Lapland next weekend...it's raining...

[jinglebellhop]

Hello

Looking for advice from anyone who had been to Lapland at this time of year. Have booked a daytrip to Lapland (on a whim at the beginning of the year) and we are due to go next Saturday, but looked on the webcam and it's pouring down.

I am seriously worried there will be no snow (kind of took it for granted there would be) and not sure what would happen with the organised activites if there is no snow?

Already panicking that I have wasted my money and that I have done the wrong thing in booking..

Can anyone advise me what the weather was like before they went out?
Thanks!

Thanks Figgy, we just thought if there was a chance ds could start skiing this year it would be worth it. I don't particularly like skiing but thought cross country might suit me better. DH loves skiing so thought he might get out on the slopes too. jinglebellbop should be on her way now!

FiveHoursSleep, we are in Saariselka 21-23 dec too!! Staying at the Tunturi though. V excited, ridiculously excited in fact. Ds doesn't know yet .
There is most definitely snow, it's about 10cm at mo, more to come this weekend. I check the webcams and weather report every day!!!

The tunturi looks lovely too. Are you staying bed and breakfast or did you get full board?

40notTrendy, are you going with Esprit? If so, we'll probably be on the same flight back.

It's half board, yes with Esprit, we are flying to/from Manchester tho. We are in the Gielas wing I think. V excited about sauna in room

Ahh. We are flying from Gatwick, so probably won't be on the same plane. This is good thing for you as our kids are likely to be screaming/ fighting/crying the whole way...

Well I'm hoping there are lots of children crying/screaming/fighting on the plane as they won't notice me doing the same. Well the crying!

Will keep my eyes peeled for fellow mnetter in the forests!

40nT, you'll hear us before you see us!
Sailorsgal, I'm not a keen flier either...

My cousin went last year to same resort and raved about it. He said follow all clothing advice they give but also take some disposable hand warmers. He recommended My Coal ones, they are on amazon, about £10 for 20. Says that when you are out all day the cold can get to you a bit, so it's good to have them to boost you up a bit! Have you seen the webcams this afternoon? SNOW!!!

Webcam???
Link please!

Right. I'm a bit rubbish at links, but try this
Then click on any of the little icons around, and North of Ivalo.

Ooooooh, excited!

I went to Rovaniemi 9 years ago for the day with DD (then 5) as part of a charity trip taking children who had been/where ill. (DD had leukaemia). We had the best day ever, sleigh rides, husky dog rides, snow ball fights - although -5, was surprisingly comfortable. Best thing was the ice slides in Santas village! Enjoy!

What clothing advice are they giving folks? We are on an independant trip, but am hoping we'll be a bit more prepared after living in Switzerland.

We've got base layers, silk liners for socks, ski socks, fur boot liners, boots for -25 conditions, mittens and fleece midlayers. I bought fleece snoods/balaclavas in Germany last week. We get the suits on arrival.

Any other suggestions?

Someone recommended some cream for my face. Can't remember if you could get it in the uk.

Binfullofgibletsonthe26th, you sound set! Our travel co recommend lots of thin layers underneath the suits they give you. And to have spare socks and gloves in case they get wet.
I'd be interested in a cream, my cheeks get chapped in cold so I was wondering whether to carry some vaseline or similar with me. I read somewhere not to use things with high water content in case they freeze on your face , surely not?!
vvv excited.

I wonder how jinglebellhop got on today. Hopefully she may update on Monday. I did have a look on Glasgow arrivals and it just says contact airline. I wonder if there flight back was cancelled.

Oooh hope they're ok. I worry about delays coz it'll be cutting it fine to get back for Christmas when we go!! How would I explain the lack of presents to ds on Christmas morning !

I was wondering that too as was going to book for later than the 14th.

If they have had a very long day they won't want to be stuck anywhere.

Says here that the earlier flights are all delayed. I assume the airport must have a cut off point for flight departures so looks like they could be stuck. Long way to go for the day and be stuck overnight.

I think it's been delayed, it says the gate has closed now, I assume that means everyone on board, ready to go? [hopeful emoticon]

Hopefully they are on their way home and the kids are fast asleep.

I heard that fog was causing delays and cancellations to flights coming into the UK from Europe.

I think it's a planned risk for the tour companies, and they have hotels ready, however if you go for the day, do you take spare pants and toothbrush :s?

I think they always recommend you take a couple of days medication etc.....

I've been recommended to take vaseline for the cold for precisely those reasons!

Hello!

Arrived back home today (flight was delayed coming back as they had to de-ice the plane) by an hour and a half, and we stayed in a hotel before travelling home.

Had a fantastic time! It was snowing nearly all day, and there was lots of snow on the ground.

Loved the husky ride and meeting the raindeer, the food was great too!

The only thing I would gave changed was to stay longer so thinking already at three night stay for next year...

Sailorsgirl-not long for you now...hope you have a great time!

Will look back to this thread to see how you all get on!