Earmuffs and other stuff for children

Sorry if this has come up before but we are off to Rovaniemi on a daytrip this Saturday bringing our children aged between 5 and 9.

We are getting conflicting advice on what headgear they should wear.....some say a hat and earmuffs, while others say that a hat with ear cover is the business.

Please help! Any advice here would be really appreciated!

Also, how many changes of socks and gloves per child?!!

Thanks everybody!

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personally I would take a hat that covers their ears, earmuffs can be annoying and fall off

as you are only going on a day trip one pair of gloves should be fine, just check they are not sweaty inside so when you are inside places take them off and turn them inside out, as for socks, I reckon a good sock liner and if you can, get some merino wool socks too, two pairs of socks in total should be fine, the thinner the better too

just going back to the gloves, if you have mittens they will be easier to turn inside out etc

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Mittens are good, especially for children who seem to have more difficulty getting gloves on and off quickly.And they keep your fingers warmer than gloves. A warm windproof hat with earflaps is best I find. Needs to have some form of lining insulation maybe fleece or fur.

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hi , we got back on friday and it was only -5 , but the day before was -35 so we were lucky, my kids are 7 and 10. We had balaclavas for them both with a hat on top. But to be honest they were too warm , but better to be warm than cold. We took 3 pairs each of spare gloves but could of done with a few more! they were that excited to see snow they couldnt put it down!

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My children always just wear a hat with the flappy bits that cover the ears and does up under the chin.They are fur lined only inside and are lovely and warm.Do not see them about much in the shops so if anyone knows where they sell them let me know as we have had ours for the third year running this year.

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Thank you all so much. Will take all of your thoughtful words on board...THIS EVENING !!!

Any thoughts on face cream. Someone mentioned that it%26#39;s essential, but not sure which brand that I should look for.

Also, lunch time - leave it for a while, or go straight after arrival - which works best on a one day trip. Thanks again, you%26#39;ve been very helpful!

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Removed on: 10:17 am, September 11, 2009

Help! what too wear on gala night.

Im off to the snow princess in Yllas this sunday, with my very exited 5 year old. I was just wondering if anyone could advise me on what too wear for the gala night, im a bit stuck. thanx

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im just going to wear me jeans and maybe a sparkly top as youve still got to get there in ure ski wear lol

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I have been dying to say little Black dress and 3%26quot; stiletoes for ages. lol

I think a nices top and Jeans or if you have the legs and bum for it some leggings as they are easy to pack with some little flat pump shoes - ( anyone would think i was Suzanne or trinny,)

Shell

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Shell,

Take it you are wearing your jeans then -LOL hehehehehehehe

Kelly, HOHOHO

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Button it shortie- actually taking leggins but my top covers my bum. lol

Plus i dont need to wear heals.

Shell

Ho Ho flippin Ho

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It must be a very long top then lol

Kell.

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Thank you for your advice. Cant believe only 2 sleeps to go. Anyone flying out from manchester on sunday.

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Removed on: 1:16 pm, September 12, 2009

Transport from airport

Hi, can anyone advise on best form of transport from HEL airport to Radisson SAS Plaza hotel in Helsinki. I have just booked the holiday for 30th Dec to 3rd Jan. Is hiring a car a good idea or is bus, taxi or train better? Help please, thanks.

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Hi

Plenty of info on options on here or at the airport website. There are 2 buses (the air bus and a local one - forget the number) that do the route, or you can get a taxi. Don%26#39;t think hiring a car is worth it just to drive into the city, which is fairly compact and has great transport, like trams.

There are info stalls at the airport.

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I think you should take the airport bus. It actually has its last stop very close to your hotel. You only have to walk around the Railway Station and you are there.

The schedules can be found here:

finnair.com/filecontent/com/citybus_com.txt

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You can catch bus 615T from the airport and it will take you to the bus station *which is at the railway station*. Cost 3 Euro 40 cents. You can then either walk down to the Radisson 10 to 15 minutes or take a cab.

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I just got back from Helsinki. I used the Finnair City Bus to get to and from the airport (5.20 Euros each way). It makes stops at a couple of hotels but the two main stops are airport and railway station. It ran exactly on schedule.

Once you%26#39;re in Helsinki, you probably won%26#39;t want a car -- their tram service is excellent, and the city%26#39;s very walkable (though it will be COLD!).

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we always just hop into a taxi as its incredibly easy with simple access into the city. You will not need a car whilst in Helsinki, its a very easy city to get around.

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Bus, either Finnair or public number 615, will take you to the railway station. Finnair bus is about 200m away and 615 about 100m away for Radisson Plaza. In any case practically no walking. Taxi will cost maybe 30 €, saves 15 to 30 mins.

Train is not an option.

Rental car for this trip is worthless. If you plan to drive, rent a car from the city when you need it. There are no free parking lots in Helsinki City area and parking the car for a day will cost the same as taking a taxi.

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As said previously, the Finnair bus from the airport is the best way. There is usually a guy next to the bus who will put your bags in the lockers under the floor; then board and pay the driver (who will make small change) - no need to buy tickets in the terminal or anything, and the drivers generally speak a small amount of English.

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Removed on: 5:19 pm, September 14, 2009

Inghams brochure for 2008/2009

Hi,

Does anyone know when the new Inghams brochure is due out with prices for 2008-2009 holidays?

thanks!

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It should be out around the end of next month.Every year it seems to be getting earlier though!Ours last year arrived on our doorstep the week before we went which was the first week in december.

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Thanks Bluny.

Can you preorder it?

I want to be able to book early for 2009 as we are planning on getting married there and I just want to make sure I%26#39;ve got time to get everything organised ;-)

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I would imagine you could pre order one.They always send ours out automatically as have booked with them before.There is a number that is on there brochure which says to call if you want a brochure sent and its 020-8780-4444.

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Hi Bluny,

Thanks for that. Have phoned them and they say they will send me one out when they become available - probably in december the woman said.

Wish I was going this year - you lot are all getting me jealous because you%26#39;re all so excited about your hols!!

Was considering booking anyway but the wee man will only be 12 months old in december and if we go on our own, I think we%26#39;ll be inside for most of the time as it may be too cold for him. Also we certainly couldn%26#39;t go on any of the husky rides, etc.

Waaaa - at least I can listen to you guys and read all about it when you come back!!!

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Yes but it will be something nice for you to look forward to next year.Expecially getting married out there.It will be lovely!

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Keep an eye on the website as well. The Earlybird booking process is reliable in my opinion based on this years experience.Onbline discounts too.

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How much of a gambler are you?

Wait 12 months and pick up a bargin on Lastminute!!!

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Would not dare chance it caroline!I want new year next year and i know it will go quickly!

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If I wasn%26#39;t going to get married, I would chance it!

But seeing as I%26#39;ll need to organise everything in advance, I%26#39;ll be booking it early. ;-)

So, the Early Bird - when do these deals start? Don%26#39;t know about these, but I take it you get a discount if you book early?

Also, would the holiday dates be likely to change by the time the holiday came round? Or just possibliy the flight times?

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Inghams early bird brochure will be out end nov beginning of dec.You get a discount of about £200-300.The dates will not change but maybe the flight times.The flight/airports where changed this year for the people that were going to saariselka.They were surposed to fly to ivalo and it got changed to kittila airport which involves nearlly a 3 hour transfer.(not good)

Foot Warmer

Has anybody tried/used the self adhesive hot patch foot warmer. I have just seen these on ebay for £7.50 for 20 pairs. Appear so much cheaper than the other brand so just want to know if they are effective. Thanks

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Recently received package of foot and hand warmers and tried them out yesterday. They%26#39;re great - stayed warm for ages - really did have happy feet!

