Deciding what to pack for Lapland can be a worry, especially if you’ve never been on a ski holiday, let alone taken your family on a trip to the Arctic in deep midwinter.

Lapland is in northernmost Finland, a vast wilderness covered in frozen lakes and forests, place where temperatures can dip as low as -30C. So visitors must wrap up warm for the many magical the activities available in this winter wonderland from reindeer sleigh rides and husky sledging to tobogganing and winter walks.

Clothing for the arctic could cost a fortune and only be worn once, but that’s where EcoSki comes in.

We help dozens families every year who want to rent clothing for a trip to Lapland, especially those who’ve never been on a winter holiday like this and have no idea what to take. While the experienced EcoSki team is happy to advise you, we’ve put together this handy blog on what to wear in Lapland for parents taking their children on this magical winter holiday of a lifetime.

You need warm, waterproof winter coats and trousers — the sort that would be too warm to wear in the UK — along with  hats, gloves, layers, warm and waterproof boots and handwarmers for emergencies. The trick for dressing for very cold weather is to wear several layers, trapping warm air between the fibres, rather than one big, thick woolly jumper and don’t be tempted to buy cheap — not only is it bad for the environment, but cheap clothing doesn’t do half the job that more expensive kit will. The best way to ruin a winter holiday is for everyone to get cold and wet — so think about spending the money you would on cheap clothing on renting good-quality items, instead. Better for everyone!

 

 

What to wear in Lapland

Start with warm, long-sleeved baselayers — cotton t-shirts won’t do the trick. You need merino, silk, bamboo or another fabric specifically designed for very chilly weather. A turtle or polo neck is ideal to keep the cold out of gaps and if necessary, wear an additional vest underneath. On the bottom, wear long johns or woolly tights beneath ski pants, even if they are insulated. (Top tip — these baselayers are really useful at home, for winter walks, PE or even on the football field.)

Thick socks, preferably loop-lined or wool, that will keep your feet toasty. Single-layer bamboo or cotton won’t be up to the job. (Top tip – ski socks are ideal here, or warm hiking socks, which can be used at home.)

A fleece or wool midlayer — warm but not too heavy and thick. Fleece is ideal, using clever technology such as Polartec which now incorporates recycled water bottles, which has an excellent warmth-to-weight ratio. Or merino, wool, cashmere — again, steer away from a cotton hoody, even if its bulky and warm in the UK, it won’t work against Arctic Lapland weather. Make sure these are long enough to cover any gaps above trousers — the current trend for clothing is to be short in the body, but if cold air or snow can find its way in to these gaps, it will, and fun will stop very quickly once everyone gets cold.

A second midlayer is useful, too. We like down jackets or gilets — it’s possible to find very light versions of these garments that scrunch up really small to go in a backpack. They weigh virtually nothing and don’t look bulky but really keep the chill at bay. They’re a useful layer to wear on the plane, too.

Insulated, waterproof jacket and pants or snowsuit — ideally something purpose-made for skiing or winter environments. Tough, waterproof outer fabric is essential on toboggans or sleigh (snow is water and if you’re out in it for any length of time, you will get wet). Longer length jackets are useful — especially while you’re travelling or going out in the evening — and do up zips, poppers and pockets — the cold really escapes from these areas (you may have seen patented YKK Zippers which seal incredibly tightly, they come into their own in the snow!).

Don’t forget to pack several very warm hats and gloves, a balaclava or buff to keep cold off your face (especially for children). You’ll need insulated ski gloves or mitts (mittens are warmer, because the fingers touch and generate more heat) and glove liners are useful, too, as an extra layer against the cold. Hats and gloves get lost and while you can buy them in Lapland, you might find them more expensive than home. When you get really cold, pull a hood up over your woolly hat – 10% of the body’s heat is lost through the head.

Footwear must be waterproof and warm. Leather, unless designed for use in the snow, will get wet and cold (the likes of Ugg boots are better worn indoors) and trainers are an absolute no-no. Even hiking boots won’t really be warm enough unless made with a thermal and waterproof materials (like Thermaloft and GORE-TEX)

Another handy extra is handwarmers — you can buy disposable ones, reusable ones and EcoSki stocks rechargeable handwarmers, too.

EcoSki offers all of the above items either for sale or to rent, just contact us today and find out more. And before you do, check with your operator — some companies supply snow suits and special gloves for holidaymakers.