There’s a saying up here in the north: there’s no bad weather, only bad clothing. While that’s mostly true, anyone who’s stood on a frozen lake in a stiff wind knows there’s also a point where even the best gear can only do so much. Still, the right preparation can make the difference between shivering miserably and enjoying the crisp magic of winter. Whether you’re mushing huskies through the Lapland wilderness or just walking to the shop on a frosty morning, here’s how to dress smart, stay comfortable, and – when necessary – embrace the cold for what it is.

1. Dress in Layers – The Foundation of Warmth

Cold-weather pros always start with layering, it traps heat and lets you adjust on the go.

• Base layer: Wear moisture-wicking fabrics like merino wool, polyester, or nylon. These fabrics pull sweat away, keeping you dry and warm. Avoid cotton as it holds moisture and chills you quickly.
• Mid layer: Choose warm, insulating materials like fleece or wool. Down also works well when stationary, but it can overheat if you’re active.
• Outer shell: Opt for a windproof, breathable, water-resistant layer like a Gore‑Tex or synthetic shell.

Think of the setup as base layer + mid layer + outer shell. Make sure that the layers are not too tight on top of each other, there needs to be a bit of space between each layer. It’s flexible and effective, whether you’re hiking, snowshoeing, or travelling in a dog sled.

2. Don’t Neglect the Extremities

We emphasize protecting your fingers, toes, head, and neck. These are areas that lose heat the fastest.

• Head and face: Use wool or fleece hats, balaclavas, thermal tube scarves or windproof masks to keep your head and face warm.
• Hands: Mittens (especially insulated ones) often outperform gloves for retaining warmth.
• Feet: Wool or synthetic socks and waterproof, insulated boots. Cotton socks are especially risky when wet!
• Layer coverage counts: A winter coat that reaches mid-thigh or lower protects more core, reducing heat loss.

3. Stay Dry and Avoid the Cold from Within

Moisture is the enemy in cold weather. Even light sweat can chill you when you’re inactive or facing the wind.
Sweat-prone activities? Start with lighter layers and add as needed to avoid overheating at the start, then shivering later.

Use moisture-wicking fabrics throughout and dry wet clothing immediately, especially before heading back outside.

4. Local Wisdom from Bear Hill Husky – What We Provide for Your Tour

When you join us for a winter adventure, you don’t have to pack an Arctic expedition wardrobe. We’ve spent years fine-tuning the gear we provide so you can enjoy the cold without investing in specialist clothing you might only use once.

Before your tour, we’ll outfit you with:

• A full thermal outer overall
  Windproof, water-resistant, and generously insulated to trap warmth even in sub-zero winds.
• Winter boots
  Sturdy, insulated footwear designed to keep your toes toasty, even when standing on the sled for long stretches.
• Warm mittens
  Roomy enough to let your fingers share heat while still being easy to slip on and off for taking photos.
• A warm hat
  For those who don’t have their own, we can also provide hats.

Our gear is chosen with one goal in mind: to keep you as comfortable as possible while you’re outside with the dogs. You’ll still want to wear your own base and mid layers underneath (merino wool or synthetic is best), but the outer clothing we provide will do the heavy lifting against the elements. In our FAQ section you can still find more information on this topic.

Please note that on our Running with the Pack tour and 2,5Km Santa’s Husky Rides we do not provide any clothing. So, for these tours please dress according to the weather with your own clothing.

5. The Mindset: Sometimes the Cold Wins

Here’s your important truth, delivered with warmth and honesty:

At the end of the day, there is no cure for being cold. After a certain temperature, you will simply feel it. Even us locals are not immune to it. We get cold, too. So let yourself feel it. And accept the fact that you will be cold.

It’s not a defeat, it’s real. And that acceptance lets you embrace the experience with humor, humility, and practical flair.

With these tips – from scientific layering to mushers’ tried-and-true methods – you’re ready for Lapland, your local winter stroll, or a cozy sled ride through the snowy forest. And more importantly: you’ll be prepared mentally, acknowledging that once temperatures drop far enough, we all just … get a bit cold. And that, in itself, is part of the magic.