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Hi, I just wondered if you bought your warmers from ebay how long the delivery was on them as I have left getting mine a bit late , we go on the 16th.

Having last minute worries about being warm enough now!

Ta

Lyl

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what boots do you have - good socks should be enough if you have decent boots.

shell

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I got mine off ebay from member premier-camping-supplies. They were delivered within 48 hours, so plenty of time if you%26#39;re going on the 16th. I may not end up needing them, but last thing I want is the kids complaining they%26#39;re cold and not enjoying it so worth the investment in my opinion.

I also got hand warmers off ebay - from member bestbuyfar. They were also delivered within 48 hours.

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Hi Lyl

Only ordered mine yesterday pm from ebay and they were here this morning - super service. Haven%26#39;t tried them so hoping they will be ok.

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Thanks everyone for your replies, I have just ordered some off ebay and hopefully they will be here soon, its just over a week till we go.

We have snowboots from Millets which are fur lined and lovely but I just wanted to have the warmers for the safaris. Oooh I can%26#39;t wait now. I get excited every time I visit this forum!

Lyl

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Lyl - get some mini hot water bottles for the safaris as well - they have them in Primark kids section for £3 with funky covers on them or Instore have them for a fiver .

Shell

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Ta Shell, I was in Primark yesterday but went straight to get what I wanted and didn%26#39;t browse or I might have seen them. I picked a small one up from Tesco today though for £5. My youngest has one of those wheat things that I thought we could use so the girls are sorted, but I%26#39;ll probably check out Primark next week and treat myself to one as I%26#39;m a bit of a wuss when its cold!

Lyl

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Removed on: 2:17 pm, September 14, 2009

Rovaniemi tomorrow. Day trip. Queues, chaffing & carrying.

Sort of last minute trip from Shannon, county Clare.

We hope to make our way through the postings.

Just a couple of things.

Have heard there is a rush to the queue to meet Santa, which for us, seems to go against the goodwill of the whole trip.

Is this nonsense?

If not, can you hang back and take the visit without any frenzy?

Is there a problem with skin, chaffing and so on, and if so, any advice for young children?

Is a ruck sack practical for gloves, scarves, that will undoubtedly be flung at us from all directions :-) - or would it make activities difficult?

Which activity provided the most fun? (Sleigh mobile sounds great.)

Thank you for any advice.

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Hi, Cant help much, but i have bought one of those ruck sacks that go diagonally across your body (Tesco £2 - bargain) and it a lot easier to wear than the other types - i use mine with the pouch across my chest rather than on my back.

Have a fantastic time.

Shell

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Thanks Shell - we%26#39;ll go there this evening.

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If you are meeting the Santa in Santa Claus Village, you shouldn%26#39;t have to wait in queue! They opened a new Santa Claus Office couple of weeks ago and this reduces the queues. I think it basically works so that you%26#39;ll get a time when the Santa is waiting for you and until that you can explore other things in the Office (which is new and bigger now).

Check out the webpage of the office for more information:

www.santaclauslive.com/main.php…

Hope this helps you!

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Removed on: 1:17 am, September 11, 2009

Roadtrip-suggestion

I´ll have guests from USA this summer and I´m going to show them the most beautiful parts in Finland by car. My route plan comes here:

Start from Helsinki (2-3 days) and drive early in the morning to the west from Helsinki. Have a breakfast in a small beautiful city called Tammisaari (in the coast, 1h from Helsinki). Then drive in the coastline through Kemiö and Parainen to Korppoo.

Did you know that Finland has the biggest archipelago in the Europe? I personally think this part and Lake Saimaa are the most beautiful areas in our country.

From Korppoo take a ferry to Aland islands. Ferry from Korppoo to Långnäs (in the main island) on the late afternoon. Stay in a cabin somewhere in the island for two nights. Visit the %26quot;capitol%26quot;, Mariehamn.

Take a morning ferry from Hummelvik to Kustavi in mainland. Drive the coastline to the north through Uusikaupunki to a city called Rauma. There is a biggest old wooden part of the city in the Nordic countries and it´s a UNESCO sight. Stay there couple of hours and drive up to Pori and stay the night there. Spend the next day in Pori at the Yyteri beach and relax and catch sun :) (it´s beautiful and long sandy beach).

In the evening drive up to Vaasa, Kokkola or Oulu (Vaasa-Oulu 320 km) and stay a night in some of the cities or in a tent. It´s allowed to put a tent anywhere, but there must be at least 100 m to a closest house.

You probably know that the sun doesn´t set at all during june-july in Lapland and that´s what´s beautiful! Prepare for the mosqitos!

Drive up to Rovaniemi, to the Arctic circle. Spend the day there and visit Santa Claus :) Then drive north to Ylläs-Levi area. Book a cabin for a day or two. Drive up to northwest to a village called Kilpisjärvi ( in the Finland-Norway border). Then go to Norway and drive the coastline to the east to a city called Alta. This area is amazingly beautiful!

From Alta drive back to Finland to the Lake Inari (biggest lake in Lapland). Visit the Siida museum (museum of the sami culture and Lapland nature centre, www.samimuseum.fi)

From Inari drive down to Kuusamo, close to east boarder, (Inari-Kuusamo 450km).. In Kuusamo take a short or long hiking trail called Karhunkierros. (was it 12 and 72kms?).

Then drive down to Lake Pielinen and visit Koli. Then to city called Kuopio or Joensuu. Then to Savonlinna. Spend a day there and see the sights. Book a cabin from the Lake Saimaa for couple of nights.

End your trip to Helsinki!

This route could be done in 2 weeks. Here´s some useful

websites:

www.virtual.finland.fi

www.visitfinland.com

www.visitaland.com

www.alandresor.fi

www.lomarengas.fi (you can book the cottages etc. from this site)

Here´s some distances:

Helsinki-Vaasa 420 km

Vaasa-Rovaniemi 525 km

Rovaniemi-Inari 320 km

Kuusamo-Kuopio 420 km

Kuopio-Helsinki 383 km

Savonlinna-Helsinki 334 km..

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Being an American living here in Finland for some 15 yrs. wow this sounds like a real swell trip.

I hope your guests are nature lovers and enjoy quietness --

for me maybe 2 days on Åland may be stretching it as well as Lappi -that is just my opinion don%26#39;t take me to serious. I like pohjois Karalia - a place called Kontiolahti is a must see.

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This surely gives a good overall picture of Finland, but involves some very heavy driving. Better make sure that they are used to sitting in a car.

I usually plan not to drive more than 300 kms per day. Start in the morning, watch and stop on whatever that%26#39;s interesting on the way and arrive in the afternoon/early evening to your next hotel. Sometimes 1 or 2 long legs (up to 1.000 kms per day) will be needed to get there where you are going.

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Now, this is a great post! I am planning to visit Finland next summer and explore a little bit by car for one week. What parts of this roadtrip could be skipped to fit in a week?

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I would shortern the days in coastline and skip Aland (beautiful but too much time).

Week is quite tight but with good planning (and leave time for extra), it can be done. I depens a lot, where you spend your time.

