When you envision Lapland at Christmas time, you’ll no doubt think of piles of sparkling snow as far as the eye can see.
A popular winter destination – especially for those with little ones – each year, excited families travel to Rovaniemi in Finnish Lapland, in search of Santa and his magical workshop.
They’re usually greeted by a scene straight from a Christmas card, with enough snow present to build a whole village worth of snowmen.
However, would-be visitors have been left stunned and disappointed after being informed there’ll be no snow in Lapland this year, for the first time in living memory.
Over 100,000 people were planning to fly over to the beloved winter wonderland, but unusually high temperatures means there won’t be any snow until at least December 14, according to holiday-weather.com.
Tour operator Transun has now cancelled flights to Rovaniemi, offering holidaymakers alternative dates.
As reported by the Independent, a spokesperson for Transun said:
Snow falls in Lapland between October and May and it is common to find thick snow cover in November and December.
It is also possible that there may be a period of warmer weather, especially given the effects of global warming, which may cause the snow and ice to melt before the next snowfall.
Transun added:
All activities are arranged subject to local weather conditions, which are outside of our control.
If there are insufficient levels of snow or ice for reliant activities to operate upon the day of participation, then our suppliers will move all activities to a position where snow is available, adjust tracks accordingly so a modified activity programme can operate or provide alternative activities that are not reliant on snow and ice.
Where this happens no refunds will be made.
Meanwhile, many parents who were looking forward to an enchanting trip away are now facing the task of disappointing their young children with the news.
One concerned man tweeted Thomas Cook to say:
Currently flying to Lapland on 2nd Dec. No snow!!! And none due!! All other travel providers have cancelled their trips. [sic]
U can’t expect children to go to lapland with no snow, to be told they can still do all the activities? How? Please clear this up !!! [sic]
Thomas Cook replied:
I understand your disappointment about the lack of snow forecast. We have other activities planned should there be no snow so you can still enjoy your time in Lapland. [sic]
We’ll also be keeping our fingers crossed for snow.
However, the man was frustrated by the response, arguing how ‘Lapland isn’t lapland without snow’:
Are u serious? It’s advertised as fun in the snow? Yet every other travel providers have cancelled due to this. [sic]
Lapland isn’t lapland without snow. No1 is going to enjoy it with “alternative activities” [sic]
Thomas Cook responded:
I’m sorry you feel this way James, we’re not currently planning to cancel the trips that our customers have booked.
Although snow may not be currently forecast for your trip, that could change.
Have you and your family been affected by these unprecedented weather conditions?
If you have a story you want to tell send it to UNILAD via stories@unilad.co.uk
Jules studied English Literature with Creative Writing at Lancaster University before earning her masters in International Relations at Leiden University in The Netherlands (Hoi!). She then trained as a journalist through News Associates in Manchester. Jules has previously worked as a mental health blogger, copywriter and freelancer for various publications.