Finland’s beloved Lapland, a magical destination for Christmas travelers from across Europe, is facing an unprecedented crisis. The absence of snow, a hallmark of its winter charm, has thrown holiday plans into chaos, with travel companies canceling trips and climate change casting a shadow over the region’s future as a winter wonderland.

Lapland’s Mild Winter: A Snowless Christmas Disrupts Travel Dreams

Lapland, a dream destination for winter adventurers and holiday seekers, is grappling with an unexpected crisis—no snow. This unprecedented weather anomaly has thrown travel plans into disarray, with popular tours canceled, family vacations ruined, and the very essence of Lapland’s charm under threat.

Snow Shortage Leads to Canceled Trips

The snowless winter has hit hard in areas like Rovaniemi, the ‘official home of Santa,’ where the usual blanket of 20-30cm of snow is conspicuously absent. November saw only isolated patches of snow, leaving much of the region bare. Heavy rainfall in early December washed away the remaining snow, turning a winter wonderland into a mild-weathered landscape.

On 3 and 4 December, travel giant TUI canceled several trips to Kuusamo, citing the lack of snow as the primary reason. With key winter activities like sledding and reindeer safaris no longer viable, TUI deemed it impossible to deliver the magical experience visitors expected.

In a statement on 4 December, TUI announced alternatives for affected travelers, including:

• Changing travel dates at no additional cost.
• Rebooking another holiday with a 10% discount.
• Receiving a full refund.

Meanwhile, other travel agencies are closely monitoring the weather. Some have deployed snow cannons to simulate the wintry conditions visitors hope to experience.

The Rise of Lapland as a Winter Hotspot

Lapland wasn’t always this accessible. Just a few decades ago, a visit to Santa’s mythical home was a dream reserved for only a few. However, thanks to increased air connections across Europe, Lapland has become one of the most sought-after winter destinations.

Finnavia, the operator of Finnish airports, revealed that over 1.5 million visitors arrived in Finnish Lapland in 2023, marking a 20% increase from the previous year. From November to December alone, airports in Rovaniemi, Kittilä, Ivalo, Kuusamo, and Kemi-Tornio saw 547,773 passengers.

Swedish Lapland has also seen tremendous growth in tourism. The county of Norrbotten, home to attractions like the ICEHOTEL in Kiruna, recorded a 9% increase in visitors in 2023. Kiruna alone reported 50,000 additional guest nights compared to the previous year.

For these travelers, Lapland promises a host of unforgettable experiences:

• Dog sledding adventures across snowy expanses.
• Snowmobiling through frozen forests.
• Reindeer safaris offering an authentic Nordic experience.

Unfortunately, the snow shortage has rendered many of these activities impossible, impacting not only tourism but also local wildlife. Reindeer, for instance, are struggling to access their primary winter food, lichen, buried beneath hardened ice.

The Forecast for Lapland’s Christmas

The immediate outlook for Lapland remains bleak. According to travel company J2SKI, snowfall in the region is expected to be minimal, with ski areas receiving between 2 and 6cm of snow over the next week. While this might allow for limited skiing, conditions for many winter activities will remain unfavorable due to packed ice beneath the snow.

With Christmas fast approaching, families and travelers are left to wonder whether Lapland will regain its signature winter charm in time for the holidays.

Climate Change and Lapland’s Unpredictable Weather

This isn’t just an isolated weather event; it’s part of a larger pattern tied to climate change. Lapland’s record-breaking summer temperatures were a precursor to the current winter woes. Finnish Lapland experienced its warmest summer on record, with average temperatures exceeding norms by 2 to 3.5 degrees Celsius.

Even autumn saw unseasonably warm conditions. In late October, Kilpisjärvi recorded a high of 11.2 degrees Celsius—well above the October average of 2.8 degrees Celsius. November brought further temperature anomalies, with Utsjoki reaching 11 degrees Celsius, breaking a record set in 1975.

Meteorologists attribute these changes to the ongoing effects of climate change. Jim Dale, founder and Senior Meteorological Consultant at British Weather Services, explained the phenomenon as a regression in European snow patterns. “Over the past 20 years, we’ve seen snowfalls replaced by extreme weather fluctuations,” he said. “It’s all driven by climate change and the unpredictability it brings.”

Dale also highlighted the rise of “feast-or-famine” weather, where heavy snowfalls are followed by sudden thaws. This volatility has made conditions not only unpredictable but also dangerous for tourism and local ecosystems.

The Global Picture

Travel expert Sharron Livingston points out that Lapland isn’t the only region affected by climate change. From unseasonably warm winters in Europe to droughts and wildfires across the globe, climate change is disrupting travel and tourism worldwide.

For Lapland, the snow shortage serves as a stark reminder of the challenges climate change poses to beloved traditions and global travel industries. While efforts like snow cannons might offer short-term solutions, the broader issue demands urgent action.