Drive quite straight from Koli to Savonlinna, skip Joensuu etc. so you%26#39;ll have more time in Helsinki (and Porvoo) if you have not been in here.

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Helsinki is quite dead in mid summer... Everybody is enjoying Finnish summer in their own or rented Holiday houses at Lake shores.

I dont agree with that you should skip Joensuu or other places where is real finnish summer traditions.

For example rent a Holiday villa and go hiking, swimming and enjoy the nature - if you live in city. Maybe you can be more relaxed when you go back home ;)

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Removed on: 7:17 pm, September 14, 2009

Reindeer Farm - Help please!

Hi all

I have been trying to find an excursion from Yllas to the reindeer farm, but the only one I can find is fully booked. I rang the farm and she said to try and get on one of the Inghams excursions. Does anyone know whether Inghams use a particular tour company or whether I should try ringing Inghams? I don%26#39;t really want to leave it until we get there as I am finding everything is getting booked up.

My son is desperate to go!

Thanks

Sarah

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Hi Sarah

I don%26#39;t know about Inghams, but have you tried all of the companies listed on the Yllas website. The link to the companies offering reindeer-related trips is:

http://www.yllas.fi/?deptid=9058

Good luck finding something

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Thanks Magslad, yes I have been madly emailing but no luck so far. Can anyone going with Inghams give me the price and info on the trip to the farm, and has anyone been? Do you know whether Inghams reps will take non Inghams guests on excursions?

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I have been told that inghrams reps will sell tours to anyone, afterall, that%26#39;s where they make their money

these are their prices

Santapark -7 hrs/day 1 £31

Santa´s Secret Home -3 hrs/day 1 £31

Reindeer Mini Safari -2 hrs/day 1 £22

Reindeer Super Safari -2 hrs/day 1 £35

Husky Mini Safari -2 1/2 hrs/day 1 £27

Husky Super Safari -2 1/2 hrs/day 1 £52

Snowmobile-Single -2 hrs/day 1 £59

Snowmobile- Double(Sharing) -2 hrs/day 1 £38

when are you going?

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Thanks Poe, we are going from 22nd Dec - 5th Jan. The trip I saw included a %26#39;show%26#39; of rounding them up, lassooing, feeding them and a short sleigh ride. Maybe we will have to wait until we get there and ask the reps, although I%26#39;m getting very stressed over all the organisation at the moment and it would be good to get there knowing its all booked and I can relax!!

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you are arriving before the influx of inghams guests so you will have a good chance to get something booked I hope and you are also there for a long stay so I really do think you will be able to get your desired trips, when you get there go straight to the inghams reps and see what they have to say

we are doing the super safaries as these seem far longer and better value

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Removed on: 6:15 pm, September 13, 2009

Sorry stupid question

Hi I know this is probably a stupid question, but ive been wondering if you are staying in a log cabin and you go into town for tea/few drinks you wear your snowsuit thingy, do you take it off in the bar? would you take nice clothes to wear in the evenings or dont people bother?

I am trying to decided between log cabin and hotel (and ive never been skiing before if you hadnt guessed!)

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Hi Debbie,

I asked the same thing as this is our first time it seems that it%26#39;s very casual, jeans and a nice top in the evening%26#39;s and you will need to wear your snowsuit to go in saying that i am being optimistic and still taking a pair of heels nice trousers and jumper with me . i will prob be fine trying the skiing and then break my ankle falling over in the high heels, lol

Kelly.

kelly.

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Thanks kelly, you made me laugh then! that would be typical wouldnt it!

So a log cabin is looking favourite, I cant wait to get booked!

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We went for the log cabin for the whole cabin in the woods feel to it, also you are not tied down with set times for eating etc and can try all different sort of restaurants. also if you have kids they can go out and play in the snow right outside your cabin

Kelly.

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Debbie

It is really casual in the evening and jeans and jumper would be about right.

People to tend to sit about the hotel bars in ski suits but you can take them of and hang suits in changing areas provided at the hotels if you want to sit about in normall clothes.

I personally would opt for log cabins as they are lovely.

I cant help but laugh Kelly at the thought of you trotting about in your high heels,Thats just somthing not to be missed!

I hope shell takes a picture of you in the snow in your heels id love to see it!HOHOHO

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Bluny,

I will get one of my lot to take it and post it when i get back i promise the heels are coming on holiday too, lol

Kelly.

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The heels would have to come - or you wouldnt be able to see kelly head above the snow. lol lol lol

ho ho ho

Shell

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I shall keep you to that!Thought I was bad enough when I took boots to wear to the dinner with santa to change into but thats all gone out of the window now!Snow boots for me only!Less to carry the better!

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oh no i will be meeting santa in my very high heels, they will look great with my fleecey tracky bottoms don%26#39;t you think lol

Kelly.

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Oh kelly that will be even worse seeing you on a big screen climbing onto the stage sitting down next to santa with your highs on!

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Next to him, huh i will be sitting on his lap so everyone can see my lovely shoes lol lol

Kelly. HOHOHO

Rovaniemi hotel and tour

Hi alll,

I am traveling to Rovaniemi the week before Christmas, it%26#39;s seems all the popular hotel are already fully booked, any advise to get accommodation in Rovaniemi? maybe I should walk-in?

Also, I am looking for some suggestion for Husky ride and snowmobile tour, any good experience?

I am trying to rent a car in Rovaniemi and return it in Helsinki, turned out the price is so expensive..still doing research on web.

Dk

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There is a sleeper train from Rovaniemi to Helsinki here is a link to the site. I have never been on it and cannot comment but it might be easier option than trying to drive.

https:/…hinnat.htm

Or perhaps look into flying Helsinki from Rovaniemi

Finnair (national airline) Have flown with Finnair always been excellent finnair.com/finnaircom/…

or

Blue 1 (budget Airline) Have not flown with Blue 1

http://www.blue1.fi/en/

Regarding accommodation suggest you email the local tourist office asap, best people to help you as they know their all the local accomodation.

Rovaniemi Tourist Information

Sampo shopping centre -

Lordi’s Square

Maakuntakatu 29-31

FIN-96200 Rovaniemi

Tel. +358-(0)16-346 270

Fax +358-(0)16-3424 650

travel.info@rovaniemi.fi

Tourist information will also be able to book and or/ put you in touch with companies that do excursions.

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Thanks for the info.

I just get a quote from Blue1, the ticket price is far more cheaper than I expect....around 100 euro. rather than spending usd 1000 renting the car, maybe I should just take the flight and spend more time on Helsinki.

I was planning to travel from Helsinki to St Petersburg, but the train is so expensive during christmas and the visa process is killing me, that%26#39;s why now I have few more days to plan for, maybe Estonia.

is that any ski resort around Rovaniemi? I want to spend one day skiing, one day to visit Santa, and another day on ice breaking cruise. I believe it would be easier for me to base in Rovaniemi, and rent a car there to travel around.

I know it%26#39;s my bad....I don%26#39;t have the mood to plan unless the trip is getting close =D

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Hi,

If you try www.safartica.com they do Huskey %26amp; snowmobile safaries and do accomadationstoo.

Also here is a web page with Hotels %26amp; B%26amp;B´s, allhotelsnet.com/europe/…

This might help you with a place to stay.

There is a ski resort in Rova. Go to www.rovaniemi.fi, there you will find all info on skiing.

As far a the Sampo, Icebreaker that is in Kemi, a good 2hours drive west of Rova.

