Working in Lapland Nov/Dec

[Nix32]

My son will be working for a travel company in Lapland. He will working in temperatures of -30, for around 8 hours a day. The company will provide some kit - not exactly sure what yet, but some sort of all-in-one suit - but I’m looking for advice as to what else he might need, particularly specific brands. Layers are on the list! Any suggestions or advice?

Sorry Op I can’t answer your question but my teenage daughter would love to do holiday work as an Elf. How did your son find the job and any tips!

Well done your son getting the job! I applied via Inghams but was probably spotted as being too old and grumpy!

Based on skiing in those type of temperatures baselayers are key, and multiple sets so he can layer as required (and have some drying) Really warm gloves (mittens may be best) and liners. If he is based near a ski resort he'll be able to top up his clothes (at a stiff price) if he needs to. All my gear is from places like decathlon, apart from my swix gloves.

Someone described turning their child into a 'merino onion' to survive skiing in Finland and you need that flexibility to be able to remove layers as needed. He may be off and on buses, in and out of buildings so suffering bigger temperature changes.

@CiderGliderHe applied through Canterbury Travel. Have a look at the website and get ready for when applications open in March. Be quick - jobs go fast!

@kittykarateThank you! Yes, lots of layers are planned. Not sure about footwear - he’ll be outside but not skiing, so am wondering about sturdy hiking boots?

For short days hiking boots would be ok, but I'd say standing around he might need something warmer like proper snow boots from someone like Sorel (I wore normal hiking boots on a snowshoe thing in December and my feet were getting cold by the end of the day)

Wool for the layer closest to the skin (merino wool would be the most comfortable) is best (though tbh I wear cotton because I prefer the feel but its not ideal) so woollen long johns and long sleeve undershirt, thin merino wool socks, then thicker wool socks for over them, comfy trousers over the long johns like cotton joggers, jumper (again wool would be best but cotton is fine too), if necessary another shirt between the undershirt and the jumper. Thin gloves, then thick warm gloves or mittens (mittens are warmer but less practical). If its very cold (-20 or colder) then a thin balaclava type hat with a thick woolly hat on top is a good idea - you want ears covered. If boots aren't provided then make sure to get good thermal ones that are rated to -30. But November will be quite mild so won't need so much layers then, December can get that cold but -30 is more of a January/February temperature.

Next to your skin, a fine silk thermal layer is both comfortable and flexible (also available in balaclavas - lots of bikers wear them) . Then come the merino layers and everything else PPs advised!

They will supply really good gear, even the tourist hire suits stand up to those temperatures. Extremeties will be your big issue. Buy an incredible set of insulated mittens (Hestra is the brand used by Finnish army), great socks that can be layered. Finland and the Finns are super well prepared for the cold, he'll be able to stay really warm and toasty. Avoid cotton -- if you sweat in cotton, and the sweat cools, it traps that cold layer of sweat against your skin.

Thank you!