What to Wear to the Arctic SnowHotel: Complete Packing List for Finland in Winter
Are you worried about freezing in Arctic Lapland of Finland? Read and pack these essentials and stop hesitating about living your dreams.
What Are the Must-Have Items for Arctic SnowHotel and Lapland?
The short answer:
Dress in layers for 0 to -5°C (32-23°F) inside the hotel and colder outside. You'll need waterproof insulated boots (I wore Sorel), Smart Wool socks, base layers, a warm parka, and critical accessories like a power bank (cold drains phone batteries fast) and hand warmers.
The good news? You probably already own most of this, and you can rent proper Arctic clothing from a local Finnish Outfitter (or safari company as they locals call them) if needed.
Essential Items at a Glance:
Sorel waterproof boots ($150-200) -My favorite
Smart Wool socks (multiple pairs)-another favorite
Base, mid, and outer layers (NO COTTON)
Power bank (critical for cold weather)
Neck gaiter
Hand/toe warmers (in checked luggage)
Essential Footwear
Insulated Waterproof Boots
Ideally knee height with good traction so you enjoy the ice and don’t fall down.
I’m on my second pair of the iconic Joan of Arctic Sorel boots. They retail for about $200 USD. I had my first pair for 15 years-they look great and keep your feet warm, so you go home with the same number of toes you came with. Treat yourself and your feet will thank you.
Smart Wool Socks: The Best Investment
Wool socks. I LOVE Smart Wool socks. They are a hefty $25 USD, I usually grab a pair on sale. I have about 10 pairs that have lasted 10 years.
Simply put-the best of the best. Do you love cotton socks? ⚠️ Don’t even think about bring them! If your feet sweat they’ll freeze-not a recipe for a good time. I have worn mine in weather down to -37F with toe warmers inside my Sorels and came home with all 10 of my toes.
How to Dress for Dinner in the Ice Restaurant?
Get ready to be hot in the cold with these tips.
Enter the restaurant at the Ice Hotel fully dressed for success and cozy vibes. Congratulations you made it!
What Should You Wear to the Arctic SnowHotel?
The Perfect Layering System for Arctic Temperatures
Base Layer: Your Foundation
Also called thermal underwear: Synthetic, wool are great insulators and dry quickly. Again- NO cotton for these items - see part about the socks above.
Long sleeves are the best for layers.
Thermal leggings/long underwear. Worried about how they will look? WHY? They’re a base layer and they will be covered by some kind of pants or trousers.
Pro tip: Add a t-shirt or tank top underneath in case you overheat on the heated bus or inside the coffee shop/presentation area. You’ve been in this situation before haven’t you? Don’t forget that you might pop into someplace heated.
Mid Layer: Warmth Without Bulk
Again, leave your fuzzy cotton sweatshirts at home. Polyester fleece or wool sweaters are what you need. Consider a turtle neck for frigid conditions or a half zip for ventilation if you’ll be in and outside or exercising.
Outer Layer: Your Arctic Protection
Insulated waterproof parka. I choose a longer length that covers down to my knees and has the most fabulous faux fur lined hood. Because if you are doing this trip you might as well feel beautiful in all your pictures correct? Afraid of cool breezes getting to your skin? Get zippers instead of buttons. Hoods are great options to protect you from wind and snow too. Because who wants to feel like someone put an ice cube down your neck? Save that for your summer trip.
Ski/snowboard/insulated pants: If you are planning on going near snow or ice-they NEED to be waterproof. Water resistant or cute isn’t going to keep you alive. Bib option are like overalls and will keep your midsection cover if your jacket rises up.
Critical Accessories:
The Details That Make or Break Your Trip
Neck gaiter (better than scarf - stays put) Why do you need one? What the heck is it? One of the most amazing discoveries I’ve made - you cut down on the bulk of a scarf, look polished, and don’t freeze. You could also pull it over your head as a scarf or headband. It’s basically the part that would cover your neck in a turtleneck style top. Get one or two of these and make sure to tag @itsthatdarlene in your thank you posts on Instagram.
Warm hat (I wore a Santa hat for fun!) and a knit hat with fleece lining for warmth. If you can find one with a brim, you’ll have a chance that your glasses will stay drier and you can see more = Bonus!