Well hope this helps. but it is a bit late to book a place just before Christmas.

But good luck.

P.S. My cottage is available but its not in Rovaniemi.

Sam079

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Hello Duke

It’s quite difficult find accommodation in Rovaniemi for Christmas but hopefully girls in Rovaniemi Tourist Information find something for you. Ounasvaara is just suitable ski resort in Rovaniemi. Not big but one day there could be fun. Another nice place to visit is Arktikum. There are interested exhibitions of Lapp history and arctic area.

http://www.arktikum.fi/

Ice breaking cruses are little chancy yet. Now here is quite cold and if weather stays like this everything goes well. Sampo need around twenty centimeter strong ice before it can go out. Just let us keep our fingers crossed for that.

It’s not essential hire a car for Kemi trip. There is free bus transportation from Rovaniemi to Sampo and back. Contact Sampo Tours for more information.

www.sampotours.com/eng/yhteystiedot.html

Blue1 is descent airline. Not much difference to Finnair except pricing.

pera

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Thanks for the info.

I am checking with Sampo tour whether they provide free transportation between Rovaniemi and Kemi harbour.

Btw, i just did some price check on the express rail between Rovaniemi and Kemi. A return pass for me and my wife will cost almost 80 euro. if Sampo didn%26#39;t provide free bus, I would say it%26#39;s make more sense to just rent a car for a couples of day.

i don%26#39;t konw why manual transmission dominate the car rental market in north europe, it will cost more than double if i request automatic. i am really worry as i didn%26#39;t touch manual trans car for almost ten years.

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Hi Duke,

did you try www.budget.fi . I always drive automatic and I never paid more than a normall car with these.

Sam079

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yes, I tried budget.fi, all automatic car are out around the christmas period, maybe i should give them a call to confirm.

for those who still looking for accommodation in Rovaniemi, please try Scandic Rovaniemi now, it seems they released some room, i made my booking through the website already. be sure to use the 10% discount code on the website.

thanks for everyone help.

|||

just receive the email from Sampo tours, they cancelled the 12/21 - 12/23 cruise, i believe there is no crusie on 12/24,25 as well.

now my plan is totally changed, if i decide to wait until 12/26, all my hotel and flight booking have to be changed as well, really a big headache for me!

i heard that they cancelled the first few cruises last year as well becase of warm weather, anyone know normally when will be the first sampo tour start?

|||

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Removed on: 9:19 pm, September 14, 2009

The oracles - aka Bluny Poe, Michelle + all forum

New question - i know i have been quiet a while just getting over the shock of being 10 weeks pregnant - should know better at my age!! Anyhow although i cant go skiing now hubby and our 5 year old will still be in the learn to ski group - can i watch i.e. do i need a lift pass, are they ok with mums watching the kids group etc At least i wont make a fool of myself skiing now!!

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ah congratulations, i don%26#39;t know the answer but if it helps you could phone the tourist information centre i%26#39;m sure they will know the no is 00358166393300, Lucky you no sore bum then.

Kelly.

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congrats beanie - oh the lenghts of which some women will go to to get out of skiing ;-)

I also have no-idea but I would have thought that you would not need a lift to get to where the children have their lessons, however they may suggest that you are not there so you child can get on with skiiing rather than having a mother waving at their child ;-)

it will give you a chance to lie in and do nothing for a while ;-)

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Brill news - how are you feeling?

Shell

|||

Beanie - been called may things before but never an oracle. lol lol lol

Do your ski clothes still fit you -

How may weeks will you be when you go.

Shell

|||

Beanies im sure that they wont have a problem with you watching the ski group as seen many groups in Levi with parents watching there children.Congratulations and take it easy on your hols!

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Shell i bet you have lol lol, not get broody are you.

Kelly, HOHOHO

|||

Hi there,

There won%26#39;t be aproblem watching whilst they are on the front slope, but as they progress they will be taken on to other runs, which will use the chair lift and gonola, so when they go onto them you won%26#39;t be able to watch...

Have fun

Anita

P.s Congrats

|||

Broody - me NEVER - i saw to that when i had my c section. lol

|||

I should of after my fourth but i bottled out, lol

Kell.

|||

Thanks a lot for your advice and congrats - i will be 12 weeks when we go the ski suit was a little tight when i bought it - big ideas of weight watchers etc the xmas slim - ah well i have an exccuse now. I will ring that number thanks and at least if i get to see some ski ing that will be fine

Thanks again to all of you and have a great holiday and happy christmas and new year - cant wait to read your reviews!!

Anyone going on the 13th From Gatwick

I have posted this message before and had no response so was wondering if we had the whole plane to ourselve :) Travelling out from Gatwick on the 13th with Canterbury travel - is anyone else going; would be nice to hear from other very excited families.

|||

Hi,

I am going on the 16th and like you posted about it and had lots of response but not one person is on the morning flight the same as me, oh well perhaps we will have a lovely empty plane and be able to have a row of seats each, lol

Kelly.

|||

Hi

I think I%26#39;ve got the plane to myself too as I don%26#39;t know of anyone going on the 12th from gatwick.

Jo

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Hi Well I%26#39;m going on the 16th from Gatwick on the 06.55 flight to Kittila and there doesn%26#39;t seem to be anyone on my flight either! Only just over a week to go now - getting really excited, will start packing after the weekend!!!

|||

samandmeg,

I go at 07.55 you would%26#39;nt have thought they would have 2 flights going that close together would you, must be busier than we thought with all the other company%26#39;s, will prob spot you at the airport though are you going from the north or south terminal and who are you flying with.

Kelly.

|||

Looks like we%26#39;re all going to have planes to ourselves! We go on 15th from Gatwick but haven%26#39;t found anyone else on the same flight either.

|||

We to go on the 9th and have found nobody that is on the early flight from gatwick.

|||

hi

I am going with Inghams on 12th From gatwick stopping at the Hotel Levitunturi with hubby and 4 year son.

|||

Hi

We go on the 23rd and looks like we have plane to ourselves too,and also christmas in lapland to ourselves?? could be a very quiet one!!

|||

Kelly,

We are leaving from the north terminal, just got a letter today though to say our return times on the 19th have been put back from 17.55 to 19.45 - i%26#39;m not complaining though - thats another couple of hours in the snow!!

|||

Forgot to add we are going with First Choice....

for those of you thinking of booking for next year

just to let you know that after a day of researching, crystal are coming up much cheaper than inghams, they have free child places too and second child is halp price, the difference between inghams and crystal for the same holiday was £600 !!!

if any of you want to book with crystal ask for Franky on ext 3294, he was a lovely guy who explained everything to me

hope some of you are going to book now, I mean, right NOW!!

|||

Hi Poe

What tel no did you ring, I used one from their web site which was only automated, so didn%26#39;t persue.

Where are you going/staying?

Free child would be good if available - would we have to do a weeks stay?

Cheers and thanks

|||

you have to go though the automated system but it%26#39;s easy, first time you press 1, then second time you press 2 and then finally 3 adn you will get through to the operator

we are going to Yllas and as far as I know, they only do a weeks stay

|||

sorry - the number is 0870 405 5047

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I can%26#39;t see that the brochure is out, surprised that they are taking bookings.

Anyway out of interest what were the details of the holiday that was £600 cheaper? I was about to book the Immekomit cabins for next December. I was going to do that direct as the total cost of the holiday should work about £500 cheaper, so would interested to hear from you.

