What to wear for a husky safari
The outer layer is often provided. What goes underneath decides whether you enjoy the ride.
On a husky ride you are outside in Lapland winter for the whole ride, and on a passenger sled you sit still in the wind. Some tours provide an outer layer (the short ride in Santa Claus Village, for example, includes outer winter clothing), but what is included differs by tour. Check the “included” section on the product page, and bring the layers below either way.
What to check on the product page
- Outer clothing: whether thermal overalls or a winter suit are included.
- Boots: whether winter boots are provided or you need your own.
- Gloves or mittens: may not be part of the outfit, so bring your own either way.
- Where you change: at the kennel or the meeting point, so you know what to wear on the way there.
The layers underneath
- Base layer: long-sleeved top and long underwear in merino wool or synthetic fabric. Avoid cotton, because it holds moisture and cools you down.
- Mid layer: a fleece or wool jumper and warm trousers.
- Socks: one pair of thick wool socks. Two tight pairs cut circulation and make feet colder.
- Hands: thin liner gloves under warm mittens. You will want to take a mitten off for photos, and the liner keeps your fingers working.
- Head and face: a hat that covers your ears and a neck gaiter or scarf you can pull over your nose. The wind on a moving sled bites.
- Eyes: sunglasses or ski goggles for bright days in late winter; snow and low sun are glaring.
The driver stands, brakes and moves; a passenger sits still for the whole ride. On a passenger ride, with children, and on evening rides, add an extra mid layer and make sure hands and feet are covered first. They get cold before anything else.
Mild and wet days
Not every day in the season is frozen. On mild days rain is possible: one reviewer describes a passenger ride in steady rain without a blanket. If the forecast shows temperatures around freezing, a waterproof layer matters more than extra warmth. In autumn, on the cart tours, waterproof shoes and outer layers are the priority.
Small things that help
- Phone: batteries drain fast in the cold. Keep the phone in an inside pocket and take it out only for photos.
- Hand and foot warmers: small disposable warmers are useful for passengers and children.
- No loose items: scarves with long ends, loose hats and anything that can fall off the sled are better left behind or tucked in.
Travelling with children? The with-kids page covers the family formats, and on the shortest rides, children are back inside before the cold becomes a problem.
When the weather does not play along
Rain in a passenger sled and a day with bad conditions are two reasons to check the forecast the day before and adjust your layers instead of simply adding more of them.
“I love the huskies. It was raining all the time and we had no blanket over us. I did ask if we could change the date … but they made no effort to accommodate, or help us. …”
“We were unlucky with the weather conditions … despite the less favorable conditions, which we understand, we still had to pay the same price. The activity was more of a tourist trap; there were a lot of us on the tour. …”
Real traveller reviews from GetYourGuide.
FAQ
Is warm clothing provided on husky tours in Rovaniemi?
On some tours an outer layer is provided. The short ride in Santa Claus Village, for example, includes outer winter clothing. What is included differs by tour, so check the product page. Bring your own base layers, warm socks, a hat and gloves either way.
What should I wear under the thermal suit?
A base layer in wool or synthetic fabric, a warm mid layer such as a fleece, one pair of thick wool socks, a hat, a neck gaiter and liner gloves under mittens. Avoid cotton next to the skin.
Is a passenger ride colder than driving?
Yes. The driver moves; a passenger sits still in the wind. Add an extra layer if you ride as a passenger.
What should I wear for an autumn husky cart ride?
Waterproof outer layers and waterproof shoes, a warm mid layer, a hat and gloves. Autumn days can be wet and muddy.
Compare all Rovaniemi husky tours
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