Absolutely, it was on our bucket list for a while, and when we first visited northern Finland three years ago it captured our hearts. This is now our third trip! There’s something about the Arctic that immediately slows you down. The snow, the light, the tranquillity — having been on many winter holidays in Europe and the US there’s something about Nordic countries that is like no other. We love exploring different areas, experiencing the breathtaking landscape, and as a family who love winter sports, it’s the perfect place for snowy adventures!

We’ve visited a few areas around here, but the ski resort of Ylläs is one we keep coming back to. It’s rustic and authentic, with a handful of local shops, cafes and restaurants, and feels like a real escape from everyday life. Despite being home to the largest ski area in Lapland, it never feels crowded. It’s calm, spacious and offers a truly Lappish experience.
 

We chose a traditional log cabin surrounded by forest and snow rather than a large hotel. Being able to step straight into the winter landscape made such a difference with children, especially with gentle hills for sledging right outside the door. We even woke up to red squirrels on the veranda and spotted wild reindeer nearby. The cabin was thoughtfully designed for families, with drying rooms for snow gear, plenty of space to layer up and down, and a cosy fire to snuggle up in front of after long days outdoors.

For winter trips, I always prioritise expertly made pieces that balance performance with style. Obviously layering is essential and the kids’ base layers were perfect: warm, breathable and comfortable while still looking effortlessly cool. They looked so cute matching too. 
 

And then the technical outer layers really elevated the looks whilst offering optimum warmth, dryness and breathability in the snow. Perfect Moment’s high-performance ski jackets offered exceptional insulation with a luxury feel, and the vivid colours popped against the white landscape, and made it much easier to keep track of the children while snowboarding, sledging and exploring. And my youngest Renzo’s colourful patchwork Bobo Choses snow outfit kept him cosy — he received endless compliments throughout the trip. To finish, their Moon Boots were outstanding, keeping their little feet perfectly toasty even in knee-deep snow.

After doing many winter trips with the kids, I’ve learnt how to pack smarter. For Finland especially, there’s really no need to overpack outfits. Life is very relaxed, and after long days outdoors we’d usually head straight out to eat in the same snow gear before returning to the log cabin, so you truly live in your snowsuits. If anything, I overpacked regular clothes. What you can never have enough of are warm accessories. Gloves, thermals and cosy layers get the most wear and make all the difference when you’re outside all day. Packing light but packing well is key to enjoying a winter trip comfortably.

My advice would be to invest in good-quality cold weather gear and don’t overthink the rest. When children are warm, dry and comfortable, they’ll happily spend hours outdoors no matter how cold it is — once the kids are cosy in their snow gear, everything else falls into place. Hand and foot warmers are a brilliant idea when temperatures drop. We use rechargeable ones, perfect for slipping into pockets and boots without any fuss. For little ones like Renzo, a wool balaclava under a hat makes a real difference, along with an extra pair of wool mittens layered under snow gloves for added warmth and comfort.

Without question, visiting the huskies. It’s suitable for all ages and includes everything from learning about their care to cuddling the puppies, and children remember it long after you’re home. Snowboarding is also fantastic for families seeking adventure, while sledging is a free, easily accessible favourite, perfect for spontaneous snowy fun.

The ultimate hot chocolate is at Campfire Barista in Zero Point, Levi, which is around a 45-minute bus ride from Ylläs. The owner, Stefan, makes an incredible dirty chai latte for adults — apparently even Gordon Ramsay said it was the best he’d ever tasted! Sipping hot chocolate by the campfire while toasting s’mores with homemade cloudberry and lingonberry marshmallows is unforgettable.

One of our most magical foodie discoveries is Café Panorama Lavuu in Levi, tucked away up the fell in a hidden wooden cabin in the snowy woodlands. From there, you can see for miles across the snow-covered landscape. They make an amazing crepe with Lappish honey, and sitting around the fire enjoying it is an experience the whole family loves.

It’s surprising how smoothly everything runs despite the snow. The Finnish are fully geared for winter with snow tyres, and even coaches drive as if it’s a normal day. We usually get around by walking or sledding, as the snowy landscapes are so beautiful, or by catching the ski bus, which is reliable and perfect for families. Travelling in Finland feels safe, efficient, and somehow magical all at once.

It depends on the time of year, but in January, temperatures in Finland can drop to lows of -30 °C, so dressing in layers is essential. Daylight is very limited at this time of year too, with only about three to four hours of soft, magical light each day. While the days are short, they’re filled with incredible winter experiences, and the long nights make cabin evenings, campfires, and spotting the Northern Lights even more special. With the right gear, the cold is completely manageable for families and adds to the winter wonderland experience.