What Apukka Winter Clothing Covers on the Trail

What Apukka Provides: The Thermal Overall and Boots

Apukka supplies a complete thermal overall suit designed to trap warmth across your torso, arms and legs during the 6 km sled ride. This one-piece garment is the foundation of your protection against Lapland's winter air, which regularly drops to -15°C or colder on the trail. The overall arrives at the resort and is fitted to your frame before departure, so sizing matters: mention your height and build when you arrive, or confirm your fit during the pre-ride briefing.

You also receive insulated thermal boots from the resort. These are engineered to keep your feet warm while you stand on the sled runners for three and a half hours. The boots are lined and rated for sub-zero conditions. If you wear a size at either extreme - very large or very small feet - arrive early so staff can source a pair that works; the resort keeps a range in stock, but popular sizes can be stretched during peak season.

Base and Mid Layers: What You Must Bring Underneath

Under the thermal overall, wear a moisture-wicking base layer as your first skin. Merino wool or synthetic thermal leggings and a long-sleeved thermal shirt work best; avoid cotton, which absorbs sweat and loses insulation when damp. A mid-layer fleece or wool sweater adds a second wall of warmth between your base layer and the overall. This combination keeps you dry and warm for the full duration of the ride. Pack these layers in your bag at the hotel and change into them before your transfer to Apukka Resort.

The thermal overall sits over these layers, so do not overdress underneath. Two layers (base plus mid) are sufficient and recommended. Three thick layers will compress and reduce their insulating power, and you may overheat during the ride and sitting areas, then chill rapidly when you stop. Bring spare thermal leggings or an extra base layer if you plan to sled on consecutive days.

Protecting Your Hands, Head and Neck

Apukka does not supply gloves, so bring heavy winter mittens or insulated leather gloves rated for -20°C. Mittens are warmer than gloves because your fingers stay together, but gloves offer more dexterity if you want to adjust your clothing or hold a camera during breaks. Wool-lined or thermal-lined options are common in winter sports shops. The resort's thermal overall includes sleeve cuffs, but they do not fully seal around your wrists; mittens or gloves that extend up the wrist give extra protection.

A warm hat covering your ears is essential and must be your own. The thermal overall does not include a hood or head covering. Wear a wool beanie, a fleece-lined winter hat or a balaclava that covers your forehead, ears and the back of your neck. A neck warmer, neck gaiter or scarf adds another layer of defence against wind chill on the sled. Many riders wrap a wool scarf loosely around their neck and tuck it into the overall; this works well because you can adjust it if you become too warm.

Footwear and Socks: Preparing for the Thermal Boots

The thermal boots Apukka lends are lined and thick, so wear thin to medium wool socks underneath rather than bulky outdoor hiking socks. Apukka includes woolen socks in the package, so ask for them when you arrive and put them on before the boots are fitted. If you bring your own socks, merino wool or thermal synthetic blend socks that reach mid-calf are ideal. Never wear multiple heavy socks in the hope of extra warmth; they compress and restrict blood flow to your feet, which actually makes them colder.

Do not wear street shoes or trainers under the thermal boots. The boots are designed to fit over thin socks and a light indoor shoe or sock liner. If you arrive in hiking boots or thick outdoor shoes, you will not fit into the thermal boots, and circulation to your toes will be cut off. Change into lightweight indoor shoes or thermal sock liners at the resort before the boots are fitted. Your feet remain inside the thermal boots for the entire three and a half hours, so comfort and proper fit are critical.

Managing Glasses, Cameras and Cold Electronics

Glasses and contact lenses can be worn while mushing. If you wear glasses, consider a retention strap so they do not slip on the sled, and bring a cloth to wipe them if they fog when you move between the cold trail and warmer shelter areas. Contact lenses work fine, but the dry air and wind on the sled can irritate eyes; bring rewetting drops and store them in an inside pocket of the thermal overall to keep them from freezing.

Cameras and smartphones lose battery power rapidly in extreme cold. Keep your phone or camera inside the thermal overall, close to your body, rather than in an exposed backpack. Apukka staff can store your personal coat and any bag you do not need during the ride at the resort; ask them where when you check in. Battery drain at -15°C can be 50% faster than at room temperature, so charge your device fully before the ride and expect reduced recording time. If you plan to take photos, have your camera ready before you depart, then return it to an inside pocket between shots.

Where Your Personal Coat and Bag Go

When you arrive at Apukka Resort and put on the thermal overall, your own winter coat should not be worn over it. The overall is bulky enough on its own, and adding a coat restricts movement on the sled. Instead, leave your coat and any personal backpack with the resort staff during the ride. Apukka provides secure storage for these items while you are out on the trail. Inform staff which items you are leaving, and they will keep them safe until you return.

Do not carry a bag or coat on the sled itself. You need both hands free to hold the reins and brace yourself as the huskies pull. If you have a camera or phone, keep it in an inside pocket of the thermal overall rather than in a separate bag. Retrieve your coat and belongings immediately after the ride ends and you remove the thermal gear, as you will want them before your transfer back to Rovaniemi city center or Santa Claus Village.

Final Checklist Before You Arrive at Apukka

Pack in your luggage: thermal base layer leggings, a thermal long-sleeved shirt, a fleece mid-layer, winter mittens or gloves, a warm hat, a neck warmer or scarf, and thin or medium wool socks. Wear lightweight indoor shoes or thermal sock liners on your feet; you will change into the loaned thermal boots at the resort. Bring a cloth or microfiber cloth for glasses if you wear them, and any contact lens rewetting drops if you use lenses. Charge your camera, phone and any other electronics fully the night before.

On the morning of your 3h30 tour, confirm your booking time with the transfer coordinator if you are using hotel pickup from Rovaniemi city center or Santa Claus Village. Arrive at Apukka Resort at least 15 minutes before your ride departure so staff have time to fit the thermal overall and boots and brief you on husky handling. Mention your shoe size and any size concerns when you check in. Once you are dressed and fitted, you are ready to take command of your own husky team and experience one of Lapland's most authentic winter adventures.

Before you book