What to Wear in Finnish Winter – Clothing Tips for Staying Warm Outdoors

Beautiful and fun – but seriously cold. Dress right, and you’ll enjoy even the coldest winter days to the fullest.

Finnish winter can be magical – and freezing. When temperatures drop well below zero, wearing the right clothes makes all the difference. Whether you’re skiing in Lapland, learning your first turns at a family resort, or simply exploring snowy forests, these winter clothing tips for skiing in Finland help you stay warm, safe, and comfortable.

Layer Up – The Key to Staying Warm

Merino wool beats synthetic fabrics when it comes to warmth. It’s soft, breathable, and available in different thicknesses for all kinds of weather. For the coldest days, a merino base layer is the safest choice.

One rule every outdoor professional knows: never wear cotton. When cotton gets damp, it loses all insulation and quickly draws heat away from your body. It might feel fine indoors, but once you start moving and sweating, cotton stays wet – and no outer layer can save you from getting cold. As many experienced skiers and hikers say, “cotton kills.”

For mid-layers, down insulation is excellent in extreme cold, while fleece or wool knitwear works well for everyday skiing. The goal is to trap warm air without blocking moisture transfer.

Head and Face – Protect from Frost and Wind

The colder it gets, the sharper the wind feels on your face. Even a gentle breeze can turn freezing in Arctic conditions. Wear a helmet with a thin merino hood or balaclava underneath to protect your ears, neck, and cheeks.

If your face starts to feel numb or turns pale with white patches, it’s time to take a break indoors. Warm up with a cup of hot chocolate and let your skin recover before heading back out.

Hands and Feet – Keep Them Warm and Dry

Cold starts from the extremities, so protect your fingers and toes carefully.

For hands, mittens are always warmer than gloves. Layering thin liners underneath gives extra insulation. Disposable or battery-powered hand warmers are also available.

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For feet, make sure they’re clean and dry before putting on socks. Wear one good pair of merino wool ski socks – that’s enough inside ski boots. More layers only reduce circulation and make your feet colder.

For winter boots with more room, you can add a thicker knitted wool sock. Merino wool remains the best all-round material: it keeps your feet warm even if they get slightly damp.

Take Breaks and Dry Your Gear

Even the best clothing needs breaks. When you stop for lunch or a hot drink, loosen your ski boots, open jacket zippers, and let your layers breathe. Dry your gloves and socks whenever possible – moisture is the main reason people get cold outdoors.

During breaks, it’s also smart to take off your jacket and let it air. Small adjustments, like tightening a waist cord or closing cuffs, can make a big difference in keeping cold air out.

Enjoy Every Day on the Slopes

With the right clothing, skiing in Finland is comfortable in any weather. Finnish ski resorts and schools operate safely even in the coldest Arctic conditions – and with proper clothing, you’ll discover how rewarding real winter can be.

Find more winter clothing tips for skiing in Finland, plus information on resorts and ski schools, at Ski.fi.