Thanks

Simon

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Simon

The brochure for crystal is not out yet but they are taking bookings and giving out prices for next year over the phone.

|||

with inghams to sstay in the yllas log cabins (with 2 bedrooms and the loft) for 3 adults and 2 children going on 28th dec 08 it was nearly £2800, the same deal with crystal was £2200

you need to compair the prices for your party size as the crystal deal I think was only good because of the free child places etc, if you don%26#39;t have kids you may find it not as good as inghams.

crystal have all the details on line but you can not use their online booking system, you need to call them

|||

Hi again we have two young children. I really had my heart set on going to the Immelkomit cabins, but I may consider the K5 Chalets if the price is right. Has anyone experienced both of these accomodations?

Cheers

SImon

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K5 are v.expensive but do look lovely, i have booked the 6 bed cabin at immelmokit for next year and the price diff between the 2 for my family was about 1800. too much i thought, being as they are both 4 star

Kelly.

|||

the k5 chalets look nice but they were more expensive than the yllas log cabins with crystal, something to bear in mind (that%26#39;s if you don%26#39;t mid going to yllas that is)

|||

K5 chalets are excellent and located lovely,but the cost for 4 of us through inghams was about 3200 for a week at new year 08.Immelmokit 6 room cabins cost for 4of us for new year 08 is 2350 for the week.Crystal ski are still coming up the cheapest by alot!

Snowman kit

Hi

Can anyone tell me the website for this kit - I saw it earlier in the month on a post and despite trawling thru cant now seem to find it.

Thanks

|||

send poe.tuesday a pm , she will know the website as she started everyone off with the snowman kits, she now has shares in the company i think lol..

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The website you need is www.kit2fit.com and look under the tab %26quot;Fun for Kids%26quot; and you will find it.

It is called Snowman In A Box and costs £9.99.

Have fun.

|||

Mine arrived today the kids have started playing with it already - thet want to take it in the bath and pretend the bubbles are snow.lol

|||

how could you let them have it already Shel?

|||

i know terrible isn%26#39;t it she may as well go the whole hog and give them all their pressies. lol.

|||

I didnt know what it was - i opened the parcel and Tait saw it and started jumping around all hapyy and excited and stuffs like that.

DONT SHOUT AT ME...IT WAS A ACCIDENT..... LOL LOL

hO hO hO

|||

she%26#39;s terrible isn%26#39;t she kelly, you would have thought she would have learnt NOT to open stuff in front of the kids, just in case

hohoho

|||

Poe,

Please what self respecting parent opens parcels in front of the kids 6 weeks before christmas, it could have been anything, i think they should sack her lol

hohoho, Kelly.

|||

Oyyyyyyy - i have kept this a holiday a secret since the 9th Jan - when did you tell your kids. ne ne ne ne nah.

ho ho ho

|||

I don%26#39;t keep secrets from my children, it does nothing for trust, naturally I told my children about lapland 2 minutes after I booked it ......

you are so right kelly, she%26#39;s a terrible mother, imagine keeping secrets from the children and letting them be there when she opens what is so obvisously christmas gifts .... you wait, when they see santa she will be telling them he%26#39;s real !!!

Who's Going To Levi Then.

Just thought i would jump on the bandwagon, they have one for Yllas thought it was about time someone did one for Levi.

So who is going to be there in december- january.

Me, hubby and 4 boys are going to the immelmmokit cabins 16 - 23 december, lots of people seem to be going to Yllas so lets here from everyone thats going to Levi.

Kelly.

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Meeeeeeeee.

Michelle Hubby 2 kids and 2 Outlaws Levi Log Cabins

Dec 16th to Dec 30th = 2 weeks .

Going to have a great time with lots of snow and got a real Christmas Tree for the Cabin, all we need is santa to bring lots of presents- please.

We will have to arrange a Mass snowball fight.

michelle

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Michelle,

Have you been good enough to get loads of pressies i%26#39;m sure you have.

hohoho. Kelly

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Yes me to staying at the immemokit cabins on the 9th December!!Only know of 2 familys so far that will be there then!!

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Were going to Levi!! 2nd december staying at k5! Cant wait!! Just need the snow now ;-) x

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Don%26#39;t worry mattria, the snow will be there and you will have a fab time.

Kelly.

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My Family and 3 other familys are all in Levi in december , 16in total, we are up for a snowball fight anytime,if you think you stand a chance, a word of warning we are big strong lads so we might have to wear blindfolds to make it an even match.

Mike

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We are ! In the immemolkit cabins for 7 days from the 30th dec, thats me husband and two children 11 and 9. Cant wait.

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i leave on that day do you want any food getting as all the shops will be closed, when you arrive or do you want details of how book a welcome pack

michelle

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Mike,

Your all rugby playing doorman if memory serves me right, just make sure you are gentle with us this time lol. As well as blindfolds think it only fair you can only use 1 hand as well.

Kelly.

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OMG - I didn%26#39;t realise that kelly and michelle were going to be in lapland at the same time !!!!!!

that%26#39;s going to be scary for everyone else who is there ;-)

michelle - as you are there for 2 weeks (lucky bugger), maybe you can hope over to Yllas to meet up with us Yllas posse for the snowball fight, what do you reckon?

transfers from kittila to yllas

hi

does any one know how long the transfres are from kittila airport to the yllas log cabins ?

we have booked with inghams %26amp; we havent got much info other than flight times

we are new to this package holiday thing we sorted out last years hol on our own not sure what to expect

thanks

|||

Transfer from kitilla to Yllas is about 1 hour.

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don%26#39;t worry firsttimefisher - we will look after you ;-)

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Hi

thanks guys

an hour doesnt sound to bad ! less time than we will have to spend sat in the airport waiting to fly !

the more i read on this site the more questions i come up with ive been up since 2.30 am reading through trying to get as much stuff as i can sorted before i go back to work we fly 23rd %26amp; thats my first day off from now till then !

i might get some sleep on the flight,

who am i kidding

|||

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Removed on: 10:17 pm, September 14, 2009

sorry, another silly question.

Does anyone know if you can buy marmite from the supermarket in levi, i am taking so much with me and thought it would save a little bit of space if i can get it there, Thanks

Kelly.

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Kelly

You are worrying about a small jar of marmite for the children but you are taking a litre bottle of bacardi!!Make sure you get you priorities right wont you!!HOHOHO

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Hi Kelly

I took my own which was just as well as it wasn%26#39;t available in the supermarket. For the amount of room it takes up I would pop it in your suitcase it will save rows when you get there.

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Bluny,

I know what a terrible parent eh!!!!!!!but i%26#39;m sorry the bacardi comes first,

Tigger,

Thanks for that, i will pack it there would be murders if they did%26#39;nt have there beloved marmite.

Kelly.

|||

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Removed on: 11:19 pm, August 23, 2009

Yllas Log Cabins - how does the free ski hire work?

According to the brochure, those staying with Inghams in the Yllas Log Cabins can hire x-country skis (skiis??!) and/or snowshoes for free. Has anyone done so? If so, where do you get them from - do you have to go up to the ski hire place on the slopes or is there somewhere in the village? I presume Inghams will give us some sort of voucher? We%26#39;re not planning on doing much skiing as we%26#39;ll have our 17 month old with us so it%26#39;ll be a case of one doing it whilst the other watches but I suppose both of us would be able to snowshoe together!

