Lapland- What to wear

[Inspiremeaholiday]

Hi all,
We've off to rovaniemi in a few weeks and just want to make sure what we're packing is ok.
We already own thermals (or minero wool) and the more warmer ski gear which still fits. We have fleece jackets for our mid layers on top, but I am worried that we need fleece mid layers for our legs? Do you think thats also needed?
We are awaiting our rechargeable hand-warmers, but ideally we would have two layers of gloves, can anyone recommend more of a base pair?
We have ski socks and minero wool socks (we will double up) and I have a good pair of snow shoes, but my 8 year old has outgrown hers so need to purchase those. We have hats and snoods.
Anything else that I have forgotten? Do you think we need more layers? I was hoping the 4 layers on top and two layers on the bottom will be enough but I am worried that at -14 we will be old. And I hate being cold! Anything else you recommend us taking?
Thanks in advance

We went last year and It's remarkable how warm you get with the thermals and ski clothes with just really thin fleeces. I took loads of extra layers and liners that we didn't use in the end. You'll end up taking off your ski gear indoors as all the cafes and restaurants are heated to a much higher temperature than in the UK so you'll want something between your thermals and your ski trousers!

Check the weather. It can vary between a mild -5, and a freezing -19! When we went, it was only -5. We didn’t need any thermals at all. Just regular ski gear; base layer, fleece, jacket and trousers etc plus regular hat and gloves. On the plane put to Helsinki we were sweltering. In Helsinki we were in jeans. Just make sure you have layers that can be taken off when inside.

I generally like to have 3 layers on my legs - long johns, joggers, ski trousers, and 4 on my upper body - vest, long sleeve shirt (if its colder than -15, t-shirt otherwise), jumper, ski jacket. Normal socks plus woolly socks. Thin gloves (touch screen usable ones so you can take pictures without taking them off) then thicker ones over the top (mittens are better for warmth but annoying if you actually need to use your hands)

Though if its warmer than -10 I'd be sweating in all that and its been a mild autumn so far so who knows how cold it'll be in a few weeks.

You can hire serious snowsuits when you get there - google it in advance. They are massive and go on top of your basic uk snowsuit.

Merino wool is excellent, but at -26 I need down!

Last Christmas they lacked snow !

you sound well prepared. Make sure you have hats, woollen and ski gloves, snow boots or solid hiking boots, thick socks plus thermal inner socks if you get particularly cold feet. Last time I was in Finland in winter I was roasting because I’d brought clothes too warm!

Thanks all, I will keep an eye on the weather as you're right, it doesn't seem THAT cold. The live cam doesn't show that much snow which is slightly disappointing, but we have a few weeks.
I need to get thin gloves that go under the mittens. Does everyone think we need a balaclava? I've also bought a size up ski pants to pop another layer underneath my bottoms. I also need to get my daughter another pair of snow shoes as hers are too small. But other than that I think we're probably ok... now we wait for the good weather!

A balaclava is good for children as keeps their chin and cheeks warm but not necessary for adults.
The snow has just started up in Lapland so very little right now but hopefully will be alright in a few weeks

A balaclava is good for children as keeps their chin and cheeks warm but not necessary for adults.
The snow has just started up in Lapland so very little right now but hopefully will be alright in a few weeks

What you have sounds fine. We went to Levi further north in February and it didn't go below -10 but had been -20 the week before! My best purchase was fleece lined walking trousers from decathlon which I wore over thermals. Less bulky than ski trousers. I've worn them loads in the UK since. Decathlon also do the thin gloves for under bigger ones.

The cold is different there and the snow is "drier" so you don't really get wet with the right gear.

Thanks

Sorry my phone went crazy!
We leave on Saturday and things are looking good- not too cold Saturday and Sunday but drops a bit on Monday. Do we need snow googles do you think? Or will sunglasses suffice? I have yet to find the snoods so we might have to go with scarves. Do you think we need a double set of gloves? Final bits so excited!!!!

You won't need snow goggles, unlikely to need sunglasses even unless you get very lucky with the sun - this is the dark miserable time of the year.