LaplaNd

[Oohlordylordy]

Does anyone have any advice on good companies to use (or alternatively ones to avoid)

Looking to go for 3 days Christmas / new year with 3yo DD and 4yo DS ( who has high functioning autism)

Any advice gratefully received

Lordy

We went with Esprit to Saariselka for Christmas a couple of years ago. it is not as commercialised as some of the resorts.

Warning it went down to -24 when we were there which was a bit too cold for all the activities. Don't do the snow mobiles with the children in the trailers in that temperature. They were all crying as they were so cold. The adults had helmets on and heated handlebars but the children just had their special gloves and hats (and it isn't enough when you get the wind blowing in your face as well as the usual cold)

We were provided with thermal all in ones, gloves etc. The hats they gave us were normal ones so we took our own as well. You need balaclavas for children or hats with ear flaps. we also used thin wool gloves under the ones we gave us, most normal ski gloves are no use in that cold as they are get wet as soon as the children start playing in the snow. Do thin layers under the all in ones including your thermals if you need them (we did).

Most of the meals are buffet style including the Christmas Dinner ( bear in mind they import a lot of their food so you may not get the usual childrens meals etc - we did have frankfurters with every meal if they like those).

Dd has been twice now and loved it both times. The hotel we stayed in had a swimming pool which was lovely to relax in at the end of the day. Our hotel also had cabins which looked lovely - but according to the families we spoke to was a pain for meal times. As they had to layer back up again to come to meals where we were just walked from the rooms in jeans and a top.

If you like snow it is a lovely experience and it starts at the airport when you arrive:)