Esprit Santa's Lapland
Q - Are we guaranteed a private family meeting with Santa Claus?
A - With Esprit, yes you are! In our view, this is an absolutely vital part of our
promise to you. You may have heard or read about some companies where Santa just
‘drops in’ at a restaurant full of people for a quick ‘ho ho ho’ - we promise that
will never happen with us! When you meet Santa at his logcabin home in the woods,
it’s a special time, just for your family, with no other guests around - just Santa
and one or two of his helpers!
Q - Are these trips suitable for grandparents?
A - Yes, absolutely, subject of course to common sense considerations of mobility
in cold and sometimes slippery conditions. Many grandparents join us every year
and report having tremendous fun, not to mention the simple joy of being with the
grandchildren in such a magically special place!
Q - What do I need to do about my child’s letter to Santa?
A - Full details and special writing paper for your children will be supplied with
your pre-departure information.
Q - we have time to buy souvenirs?
A - Yes - see the itineraries for free ‘fun-time’. Saariselka has several small
souvenir shops and a supermarket for purchasing traditional Lappish goodies and Ivalo Airports also has a small selection of souvenir shops.
Q - When will we be able to do our pre-booked Optional Adventures?
A - Usually on the afternoon / early evening of the main activity day, or on departure
morning, depending on the activity and availability, and of course on the ‘at leisure’
day on our 4-day breaks. Although you can sometimes also book these in resort, pre-booking
in the UK is the only way to guarantee your reservation, as places fill up fast!
Q - Will we be issued with activity vouchers?
A - No, there is no need, as all the detailed information is sent directly to resort for your convenience.
Q - What should we wear?
A - Here above the Arctic Circle, the right clothing makes all the difference in
keeping you and your children warm, happy and having fun. Along with your complimentary
thermal outer-suit, you will be provided with cosy woollen socks, snow boots, outer
gloves and hats, all free of charge. We recommend you also bring additional mittens
or gloves (ideally waterproof for children’s snow play) to be worn next to the skin
and balaclavas or scarves to cover your face if necessary. Hats should have flaps
or be able to be pulled down to cover your ears. Several layers are far more insulating
than one or two thick items, so the best bet is thermal undies, shirt or roll-neck
fleece and jacket/anorak under your suit when outdoors.
Q - Will we be able to go skiing?
A - Yes, but only on the ‘at leisure’ day on our 4-day breaks.
Q - If I need an extra-large thermal suit or boots, will they have them to fit
me?
A - No problem – but please tell us at the time of booking so we can advise our
equipment partners in resort.
Q - What is the normal temperature in Lapland?
A - During December it is normally about -12°C but can reach as low as -30°. These
temperatures are perfectly manageable however with the thermal suits and boots we
provide free of charge. Our activity suppliers reserve the right to amend itineraries
if weather conditions dictate.
Q - How ‘commercialised’ is it?
A - Our breaks are not set up like a ‘Santa theme-park’ experience. On the contrary,
we focus on the true spirit of Christmas, set in the unspoilt wilderness of Lapland,
where each family’s private meeting with the ‘real’ Santa Claus is deliberately
less commercialised for example than a department-store ‘grotto’ in the UK. We have selected Saariselkä particularly because of it's charming, unspoiltatmosphere and `winter wonderland´ feel, which create a far more magical Christmassy atmosphere than some larger resorts.
Q - Do the Finnish speak English?
A - Yes, most people in Saariselkä speak English extremely well.
Q - How many of hours of daylight can we expect?
A - Approx. 4½ -5hrs in December, with approx 2-3 hours of ‘grey light’ either side,
rather like twilight in UK.
Q - What currency is used in Lapland?
A - The Euro - and there is one ATM in Saariselkä. If this is out of order however, there is nowhere else, so ensure you bring enough Euros with you! Major credit cards (not Amex) are accepted in hotels, most restaurants and for booking our ‘Optional Adventures’ locally.
Q - What is the food like?
A - Our hotels serve an extensive buffet breakfast. Lunch is provided on the main
activity day and is a simple, sustaining meal rather than ’Haute Cuisine’. Lunch
is not included on arrival or departure days, or on your ‘at leisure’ day on 4-day
breaks. Dinner in the hotels is generally buffet-style, with a choice of international
cuisine, some Lappish specialities and standard children’s options.
Q - Does Lapland suit infants and toddlers?
A - We do not recommend these trips for infants under 2 years of age. Toddlers of
3-4 years generally love the excitement and magic of it all, but clearly will not
be able to benefit from all of the activities.
Q - How much luggage can we take with us?
A - 20 kilos per person, plus 5 kilos per person handluggage.
Q - Should I take my camera?
A - Yes - as there will be so many magical moments to capture! However, extreme
cold can adversely affect some cameras, so do check manufacturers’ guidelines. Camera
batteries also discharge very quickly in the cold, so bring plenty of spares! Also
be aware of the ‘twilight’ times, when flash photography is necessary.
Q - What are the Northern Lights and will we see them?
A - The ‘Aurora Borealis’, more commonly known as the Northern Lights, is a natural
phenomenon caused by solar particles colliding with the earth’s magnetic field.
As a natural event, no one can predict or guarantee their appearance during your
stay. However, December is one of the best times to see them, and Saariselkä is
an ideal location, being one of Lapland’s most northerly resorts. See our ‘Northern Lights Adventure’ evening snowmobile expedition! for further details.
Q - Does your insurance cover me for everything?
A - See the synopsis on the Travel Insurance page, where full details can also be downloaded. All
our included activities are fully covered for medical costs (up to the insurance
limit). The snowmobile supplier’s insurance also covers damage to the snowmobile,
(subject to a €500 excess if you do not have Esprit insurance.)
Q - Is there a swimming pool?
A - Yes, there is a superb swimming-pool in the Hotel Holiday Club in Saariselka, complete with water-slide, waves, water-chutes, two whirlpool spa-baths, an upstream 'river', children's pool and pool-bar! It is free for Holiday Club
guests, and offers a special reduced rate, payable locally, for other Esprit guests from our other partner hotels
Q - What is the time difference in Lapland?
A - Lapland is 2 hours ahead of UK time in December (i.e. GMT + 2)