The short answer: pack layers rather than one thick coat, wool against the skin, warm winter boots with a good grip, a hat, mittens with thin gloves underneath, and a swimsuit for the sauna and jacuzzi. On husky and snowmobile tours, winter overalls and boots are provided.
Why layers work
Winter days near Rovaniemi are often between −10 °C and −25 °C, and colder nights happen. You move between warm cars, warm chalets and cold air all day, so it is easier to add and remove layers than to live in one heavy coat. The rule most people learn quickly: no cotton next to the skin. It holds moisture and gets cold.
Layers
- Two sets of thermal underwear (merino wool is warmest and doesn’t smell)
- A fleece or a thick wool jumper
- A warm, windproof winter jacket
- Warm trousers or insulated over-trousers
- Comfortable clothes for inside the chalet: it is warm indoors
Head, hands and feet
- A warm hat that covers the ears
- A neck warmer or scarf
- Mittens, plus thin gloves to wear underneath for the camera and phone
- Wool socks, a few pairs
- Winter boots with a good grip, half a size roomy for thick socks
For the northern lights nights
- Everything above, plus one extra layer: standing still is colder than walking
- Hand and foot warmers
- A head torch with a red-light mode, so you don’t ruin your night vision
- Spare phone or camera batteries in an inside pocket
- A thermos, if you plan to wait outside
For the sauna and the jacuzzi
- A swimsuit for the outdoor jacuzzi
- Sauna slippers or flip-flops, for the few steps outside
- Nothing else: towels are in the chalet
On tours, clothing is provided
On the husky safari you get warm winter overalls and snow boots, and on the snowmobile safari thermal clothing, boots, gloves, a balaclava and a helmet. You still want your own base layers, hat and warm socks underneath.
What you can leave at home
Towels, bed linen and a hairdryer are in every chalet, along with a kitchenette with a coffee machine for espresso, americano and hot water for tea. Breakfast is brought to your door, so there is no need to pack for a dining room.