5 things to do in winter

Hiihtoloma which is a straight translation of hiihto- ski and loma- holiday. Winter Holiday is right next door and most of the Finns are already packing their suitcases, renting cottages and enjoy the countryside because usually there are more snow up North. However, this winter have given us a beautiful chilly weather to celebrate in the South of Finland. So don´t let the cold bother you, go out and have fun. Before doing so, please wear layered clothing to be warm enough to enjoy the outdoor activities with family and friends.

1.Ice-skating

There are ice-skating rinks everywhere and usually within walking distance from residential areas. They are usually situated in parks, but also some schools also have skating rinks or nearby lakes ( be careful that the ice is thick enough to skate). Children from the age of three already learn to ice-skate, but anyone can learn how to ice-skate. Foreign parents that are from warmer countries might not know how to ice-skate, but you can also enjoy outdoors and help your kids learn how to ice-skate and enjoy a new unique skill. Maybe one day, they would like to be an ice-hockey player or a figure skater.

2. Skiing

Skiing is another sport that is quite popular in Finland. There is a special word in Finland called pururata. It is a sawdust track in a nearby forest where you run in summer and ski in winter. It is usually situated near the school or residential areas.

3. Pulkkamäki- Sledding Hill

Finland is covered with snow and even though it´s quite cold outside. There is always a good reason to go out. Sledding areas are usually a walking distance so let you inner child out and enjoy screaming your heart out again. If you want to have more speed and thrill, you might want to try downhill skiing or snowboarding.

4. Winter Fishing

The best time to go winter fishing is between January until March making sure the lake is in very thick ice and safe to walk. Dress up warmly. Bring a snack and hot drink with you. Pack your fishing gears. And just head for the lake. Dig a hole with the help of handy ice breaker wheel. Drain the ice away from the water away to keep the fishing rod string freezing ice. Then you can start fishing in the hole.

5. Sunbathing in winter

Winter sunbathing on a sunny day when the sky is clear and no wind. No need for swimming suits, just in Adams or Eve´s costume. Horrifying but liberating :-)

It´s also better to have a warm sauna before and after dipping into the icy cold snow.