Lapland Explorer 3/4 Nights 2024/2025
Looking for traditional holidays in Lapland? This trip goes off the beaten track in Levi, Pallas and Yllas – all packed with authentic Lappish atmosphere. Stay in and snuggle up by the fire, or try out activities like ice-fishing or snowmobiling.
A snowy wonderland
This Lapland village, in Finland’s northern fells, may be remote, but it certainly isn’t quiet. It’s one of Finland’s top places for skiing and snowboarding for a start, and the buzz continues off-piste in the bars and restaurants. There are also snowmobile safaris, reindeer rides, visits to Father Christmas – and chance to see the Northern Lights.
Skiing and snowboarding
Come October, when the permanent snow cover arrives, Levi kicks in as a world-class ski resort – the biggest in Finland, no less. There are 48 slopes, 18 of them floodlit, which are great for beginners and intermediates – and the 3 black runs should keep experts happy. Snowboarders, meanwhile, get a duo of snow parks, a superpipe and a halfpipe.
Cool activities
When it comes to activities, Levi doesn’t stop at skiing. You can go fishing Finnish-style – casting a line through a hole in the frozen ice – or speed across frozen lakes at 50 miles an hour on the back of a snowmobile. Another great way to see the fantastic scenery is on a reindeer safari or by taking a husky ride.
Visits to Santa
Of course Lapland is home to Father Christmas, so a visit to meet him is usually in order. You can also help the elves make gifts in his workshop, then write your list and give it the man himself. You can refuel on Mrs Santa's biscuits and buy some souvenirs.
Lapland Holiday Itinerary
Fly To Kittila - Stay in Levi or Yllas
DAY 1
After being given your snow clothes at the airport, Santa's elves will take you to your hotel in Levi or Yllas. Then, you've got the afternoon free to get a feel for your surroundings. Grab a toboggan and head for the slopes or take a walk through the snowy countryside.
DAY 2
You'll get a crash course in Lappish culture in this morning's taster session. You can take a short husky sleigh ride and have a go on a snowmobile. One of Santa's elves will tell you a story around the fire too. The afternoon is yours to spend how you fancy - wrap up and play in the snow or relax in the warmth of your hotel.
DAY 3
You can take your pick of things to do today. Cruise through the countryside on a snowmobile, or sit back and relax on a sleigh as huskies or reindeer do the hard work. You can also book the Elf Adventure excursion - it takes place at Kittila's incredible snow village and includes loads of outdoor activities.
Guests on 3-Nights will enjoy Day 4's activities today instead.
DAY 4
Today you'll head to Santa's activity area for a day of festive fun. Try your hand at decorating cookies and making Christmas tree ornaments, take a ride on a reindeer pulled sleigh and top your day off with a face to face meeting with Santa himself. Later, you'll tuck into a traditional Christmas dinner at the gala meal.
Lapland Explorer can be teamed with any of the hotels below. The order of events may change slightly from trip to trip but all the activities will be included at some point during your holiday. If you want to celebrate Christmas Day in Lapland, book the 4 night trip on the 22nd December and meet Santa on Christmas day. New Years trips depart on the 29th and include a gala dinner on New Year's Eve.
Levi & Yllas Accommodation
| Snowy Wilderness Lodge The name says it all with the Snowy Wilderness Lodge. The property is surrounded by a winter wonderland of forest and fields. The Snowy Wilderness Lodge is tucked away in the heart of the Pallas-Yllastunturi National Park, surrounded by mile after mile of pine forests and hills. It means you can look forward to fantastic views and feeling like you’re in a world of your own. |
The Snow Elf Hotel & Apartments Four different accommodation types, plenty of space to play in the snow, and regular visits from Thomson the Dog - the Snow Elf Hotel and Apartments are well geared up for family getaways. Bordered on all sides by snow-dusted woodland and miles of pine trees, the Snow Elf has a real fairytale setting. And it has certainly made the most of its surroundings – cross-country tracks cut through the hotel’s grounds and a small toboggan run provides hours of fun for little ones. |
Hotel Snow Princess Nestled in pine woods close to Yllas centre, the Hotel Snow Princess offers up great views in a picturesque location. The Hotel Snow Princess has a great location. It’s set on a fell and looks out over pine forests, so wintry views are a permanent fixture. What’s more, it’s only a ten-minute walk from the restaurants and shops of Yllas village. |
Crazy Reindeer Complex The Crazy Reindeer complex is close to the slopes and full of pampering options, so it offers relaxation and get-up-and-go in equal measure. If you’re looking for action-packed days followed by cosy nights, take a look at the Crazy Reindeer Complex. When it comes to daytime activities, this place is your ticket to everything from reindeer and husky safaris to snowmobile adventures and snowshoeing. |
Levi Cabins You’ll never get bored of the snowy countryside scenes that rest outside the windows of these cosy log cabins. ‘Idyllic’ is the best word to describe the Levi Cabins. These log huts are set on the outskirts of Levi, and are surrounded by snow drift-deluged countryside and dense woodland. |
Need To Know
What should I pack?
If you're coming to Lapland for the day, we recommend you wear warm clothes and only take hand luggage on the plane, as we'll lend you a cosy all-in-one thermal suit, as well as boots, gloves, socks and a hat. If you're on a 3 or 4-night trip, we'll still kit you out with all the necessary gear - which is yours for the duration of your holiday - but it's a good idea to bring lots of layers, too.
What’s the weather like?
In December, daytime temperatures generally range from 0 to -20 degrees, but it can fall as low as -40 during a particularly cold spell. You’ll get four to five hours of ‘grey light’ between about 10am and 3pm. The rest of the time it’s dark, but still quite bright because of all the snow. What’s more, all the activity areas are well lit.
What’s the food like?
It depends on where you stay, but most hotels in Lapland put on international buffet spreads. Usually, there’ll be a selection of meat, fish and pasta dishes to choose from, as well as a variety of vegetables and salad. You’ll also find children’s favourites, like chips, meatballs, and burgers on offer. And some places serve Finnish specialities, like smoked reindeer pizza.
Is Lapland suitable for young children?
We don’t recommend our Lapland trips for children under 4-years-old. That’s because the chilly temperatures and types of activities aren’t suited to really little ones. If you do bring toddlers along, though, you’ll need to provide their own thermal clothing.
Do I need insurance?
It’s essential you and your family have the protection you need in case the unexpected happens. What’s more, if you want to take part in any snow sports when you’re away, you’ll need a policy that covers you for these.
Can I drive a snowmobile?
If you want to get behind the wheel of a snowmobile, make sure you bring your full UK driving licence with you. As long as local guides agree, children aged 12 and over can ride as a passenger on your snowmobile. Younger children have to travel in a sleigh pulled by one instead.