Backpack or tote bag for carrying layers you remove-nothing worse than looking like you robbed a yard sale leaving a trail of stuff along your path.
Pro tip: Consider grabbing a plastic bag from your hotel to keep any wet items separate from your dry clothes.
Power Bank - CRITICAL
Cold temperatures drain phone batteries 30-50% faster. You'll see the cord sticking out of my pocket in photos - smart choice! Fully charge your phone before you go. Put in inside your layers or pocket-also a great use for a glove or sock that has lost it’s match-more is better when insulating electronics.
Water Bottle (Insulated)
Yes, even in the cold. Get one that won't freeze. Cold weather is dry and indoor heat sucks moisture out of everything - stay hydrated. And if you choose wisely, you’ll be able to use it for coffee. Did you know Finnish people drink more coffee than any other country? Not a coffee fan? My experience was showed me they put more whip cream atop their hot chocolate too!
Hand/Toe Warmers
Great inexpensive option. Bring them from home. I saw packets for €5 at the hotel gift shop. Way more expensive that you need to pay. But you may consider them worth it not to freeze? Or sell yours to someone who didn’t pack these little treasures for themselves.
Tip - this is a good time to make sure you phone is fully charged and your backup power bank. Did you know the cold temps drain you cell phone battery faster and you'll regret if you don't have a way to recharge it - you'll see the cord sticking out of my pocket in the pictures. Good choice to bring.
What Can You Rent or Buy in Rovaniemi?
You can rent proper Arctic clothing online prior to your arrival or go in person. Worth it? Only if you want to stay warm.
What You Don't Need:
Expensive expedition-grade gear
Do your research, dress for the weather, and heck bring your blanket if you need it - don't let packing too much or too little- be another excuse not to enjoy yourself.
Remember….The Arctic SnowHotel only exists December 15 - March 31.
Planning your next adventure?
Get my FREE Ultimate Winter Travel Packing Checklist — never forget your cold-weather gear again!
Still have doubts if you can master cold weather wear for the Arctic? Check out these links to my other posts on planning your type of visit and what to pack.
Day Tour vs Overnight: Which should you book?
Is Arctic SnowHotel worth it? Read my honest review
What Would I Pack Differently Next Time?
Hand Warmers: Pack mine in checked luggage (not carry-on to avoid TSA issues).
⚠️ TSA Warning: Hand warmers triggered extra screening for me in Frankfurt. The TSA rep asked about them and took them out—making security take longer than usual. Would I bring them again? Maybe, but only in checked luggage. I saw packets for €5 at the hotel gift shop so it’s cheaper to bring your own. My take: We dressed warmly and it was unusually warm in Finland when we visited, so we didn't actually need them. Always check the forecast before you go.
You Probably Already Own Most of This (Or maybe you can even borrow these items)
But You Likely Already Have:
✓ Thermal underwear
✓ Fleece/sweater
✓ Winter coat (even if not Arctic-rated, layering helps)
✓ Backpack
✓ Water bottle
What You Might Need to Buy:
Sorel or equivalent waterproof boots: $150-$200
Smart Wool socks: $20-25/pair
Neck gaiter: $15-25
Frequently Asked Questions
How cold is it inside the Arctic SnowHotel? The temperature inside is constantly between 0 and -5°C (32-23°F), while outside temperatures can drop to -35°C (-31°F).
Can I rent Arctic clothing in Rovaniemi? Yes! Local safari companies rent proper Arctic gear. You can book online before arrival or in person.
Do cotton socks work in Arctic weather? Absolutely not. Cotton retains moisture and will freeze your feet. Stick with wool or synthetic socks only.
Why does my phone battery drain so fast in the cold? Cold temperatures drain lithium batteries 30-50% faster. Always bring a fully charged power bank and keep devices in inside pockets.
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About the Author
Darlene T Bass is a Denver-based marketing strategist and content creator who helps hesitant travelers stop postponing bold adventures. Through honest guides and real photography, she shows you these "scary" trips are totally doable—from the Arctic Circle to Colorado's mountain towns.
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Related searches: Arctic SnowHotel packing, Finland winter clothing, Lapland cold weather gear, Rovaniemi winter travel, Northern Lights packing list