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We went with Inghams last year and took our own x-c skis. I think you wil have to ask Inghams about this as they didnt volunteer any info and we forgot about the free snow shoe hire until we got home. We%26#39;re going again this year and will definitely ask them about the snow shoe hire.

|||

Thank you. I%26#39;ll have to remember to ask - neither of us are particularly proficient skiiers but if the offer is there we might as well take advantage of it :-).

|||

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Removed on: 12:20 pm, September 06, 2009

skiing

Was just wondering - can u go skiing even if you have just booked a normal lapland trip?

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Yes you can book it in resort anything from 3 hours to a week so i have been reliably informed,

Kelly.

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Thats in Levi kelly,im not sure about other resorts.

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Thats ok bluny she is going to levi, goes the same morning as me.

Kelly.

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hoho sorry thought she was going to a different resort!

|||

Thanks kelly, shall look into it when i get there

|||

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Removed on: 6:16 pm, September 12, 2009

which log cabin am i in?

Hello to you all

I know a few of you have already posted the same question sorry

How do I find out what cabin we will be staying in in Yllas xmas week?

I have phoned Inghams %26amp; they said that they cant tell me before we get there but I would like to order a welcome pack etc and how can I do that if I dont know where we will be.

i have 2 e-mail addresses which 1 is the best do you think ?

joinin.kauppa@nic.fl

or

ylaksen.matkoulu@yllas.fl

thanks guys

|||

Hi Firsttimeiscefisher,

Try contact Destination Lapland. Their e-mail addy is info@destinationlapland.com but it may be better to phone them. The number is 00 358 1651 03300.

I spoke to a very helpful lady there who gave me all the info I needed.

Kaz

|||

jounin.kauppa@nic.fi is the shop in levi.

the other email address is Yllas travel limited

see the yllas.fi website page:

www.yllas.fi/…

|||

doh dont mean levi sorry Akaslompolo is where it is having a senior moment!

|||

you will find out from desitnation lapland, call them and give them your ref number or surname and they will tell you where you are. you can then check out their website and see exactly which cabin you have and where it is

|||

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Removed on: 8:17 pm, September 13, 2009

Car services between Sweden and Finland

old question, travel from kiruna to rovaniemi.

anyone know some travel agent on kiruna / rovaniemi which can provide car services between these 2 location? i am looking for one way transportation from kiruna to rovaniemi on dec 19.

if no luck, then i will have to take bus and train combination.

|||

A quick google search gave the following hit

lappland.se/scripts/gb/resa_till_kiruna.asp

where you can find the local taxi phone number. Try to call and ask for a fixed price!

|||

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Removed on: 10:18 pm, September 14, 2009

What to wear to travel in?

Hi,

To anyone who has been before with Inghams, We are travelling with Inghams and I wondered what were the best clothes to travel in. Do you wear your ski jackets and trousers or normal clothes?

Regards Rachael

|||

Hi Rachael

We always travel in normal clothes(jeans etc) and wear our ski jackets and boots as it saves space in your case.We also carry a set of gloves and a hat each for the children.

|||

Thanks Bluny. Thats great I knew I could rely on you for answering my question. Ive also posted on another forum about Hairdryers could you tell me if the Levi logs have Hairdryers, we are staying in a 2rm + mezz?

Rachael

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Racheal

I think some of these cabins are privately owned so it could vary between cabins but I would not think by that much.So I hope the info Ive given you is correct.There really is not much info on the levi logs about ,but I did pm someone on here some sites so if i can find the sites I will let you know.

|||

Thats great thanks!

|||

We stayed in the log cabins and we took our own hair dryers etc... Everything in the kitchen department is supplied and towls but not personal grooming etc... Hope this helps!

|||

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Removed on: 6:17 pm, September 14, 2009

Iso Syote in Dec?

Hi,

Had to jump in - can%26#39;t contain myself any longer!

Anyone else going to Iso Syote ? We%26#39;re going with Emagine on 18th Dec. - 3 of us - Mum (me), Dad and 4 and three quarter year old daughter.

I%26#39;m so excited - it%26#39;s our first time to anywhere cold so it%26#39;s going to be wonderful...I%26#39;m just about to hit the net for some thermals...I can feel the credit card wilting already!

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Hi Phantos - YES, yes, yes, we%26#39;re coming to Iso 23rd December to 30th! Can%26#39;t wait, as as well as all the fun at Xmas time it%26#39;s also a special trip for my wife%26#39;s 40th B%26#39;day!

Mum (40!), Dad, (me) and our 14 year old son, plus 12 year old daughter -but forget the ages we so excited we are all kids!

|||

Hi Merlinator

Shame we%26#39;ll miss you - we fly back on the 22nd...

Never mind, we can still compare preparation notes!

Have you found the Iso-Syote Hotel webcam yet ?

http://194.251.206.18/view/index.shtml

Great during the daylight hours - especially on a clear day! Not good at night as it%26#39;s mostly a reflection of the camera lens (though you can catch sight of reflections of people enjoying themselves in the hotel occasionally!)

It%26#39;ll be good for knowing when the snow has arrived!

|||

Thanks Phantos, As you say shame we will miss each other.

I can%26#39;t seem to get the webcam to work but will try again later - anyone heard whether Iso has snow yet?

An Excited Merlinator!

|||

Its throwing it down and looks pretty heavy so you will be fine, cant wait till we go in feb happy times...

|||

Hi Phantos

We are going with Emagine on the same date as you.

It looks fantastic doesn%26#39;t it. Are you there for the 5 day trip?

Our daughter is to old for you know who (11 years old), but she is buzzing with herself.

We are staying in one of the cabins, which look marvelous.

See you there.

Jason

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WOW!!!!

Have you seen the webcam now!

Merlinator

|||

Hi all,

We too are going to Iso Syote with Emagine, but we fly on 15th %26amp; back on 18th - will wave at you on the way back! Been planning this trip for 4 years, ever since the birth of our youngest, so you could say there is a degree of excitement building - having to bring the kids down from the ceiling each evening at the mo.

Anyone got any experience of this resort or the cabins - which look cool!

|||

Hi all! We%26#39;re going to Iso Syote from G%26#39;wck on 23rd. Got our tickets yesterday - hooray. Taking the %26quot;kids%26quot; (24, 21, 20!) with us. All beginners - although I skied 30 years ago.

Anyone know what the snow situation is at the mo? I%26#39;ll be gutted if it doesn%26#39;t look like all the pictures I%26#39;ve seen.

|||

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Removed on: 6:17 am, September 14, 2009

Ski stuff in Lidl

Well we went to Lidl shopping today for the ski stuff. They have some good Thermal socks, Gloves and just about everything else that you might need (well I think so) and in most sizes. We even took the advise, and bought some Ski goggles even if we dont get round to wearing ( we should be able to use them on the Super Husky and reindeer safari) them they will fit in a pocket somewhere.

I think we are now just about ready for the 30th Dec.

|||

You will wear your goggles everytime you ski and go on the safaris as it gets soooo cold!! A good investment for a ski trip to Levi!!

|||

Thanks ... they were cheap enough to risk buying them, and looking at the falling temperatures again, we might jut need them for when we get there. Only a couple of weeks left and we are really looking forward to our first visit to Lapland ( well any snowy region as we are usually beach lovers).

