|
Useful Information
TIME
Finland is 2 hours ahead of GMT
MONEY
The Euro is the currency of Finland
Credit cards are widely
accepted
There is a cashpoint machine in Akaslompolo village (outside the
supermarket)but no bank
HEALTH
There is a private medical clinic in Akaslompolo which is happy to
see and treat visitors.
WEATHER
It can be very cold in Lapland in winter but because of the dry
climate, with the right clothing it doesn't feel that cold!
January is the
coldest month when the average temperature is -15C (it can of course be warmer
or colder than this)
Our cabin is very warm with triple glazed windows,
underfloor heating and a woodburning stove
Snow usually starts to fall in
November and some lasts until May.There is on average over 1 metre of snow
through the winter. Snow depth usually reaches its maximum in March/April
In
midwinter the sun doesn't rise above the horizon. The ensuing magical
bluish light, or Polar Night, is known as "Kaamos". It is not completely
dark because of twilight and the bright white of the snow which
reflects any available light. Many of the downhill runs and crosscountry
trails are floodlit, meaning that skiing is not restricted
| Average
daylight hours and temperature chart |
| MONTH |
DAYLIGHT HOURS |
TEMPERATURE (celsius) |
| November |
7 |
-7 |
| December |
5 (Polar Night-twilight) |
-12 |
| January |
6 |
-14 |
| February |
9 |
-13 |
| March |
13 |
-8 |
| April |
18 |
-2 |
Summers are warm. Between June and July the sun doesn't set, giving
24hour daylight- the midnight sun
WHAT TO WEAR IN WINTER
It is best to wear several thin layers of warm
thermal clothing. Remember that when you are active (for example cross country
skiing) you will get hot. Take a windproof, warm layer to put on when you
stop
Don't forget your hat, gloves, goggles and possibly a thermal
facemask if it is very cold
The sports /ski shops sell everything you might
need
It is possible to hire thermal suits and boots in Akaslompolo for
the duration of your holiday. They are also usually provided on organised
activities such as snowmobiling
Snowboots are essential for walking around
the village
SHOPS
Self catering is easy-there is a very well stocked supermarket in
the village, selling everything from reindeer meat to more conventional foods.
It also sells household items and pretty much everything else. A new
shopping centre has opened, housing the supermarket and many other shopping
services including the Alko shop (for buying your spirits and wines) and a
chemist.
A very short walk away from our cabin there is an internet cafe/post
office.
There are also arts/handicraft and gift shops, 2 sports/ski
shops.
There is a petrol station at the supermarket
RESTAURANTS
There are a small number of restaurants in Akaslompolo,
together with several hotels serving non-residents. Between them they cater for
all tastes from pizza to traditional Lappish dishes.There are also a couple of
bars and even a nightclub (in a well-soundproofed basement of one of the local
hotels)
There are restaurants and cafes on the slopes and at both ski
centres
The cross country ski trails are served by cosy wooden huts serving
drinks and snacks
Don't forget the picnic sites complete with firepits and
shelters (you might have to light the fire if you are the first to stop there
-firewood provided!). Do as the Finns do and take along some sausages to
cook
SNOWMOBILES
Drivers must be at least 15 years old and in
possession of a valid, full UK driving licence
Don't forget to take your
licence with you on holiday
|
