Lapland - Northern Finland (January 2008 and 2010)
Freezing fog, gale force wind and severe rime icing. Welcome to the arctic!
Into the arctic....
During January 2008 I visited northern Finland and spent 2 weeks exploring this exquisite and wild landscape. The terrain is gently undulating with wide open spaces, limitless forests, frozen lakes and rivers. Cross country skiing over the fells and through the forest was exceptional. I spent a week in a small town called Saariselka and a second week in Yllas which is more commonly known in the UK and has some interesting alpine ski runs.
During 2010 I returned to Sarriselka for two weeks and explored the area in greater depth. The variety and extent (~250km) of the cross country skiing is probably as good as anywhere else in Europe In Lapland the snow is of such quality you can kid yourself that you are an expert skier!
Temperatures oscillated between -25 deg. C to a balmy -5 deg. C. The very low humidity provide a crispness which was sharp and invigorating. The temperatures are no problem so long as you have the correct clothing and avoid taking unnecessary risks. Try to avoid breaking in to a sweat which will make you feel cold when you stop. Always carry one more layer than you think you will possibly need.
During 2010 I returned to Sarriselka for two weeks and explored the area in greater depth. The variety and extent (~250km) of the cross country skiing is probably as good as anywhere else in Europe In Lapland the snow is of such quality you can kid yourself that you are an expert skier!
Temperatures oscillated between -25 deg. C to a balmy -5 deg. C. The very low humidity provide a crispness which was sharp and invigorating. The temperatures are no problem so long as you have the correct clothing and avoid taking unnecessary risks. Try to avoid breaking in to a sweat which will make you feel cold when you stop. Always carry one more layer than you think you will possibly need.
Click on an image below to enter a slide show and see some captions. Taken January 2008.
Below is a short movie clip taken en-route between Kittla and Sarriselka and provides some typical images of the far north of Finland.
Click on an image below to enter a slide show and see some captions. Taken January 2010. It is a land of sublime texture, silence and contrast.