I%26#39;m sure after reading all the posts on here that we are in for a enjoyable time.

|||

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Removed on: 6:20 pm, September 14, 2009

So who is in Yllas for New year

Just to see who will be in Yllas for new year, we (me my husband and 5 year old daughter) are there from the 30th December to 6th January flying from Manchester with Crystal and staying at Yllas Log Cabins - would be great to know who else is there

|||

No but please write a review on what its like new year in Yllas on your return.Hope you have a great time.

thanks.

|||

Hi Beanies, will also be there for New Year, 4 Adults 4 Kids 6,7,14 %26amp; 18(big kid) flying from Birmingham, missed the Manchester flight by dithering booking back in March. Staying in the Villa Armas cabins

Philip

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Hi philip

Did you book back in march for this new years holiday?

|||

Hi Bluny, booked it on 5th March, seems an eternity ago. Tickets came today!!!

Philip

|||

Ok thanks philip

I was just trying to work out when the dates for new year were all sold out for this year.Great feeling when them tickets arrive it will come round fast now!!

Will you do a review when you return back and tell us what new year was like in Yllas please.

|||

Bluny, they were not all sold out by then, just the seats from Manchester,(my fault for delaying) they still had different cabins available for a few weeks after that and seats from Birmingham were available even longer as My sister %26amp; brother in law who are coming with us with a nephew, their daughter %26amp; her boyfriend wanted to come but then found they could%26#39;nt get the time off as she had just started a new job!

Philip

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oh thats good to know,thanks philip.

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Forgot to say will post my experience of Akaslompolo sometime after I return. Quite frankly I can%26#39;t wait for poe.tuesdays report, she brightens up my day with her banter! seem like I have known her for ages as we both were researching on here about the same time!!.

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oh yes I know what you mean,Im looking forward to poes review also.It will be said as seen if you know what I mean!

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Bluny,if Sara was in Vegas at the weekend Ricky Hatten would%26#39;nt get a look in,she would certainly give Mayweather a run for his money!

I arrive on the day she departs, can%26#39;t wait to find her trail, snowmen, glowsticks etc.I read earlier that the snow is not so good for snowman building,but if anyone is going to do it i%26#39;d put money on her after all her efforts in promoting the kits!!!!!!

Bluny Hope you have a great time on your forthcoming trip and your posts have also been a help to me even though you are going to Levi.

Philip

Bluny goes tomorrow lets all say have a fab holiday

Hi all,

Bluny is off tomorrow early morning i think we should all say goodbye and have a happy holiday she gives out so much good advice to us all she is THE oracle lol,

Kelly.

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have a fab santatastic time

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Yes kelly and wishing everyone thats going during next week and the weekend we arrive back have a happy holiday!!!

Switching of now kelly as got a early start!!HOHOHOHO!!!Catch you all soon!

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good cally Kelly

have a wicked time bluny, you have given some good advice adn asked many a silly question ;-)

go and have a wonderful time, chill out and play like a child

xxx

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I hope you and your family have a magical holiday Bluny, thanks for all the advice you have given out it has been invaluable.

I%26#39;ll look out for you on the webcam!!

Lyl

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Have a lovely, lovely time - we look forward to hearing all about it the SECOND you get home!!

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Have a brilliant time. Days seem to be ticking by real fast now. We%26#39;ll all soon be off!

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Blunny - Already sent you a Pm - but i will add to this just in case you read this and think i dont care. lol

Have a super fantastic brilliant smashing great time, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all your family, speak in the new year when we get back -

Hope you habe left some booze in Levi for the rest of us( not me though- i%26#39;m a good girl).

Love

Shell. x

Ho Ho Ho

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Shell,

your a good girl WHEN, and what are you doing up (god i sound like your mother)are you still watching the fight, i crumbled and paid for it, still think sky are robbing b-------s though.

HOHOHO, Kelly

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going to bed now and getting up later - had to stay and watch x factor - how sad,

As for sky - your coments were very polite.lol, major rip-off but what can you do, i hate monopolies.

Shell

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don%26#39;t start me off on x-factor what a bloody travesty, nicki should have been in the final 3 all the others are c--p

Kelly.

what to expect on a day trip

Hi,

Going to Levi on day trip with First Choice on 15th December.

Can anyone give me any insight as what to expect. Am starting to think we are not going to have to much time there and what little time we do have are we going to be spending it queueing.

Thanks

Tracy

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I have done both a day trip and a 3 day break.

We did the day trip to Rovaniemi and it was really good fun. We did not spend much time queing as it was so well organised.

However you do get better value for money going for a few days.

I would go with an open mind and enjoy this fabulous destination as it really is unforgettable.

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Removed on: 10:18 am, September 12, 2009

Anyone just back from a day trip to Lapland?

Just wondering if anyone is just back from a day trip to Lapland?

How did you get on, would be grateful for reports!!

Thanks

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Hi Sarahmc, just see my rant on the forum!

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Removed on: 7:17 am, September 13, 2009

infants in lapland

hi! we are going to levi on 4th dec for 7 nights and taking our two young children, one will be 4 in january and our youngest is only 15 months. My husband and i went to ruka last december and didn%26#39;t find it as cold as expected, we enjoyed every second of it and couldn%26#39;t wait to go back, this time with the kids so we chose a more family friendly resort this year. We have done as much research as possible and have bought all the appropriate gear for the kids and also have car hire so we can go places in our own time to fit in with their needs, i even found a website that does %26#39;baby friendly%26#39; trips to lapland so i wasn%26#39;t to worried about the little one. However, recently i have read some things on various forums about it being far to cold for young children and not suitible, now i%26#39;m panicking instead of looking forward to it! any advice and tips about taking babies to lapland would be appreciated. thanks!

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Hi,

I believe that temperatures in Lapland can range between about -7 and -35 during this period. Having lived in Finland for a while and taken my two 3 year old twin sons there last January I would personally say go ahead and enjoy the trip. You could also be lucky and get temperatures at the upper end of this scale.

However a few practical pointers:

* Lots of thin layers are good

* Silk balaclavas (for inner headwear) and silk goves (for inner gloves) are good

* Thermal underwear for little ones can be bought on line and are excellent.

* Be guided by your children and how they feel - don%26#39;t build up your hopes of going on long treks on a snow mobile or whatever. I believe they will simply find it too cold to be outdoors for long periods.

* Sturdy footwear, although expensive, is an absolute necessity.

* Don%26#39;t let their nose run, it freezes!

* Talk about how different it will be and how they might experience ice on their eyelashes etc. In this way they can be a little prepared for different feelings.

* Plan shorter trips out that still capture the magic but give your children periods indoors to warm up.

* If they really find it too cold don%26#39;t force it, be prepared to spend time indoors with them. One day they will be older and more hardy!

Lapland is friendly, fun and very different from the UK (or Macao where I am now!) People welcome you and your children. I love it!

I hope this helps and enjoy your trip!!

Rachel

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Thankyou for taking the time to reply Rachel, the points you raised were really useful, especially the one about wiping their nose - i hadn%26#39;t thought of that!

I can%26#39;t wait to go now i think i%26#39;m more excited than my 3-year-old daughter!

kim.

