Hi Sunseeker1, I've been looking at booking the Hotel Santa Claus through First Choice as they really do seem to offer a good price but just had one or two concerns, can you book to go on the snowmobile trip to 'find santa'? With it being a once in a lifetime i'd rather have a private family meet with santa rather than just the gala dinner. Also, is it true that there is less chance of seeing the Northern Lights in Rovaniemi than in somewhwre like Yllas or Levi? I hope you don't mind me bombarding with questions! Also, is Hotel Santa Claus magical enough for the children? I am torn between this and the idea of an isolated hotel in the snowy wilderness (yes I have read too many stories and watched too many Christmas films!)

Apologies Casper for such a delay in replying.

In all honesty when I booked Hotel Santa Claus, I did think the title would mean it would be a themed hotel around Santa Claus. This was not the case. Although I would not have any downsides on its interior or service, do not be fooled by the title for your children. We actually were there for Xmas and Santa did arrive in the snow on his sleigh pulled by a reindeer Xma eve which was awesome!
I still would have chosen this hotel, so do not be put off.

We did book our trips through First Choice, but a stones throw away from the hotel is a place epecially for booking snow trips which is well worth visiting for advice and trips avaliable.

We never did see the Northern Lights whilst we were there. However Rovaniemi is an extremley central busy place to stop with it all going on around you. We loved every minute! Nearby is a lake which was totally frozen on which the snowmobile excursions take place. We ued to wonder down there for walks and snowball fights

I am honest in saying it was the best thing we have ever experienced and would love to do it again. However, I am a little concerned these past few years on snow fall.

Thanks for replying Sunseeker, that's brilliant. Given me a lot to think about! I've been doing my research and really fancy going this year, I think i'll just have to bite the bullet and book it, I know it's a lot of money but it's once in a lifetime isn't it. Thanks again.

Yes, go for it, you will not regret! First Choice was outstanding too when we used them for Lapland. Very well organised.
Good luck

Hi Caspar,

Just read your post

Hubby and I said it would be a 'once in a life time experience' and someone on here warned us that we'd get hooked!

We got hooked in 2007, went again this year and are already looking to go again.

It is magical and you wont regret it for one minuter (well when your feet are cold maybe!)

Hi all,
Just wondering if anybody has stayed at the ' Winter wonderland hotel an log cabins in Rovaniemi. Been searching fro reviews,details ect but cant seem to find anything!!!
Any information will be appreciated

which cameras have you guys used and have you had any problems in the cold weather

Hi

We used an old APS (?) camera when we were skiing incase we fell on it - it was fine even down to minus 31 degrees!

We also used our digital camera but I kept that in the inside pocket of my thick bergaus fleece underneath my ski jacket! Then I only took it out for short bursts! I recharged it every night. We used it in temps down to minus 30s with no problem but use your common sense and if it is really cold just snap and them put it back where it is warm! (Like you do with your hands!)

On a silly note we found that wearing lining gloves was great underneath our gloves / mittens as it gave us that extra protection when we took photos and saved our hands but it was soooo much easier to use the camera with those on !

have a fab time - any more questions just ask

thanks am a bit worried about taking my digital camera but i also want loads of photos.

in general who supplies the heavy duty thermals i know you get them on excursions but are they available other than that.

arnie1,

I got back from Yllas before christmas and took my D-SLR and accesories. I wasn't expecting any issues, and I didn't have any. As long as you are careful, your camera will be fine. The two biggest things I would say is be careful when you're transitting temperatures. By that I mean from the extreme cold to indoors as you'll have problems with condensation. To prevent any poblems, either put the camera in a sealed plastic bag before you go indoors; this keeps the camera in dry air and and will allow it to warm inside the bag without coming in to contact with warm, humid air. The alternative is once you come inside, don't switch the camera on for about 30 minutes until it has warmed and any condensation evapourated. The second thing is batteries. It was between -5 and -10 most of the time where we were so batteries weren't effected by the cold too much. We went to the summit of Yllas fell at 718m above sea level and it was well below -20 up there; my batteries drained rather quicky so take plenty of spares. If your camera is small enough to keep in your pocket, that'll prolongue their life. I couldn't do that with my D-SLR and flashgun! A couple of example for you;


Our log cabin and snowman!


