Typically, we have the first snow in Levi Lapland around mid-October and the temperatures are already low. However, today is the 24th of October and there is still no snow. Temperatures are warm, around +5°C during the day but luckily the forecast shows that it will get colder and snow soon! We have been receiving numerous messages on our Instagram page from our followers worrying about the lack of snow. Are we concerned? No, not yet at least! We are confident that the snow will arrive, just a bit later than usual, but it will come.
We understand your concerns about your Lapland holiday not having the traditional snowy landscape you may have dreamt of. If you are coming to Lapland in the next 2 weeks, the chances are that there is no snow or very little snow. Will your Lapland holiday be ruined then? It doesn't need to be. While we cannot change the weather, we can choose our perspective and response to things. I always look to make the best of bad situations and you know what? It creates a very happy life. So let's look at the bright side and give you a few ideas of things you can do here when there is no snow.
First of all, take this opportunity to slow down. Many of you have a very busy life. There is not enough time in the day to do all your tasks and definitely not enough time to relax and take it easy. We know this, we've been there. Our busy life was one of the reason that many years ago we decided to move from London to Lapland, just to slow down. Anyway, we often see that when people are coming here, their holiday itinerary is packed with all sorts of amazing winter Lapland activities, leaving not much time to just slow down and unwind. Of course being on holiday and going on husky safari, feeding reindeer or chasing Aurora is already relaxing, especially for your mind. But what we are talking about is slowing down, taking time to look at the nature around you, not having any schedule to follow, just enjoying the here and now. Lapland without snow will give you this opportunity.
Lapland is a unique destination where nature shows its outstanding beauty in so many ways. Lapland is often referred as the last wilderness of Europe. Go and explore, go for a slow walk in the forest and look at the nature around you. Just remember to breathe deeply. Did you know that Lapland has the cleanest air in the world and some of the purest water? There are many signed hiking trails, and the greatest advantage in comparison to the other places in the world is the absence of crowds. Lapland will offer the space which in our modern world is missed by so many of us. Feel your blood pressure reducing!!
If you'd like to discover larger areas, then rent a bike and cycle around. Fat bikes and e-bikes are very popular in Lapland and you can rent them almost everywhere.
The experience that you should not miss is to stop in one of the kota or lavuu. Make a fire with the materials that are supplied there (take some matches though) and make sure you bring a snack (sausages are a very Finnish snack to bbq in kota), sit by the fire and just relax. Often kota and lavuu are located in scenic spots with a view and they are usually stocked with firewood and some fire tools too by the local municipality.
If you have "Our winter guide to Levi Lapland" you can find there kotas that you can experience for free in Levi.
And there is of course sauna... You might have a sauna (pronounced "sow as in cow -na" by the way) in your holiday accommodation but it will be an electric sauna. Make sure you experience the traditional Finnish sauna that is heated by wood. Of course we do recommend booking our Arctic Spa experience, but in our e-book you will find links to book other saunas too.
Here at Foxfires, we have created a very unique Traditional Finnish Sauna Experience. At the heart of our Arctic Spa, there is the wood fire heated sauna with a big window facing the peaceful forest. Step outside and hop into the outdoor hot tub and take in the natural beauty that surrounds you. Whilst you soak, breathe deeply with the cleanest air in the world. When all the heat is too much, sit on the deck and relax in front of the sauna where you might spot birds, squirrels, arctic hare or even a reindeer passing by. This is a private experience so the entire Arctic Spa will be for you only (and the wildlife) during your session.
With the many fairy lights and candles that surround the spa you will feel like you are in a winter wonderland far above the Arctic Circle. It's a magical place that can calm busy minds and heal your body and soul, slowing you down to deeply enjoy your Lapland holiday. You can also experience our Kota (laplander's hut). Inside you will find a cozy place to sit around the central fireplace where you can grill sausages and marshmallows or perhaps heat some mulled wine while watching the flames dance. A truly relaxing experience.
Lapland is a place of still silent wilderness. A place to lose yourself and find your soul. A sound bath experience or yoga session is an amazingly beautiful way to relax.
When there is no snow, the walkway around the top of Levi is still open. There are some benches to rest and boards with interesting information about Lapland to read. And when the clouds are low, this is one of my favourite place to be. Just watch the sun above the clouds, it's magical.
Santa's cabin in Levi looks beautiful at any time of the year and it's actually easier to reach it without snow. The views from there are stunning all year round. You can reach the cabin in 3 different ways by walking up from the gondola, taking gondola up and walking down or driving to the top parking, then walking up and down. If you have our ebook, those three ways are described in details with pictures showing all the steps (check walk number 10 on pages 359-379).
And don't forget that Santa is in his office all year around. The benefit of visiting him out of busy Christmas time is that there will be no crowds and no big queues. When you visit him, please say hello from us. And with no snow on the roads the drive down to Rovaniemi is normal and safe for those that might otherwise not feel confident enough to drive in winter conditions.
And of course the Northern Lights. So far this season is incredible, from the end of August we have already seen them many times. Maybe because we have the app now, so we can't really miss them, and of course it's the solar maximum year. And as the lakes are not frozen yet, you can see double Aurora when it reflects in the water. Who needs the snow if you have double Aurora 😆
So don't worry if you are traveling here in a few days time. Change your mandset and lean in to the autumnal vibes, walk, cycle, aurora hunt, sauna, relax!
We wish you a great time in our beautiful Lapland.
Aggie, Paul & Gooseberry
Use this guide to plan your ideal holiday in Lapland. Our extensive local knowledge and years of experience are poured into the pages to help you save time and reduce stress whilst planning your trip. This is the most comprehensive Lapland guide that is written by locals and includes all the information that you need for your Lapland trip.This e-book is the ultimate travel companion for anyone planning a trip to Lapland. We have compiled over 400 pages of our local insights on Levi and Lapland, along with over 400 photos capturing Lapland over the past decade
With our guide you will:
learn the secrets of Northern Lights hunting and increase your chances of seeing them
find 5 Aurora viewing spots in Levi on foot
find out when is best to come to Lapland
understand the tricks of how to keep warm even in -40°C
learn 5 things NOT to do in Lapland
discover 10 winter walking trails in Levi and breathtaking scenic viewing sports
uncover 25 winter activities and find out where to book them
locate Santa’s cabin with clear directions and detailed pictures