic. Very well organised. The children loved it.

We've just booked 7 nights next Boxing Day in Ruka with Crystal Ski (owned by Tui)
It's a ski package so flights, transfers & accommodation inc but no Santa trips, reindeers etc. You can add them onto your booking though or book local companies online before you go which is what we plan to do.
For a family of 4 it came in at approx £3500 which is less than Canterbury travel wanted for 2 nights!