Out in the wilderness on our ski-doo's


Stopped for a hot berry juice!


Huskies at the ready


Santa came to visit

If you have thermals supplied as part of your package, they are normally supplied by the local operator where you are staying. For example Arctic Safaris. Although we had them, I found the thermals I took just as warm and preferred to use my own gear.

Darren

Hi

We didnt do the heavy duty thermals but after much research we just used our ski gear

outer shell - ski jackets / padded saloupettes (sp?)
thermal leggings on a day trip only
liner socks / thin cotton layer and then ski socks on a cold outing
proper thermal snow boots

outer very thick quality fleece
thin mico fleece
cotton polo neck
micro base layer

glove liners
thick mittens -- they are warmer than ski gloves !

We also had thermal hats - a must
neck gaters to pull up over our faces to breathe through if it was very cold

And vaseline to keep our skin safe

At minus 31 it was still cold on a day trip but we felt protected and our research paid off! Just treat the cold with the respect you treat blazing sunshine!

When we were there it was usually minus 32 but it was fabulous. Expect to feel a little cold on your trips and just remember that once you are back inside it is nice and warm and you have had the experience of a lifetime !

Also, even though it sounds really cold, it often doesn't feel as cold as you imagine. Because it's so dry, you don't feel the cold as much. It's not like here where it's 'wet' cold. That far north it's 'dry' cold. I was warmer wearing the same clothing in the -10 of Lapland than when I was stood by Manchester's runway 05R on a cold and frosty morning where it was only -2 (photos linked below!). We actualy turned the heating off in the log cabin, we were too warm! They are really well insulated though. I think this country could learn a thing or two.

Darren

thanks for all the info guys

Dazbo5 they are amazing photos i cant wait to go

Hi I'm looking at booking a Lapland holiday at the beginning off December for up to a wk for 2 adults and 5 kids (eldest 13 and 14). I know Santa lapland hols are mega expensive but wonder if I could save a little by booking excursions etc while I'm there rather than through a travel provider? I think a log cabin would be the best option for us as it would accomodate us all together but I'm totally baffled about where to start looking and how to get the best deal. Any help would be very much appreciated.

crazy_mum5,

I did exactly what you are suggesting last year and saved a fortune. The minute you mention Santa, the price doubles! Book things as a ski holiday and book excursions seperately and you'll save loads. We booked all our activities direct with the providers via the internet and email before we travelled. With the savings we made, it paid for the hire car for the week and we were still in pocket! The log cabins are wonderful. I posted some photos on the Lapland thread. Where abouts are you thinking of going?

Darren

As it's dh's 40th this year we've booked to go to Lapland with the children. Just wondered what currency we will need for any souveniers we may purchase.

Many thanks

Groovee,

They use the Euro in Finland.

Darren

Hi there,

Does anyone who has a disability, or who accompanied somebody with a disability, have a story and photgraphs about their trip to Lapland? I'm looking to write an article about accessibility in our monthly magazine which we produce for people with disabilities and would love to hear from anybody with a story.

Please email me at badchicken@hotmail.co.uk

Thanks,
Tonia.

Has anyone been to Luosto recently with Canterbury Travel?

We are looking to book for just before Xmas 2011. We went with them to Olos in 2003 when we only had 1 child and it was awesome. Now we want to go back and take our youngest. They don't go to Olos anymore and it's a choice of Luosto or Pyha for a 4 day trip for 2011.

We are leaning towards Luosto but want to stay in a cabin - brochure says they can be up to 30 mins walk away which might upset our 6 year old as he hates walking! Has anyone been and stayed in the cabins (2 bed or open plan) were they far away and was it a pain?

Also would you recommend Canterbury Travel? - 7 years ago they were fantastic but I have read a few reviews saying corners are being cut, but then a lot of people only post with negatives so they will outweigh the many positives who are happy and content and don't post on review sites!

Or has anyone been to Pyha and is that any good?

My one worry is it will be a disappointment compared to last time which still excites the 3 of us that went! Is it now too busy and commercial or do you feel out in the wilderness which was part of what made it so magical last time even for the adults?