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Hi, we took our two boys, aged 6.5 and 4 yrs old last year - the temp fell to -27. Points to note the 4 year old gave us NO warning of cold fingers and toes until they were very cold, and he got chilblains on his hands. Keep a really good check on fingers and toes, as even with gloves and mittens, they get cold very quickly. We found the best thing for the hands were the enourmous adult fur lined mittens, worn over their own gloves. You could try the hand warmer sachets that skiers use, but put them between glove layers, not against the skin or they will burn them. Take at least two balaclavas for each child, as they get damp and iced up when you breathe through them.Best way around the cold is to take them outside for short bursts only for a quick play in the snow. I have been to Lapland 5 times and it is totally fabulous!! Enjoy!! Rgds Val

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Thanks Val! we didn%26#39;t have any balaclavas so i%26#39;ve just ordered them now! We have plenty of hand warmers though, i think we emptied our local outdoor shop of them!

cheers again! Kim.

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Hi, I see you are back from your lapland holiday. We are due to go to Ruka in 2 weeks, how did you find it? we are taking a 3 year old and I am having trouble finding thermals etc. What about shoes I was thinking of just taking our thermal moon boots? what do you think?

Nicky

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Hi!

We had a wonderful time, the kids were fine, our 3-year-old was very whingey the first day because it was unlike anything she had experienced before, but after this she had great fun! The only other time she complained, was one day when temperatures dropped below -20, so we didn%26#39;t keep them out for long on that day. The average temerature when we were there was around

-11 our 3-year-old wore on most days, thermal underwear including longjohns, a thin long sleeved top, then a t-shirt, then a fleece-jacket and fleece jogging bottoms and last of all an all-in-one ski suit and of course gloves, we put two pairs on her, a thin pair of inner gloves and then thick ones on top, she also had a balaclava, and wore two pairs of thermal socks with snow boots.

Here are the websites that we bought our kids stuff from -

www.raindrops.co.uk

we got their thermal underwear, inner gloves, snowsuit and hats from here.

www.littletrekkers.co.uk

bought outer gloves, fleece-jacket and fleece jogging bottoms from here.

www.snowandrock.com

this is where we got their thermal socks, balaclavas and snow boots.

Hope this has been of some help, please ask if you need to know anything else. We went to Ruka last year (without kids) and it was fantastic! you will have a wonderful time!!

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Hi again!

sorry forgot to answer your question on the Moon Boots! yeah these should be fine with thermal socks underneath!

Regards, Kim.

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Fantastic

Thank you so much for taking the time to respond. I am just looking into disposable hand and foot warmers so she should be fine.

thank you

Nik

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Thanks for your advice on lapland we are going to Levi and staying in the Immel Mokit log cabins my kids are 9 %26amp; 12. Could you give us any advice on the trips available? My son who is 12 is quite a keen skier, do you know wether we could hire skis %26amp; boots when we get there as opposed to booking the ski package with our tour operator? which is quite costly and I dont think we will benefit from a full weeks ski package apart from the cost

Your advice on the clothing was great!

%26quot;MANY THANKS%26quot;

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Hi Kim

Thanks for your reply. Your advice is most welcome and reassuring. When you stayed in the immel mokit cabins were you self catering then? we have been offered a half board option at the K5 hotel through Inghams we just go along to the hotel for our breakfast and evening meal so I%26#39;m sure this will be fine from what you have said. Did you find the cabins quite warm? Did you have some fun making the fire?

Thanks again Kim

yllas in the new year

Hello

new poster long time lurker so be kind x

I have 9 yrs old and a 2 1/5 yrs old boys (thats the ages when we go) one is a a non beliver and one is too young to understand the whole santa thing just yet....

So we want a snow holiday just for the pure fun and experience of it we have priced the snow elf apts for jan 6th 2009 and works out for a two bed at 1300 which is brill for a whole week.....(we are a non ski family lol)

So all experienced laplanders i have a few questions if you would give me any advice or info it would be gratefully taken.

1 resteraunts in yylas are they international as in pizza and burgers and pasta i am a more fussy eater than the boys!

2 supermarkets are there any/many

3 have you or do you take some basic foods with you if so what

4 snow elf apartments have you been what are they like ...of a good standard or do you recomend somewhere else

5 yylas itself is that a good choice we only want quiet and lots of snw with plenty of daytime stuff to do

6 buggies bad idea???

and anything you think would be useful you wish someone had told you

thanks for your time in answering anyone that does..

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Hi joannemanchester,

I cant help as i am new to lapland forum, we are also thinking of booking a snow holiday january 2009.

I have an 12yr old girl and a 14yr old boy (non believers) so we are going more for a snow holiday, and are also not really bothered about skiing(although i wouldnt mind a little go).

We are going more for a proper snow ball fight, log cabin,toasty fire and toboganing!

Im not sure which resort yet, im trying to decide between levi,yllas and saariselka, but yllas does seem abit quiet for us.

Where did you get the snow elf price from if you dont mind me asking?

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Hi there!!

Our local first choice were hugely helpful and the price for this jan is 1200ish so he reckons it should not be masivley difrent maybe 1300ish for 2009 good luck with your hunt i also found a website on ebay selling dare2be snow/ski wear ata really good price called outdoorgear4u seems very well priced so far

jo

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Oooh dont talk to me about ebay its abit of a touchy subject at the mo! Got ripped off a couple of weeks ago £350 engagement ring (had 3000 good feedback aswel) luckily we paid on credit card so its not lost.

I was looking at first choice, they have some good prices dont they, Inghams is also good they are very cheap for trips.

Let me know if you find any good bargains!

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i have read so many posts i have heard the name crystal mentioned but not had chance to look as yet...... inghams do some lovely cabins i was just a bit worried lugging suitcases to and fro with a toddler in tow....because i may be wrong on this but i think they drop you of but not at your cabin you have to haul yourself there lol.....(ihave a nightmaerish vision of a hlaf mile trek in normal warm clothing in a snow storm looking for a cabin with kids and cases in tow!) ..........if i am wrong on that id love to know as a cabin would be a dream come true....let me know how you get n i think yllas would suit us as its quietish and we dont need nightlife....

good luck with ring hope it gets sorted soon!!...what was wrong with it?

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Hi jo, i thought the ring was to good to be true (and it was!) it looked like it was out of a kinder egg! we sent it back for a refund and they have now been kicked off ebay and disapeared! just my luck!

Ive got another ring from h samuel, at least you know what your getting with them!

I dont mean to put you off ebay, we have bought and sold loads over the years and this is the first problem we have ever had.

I never thought about transfers, i guess you have to walk to your cabin, but im sure i read you get you thermal suit as soon as you land.

I was also abit worried about going out for tea, you would have to get in your snow suit everytime you leave your cabin (but in a hotel it would be abit easier)

I will have to think some more about that!

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Also i checked crystal but i dont think they have flights from manchester, we dont fancy travelling to london, but they have very good prices and free child places, your kids are young enough to benefit

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hi

wow what a nightmare about the ring at least like you say the credit card people will sort it out for you.......and you have another now all meant to be i guess...best wishes on your engagment!!...

we only live in sale so manchester airport is a stones throw from us so will not even think of london as a departure point as its a day of traveling before you even start...

there seems to be so many choices and options around i am glad we have started looking now so we get a good background knwledge before we comit to anything....

hey ho where the keyboard out goggling again i guess lol

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I just realised engagment ...lapland...are you thinking of getting married there ....that would be so fantastic

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No we hadnt thought of that! we are planning to get married in mauritius the year after.

I bet a lapland wedding would be out of this world though, i could look into it and if my O/H complains i%26#39;l blame it on you lol!!

I hope we see the northern lights they look stunning, is january a good time to see them?

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Hi jo, i made a mistake, crystal do have flights from manchester, sorry about that