Going to Lapland - any advice or tips?

[arfur]

We are going for 3 days on 20th Dec and we get provided with the all in one type snowsuit and boots but I am clueless about what sort of clothing is best to wear underneath and where to buy thermals etc as have never been skiing or anything similar. Also any general tips for things we should take with us - I understand photography is a bit tricky? DD is 7 and DS 5. Any advice appreciated TIA.

Hi Arfur,

When we went we took a videocamera and a digital camera.

Both worked fine, considering the low light levels and long periods of darkness, but they do warn you that all types of cameras may malfunction at such low temps and are therefore you can't claim for them on insurance.

Clothes wise - under the snowsuits we had:

Usual underwear; thermal vests and long johns (bought them brand new from ebay); thermal polo jumpers for the children (bought from the kidski website), ordinary tops for adults; then zip up fleeces (children's from kidski, ours from Primark!).

Gloves and hats essential. Children had the type with the side bits to keep their ears warm.

Scarves just got in the way a bit, we found.

Take lots of socks - then wear one pair of ordinary and one pair of thermal over the top.

We managed with two sets of thermals each, and one jumper and fleece each as there was a drying room in our apartment.

Hope that helps.

Have fun - you'll love it!

Thanks HC thats very helpful - I cant wait!

Just wanted to say I'm jealous and have a great time. That's it, not been so no advice

Make sure gloves and socks are long enough, and take spare socks out with you in case the children get wet on activities. Layers really is the answer. Vaseline is good for lips and cheekbones. I prefer to cover my mouth -am asthmatic and cold really catches my breath so I like to pull up a polo neck or zip up my jacket over my mouth. Didn't bother the rest of the family though. Actually didn't feel all that cold - probably the proper clothes and the lack of wind. The coldest I was all holiday was waiting for dh in Gatwick carpark in the rain!

We were told camers could be a problem but like HC ours were fine.

You'll love it - it's such a magical place.

How much does Lapland cost please?

H&M do good basic cotten polo necks (& vests)for children (best over synthetic thermals). Also look at www.tchibo.co.uk as they may have soEm of their kids winter range left.

Tchibo skiwear is due out 1st November, kids stuff was instore a week or two ago.

Thanks for all the advice everyone. Now at the risk of sounding really dumb. What should we wear on our feet like on the plane etc should I take wellies or trainers for the kids and do they give you the snowsuits and boots when you land at the airport. I am worried about the kids being cold on the way to the resort so should I buy them proper ski jackets or is that a waste of money? God Im so clueless - good job we arent going skiing!