WINTER TEMPERATURES  ~  DRIVING LICENCES  ~  SNOWMOBILES  ~  INSURANCE   ~  SUMMER  ~  WILDLIFE

Winter Temperatures The temperature in the region can fluctuate during the winter months from around zero down to -40C, sometimes within the space of 24 hours or so.  Heat loss from the body's extremities can occur deceptively fast.  The biggest danger with the temperature is that visitors can become complacent as everything looks so pretty and harmless.  Don't be fooled, follow some simple guidelines while on holiday and stay safe. T  Always wear a hat and gloves T Never shower children in the morning - it is extremely dangerous sending children out into these temperatures with damp hair or skin T Wear lots of thin layers.  A good base layer with a cotton shirt and a fleece under a ski jacket is warmer than a single thick layer T Beware of overheating.  When taking part in strenuous activities such skiing the body temperature will rise and may cause perspiration.  At the end of such exertion seek warm shelter out of the wind.  Standing around outside following such activity can cause the body temperature to plummet at a dangerous rate. T Cover all exposed skin whenever possible, especially with children.  A scarf or 'snood' should be pulled up over the chin, nose and cheeks to prevent cold burns to the skin. T Even if you have your own clothing for skiing consider using the all-in-one thermal suits that are provided when on any of the Safaris.  Although these suits may be too warm when skiing they are essential when sitting, immobile in a husky or reindeer sled T Avoid the use of water based moisturisers and makeup

 

 

Insurance

Ensure that you have adequate travel insurance.  Read the small print and check all activities covered by the policy, including snowmobiles and off-piste skiing before participating in these.  All snowmobile hire in the resorts include third party cover for the driver against injury or damage caused to a third party or their property.  An excess in the region of €450 will be required in the event of any claim.

Driving Licence

A valid photo style drivers licence will be required if you wish to hire a car or snowmobile in Finland.  Beware, snowmobile tracks are classed as roads and when leaving the Safari houses drivers are required to use the road to get out of the village.  The use of snowmobiles by unauthorised / underage drivers, speeding and driving whilst under the influence of alcohol will all be dealt with by the Finnish police.  Depending on the seriousness of offence these can attract a large fine, disqualification from driving or even a prison sentence.  Under the European Union co-operative arrangements now in place regarding driving offences the DVLA can now apply a disqualification imposed on the continent to your UK licence.

Summer Climate

Summer in Lapland sees the land transformed from a frozen wonderland into the Land of the Midnight Sun with temperatures typically reaching 24 - 30C.  Care should be taken when exposed to the sun with the use of sun creams and sun block recommended.  The most similar area in the UK to Lapland is the Scottish Highlands and like Scotland this area of outstanding natural beauty is also home to midges and mosquitoes during early summer.  Insect repellent and suitable clothing should be packed for your summer vacation.

Wildlife

Lapland is a largely unspoiled region with a magnificent array of flora, fauna and wildlife.  Bird watching and fishing are just two of the attractions that draw visitors to the area from all around the world as well as the rare chance further north of spotting, bear, wolverine or lynx.  However, please help to keep the wildlife in the wild.  Feeding of animals in the vicinity of your accommodation will attract all sorts of animal from reindeer to squirrels that will cause damage to property and annoyance to residents.

 

Mobile Phones

Finland, including the areas surrounding the main holiday resorts receive very good mobile phone coverage.  Always take the contact number for your snowmobile rental or car hire company out with you in case of breakdowns or accidents.  The international dial code for Finland is 00 358 and as with dialling the UK the first zero of the area code of the number to be dialled must be removed if calling internationally.