Chasing the Northern Lights & Skiing the High Arctic

Skiing Under the Aurora

Levi's beautifully lit slopes and high latitude make it one of the few places on Earth where you can carve down pristine, groomed runs with the Northern Lights dancing directly overhead.

Rich Indigenous Culture

Take a break from the slopes to visit the Samiland Exhibition, an insightful cultural center exploring the history, traditions, and heritage of the indigenous Sami people through authentic artifacts, photography, and restored architecture.

Unspoiled Arctic Wilderness

Just northwest of the resort lies Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park, famous for its dramatic Arctic fells, crisp polar air, and the ancient remains of the Linkupalo Volcano a stunning landscape for snowshoeing and cross-country touring.

Historic Local Charm

Nearby Kittilä town offers a peaceful glimpse into regional life, complete with its iconic 19th-century wooden church set against the snow.

1. Plan for Static Warmth

Unlike active skiing where your body continuously generates heat, waiting for the Northern Lights often involves standing still in snowfields or open deck lookouts for extended periods. Cold sneaks in through your footwear and core quickly when you aren't moving, making high-loft insulation essential.

For long periods of standing still while waiting for the Northern Lights, choose a warm, high-loft down jacket that can trap heat without restricting movement. The Montbell Alpine Down Parka uses 800-fill-power EX Down and box construction to maximise loft and reduce cold spots, making it an excellent choice for sub-zero Arctic conditions.

Don't overlook your feet either. Pair warm merino snow socks with insulated boots to keep heat in from the ground up. Explore Larry Adler's range of thermal and ski socks and winter boots designed for cold, snowy conditions.

2. Protect Your Tech from Deep Freezes

Sub-zero temperatures drain camera and smartphone batteries rapidly. Keep spare camera batteries and your phone stored inside an internal pocket close to your body heat, pulling them out only when you are ready to shoot.

Explore Montbell insulated jackets and layers for clothing with secure internal pockets to help keep your phone and spare batteries close to your body.

3. Account for High-Speed Wind Chill

If your itinerary includes snowmobiling across frozen lakes, open dog-sledding, or chairlifts at high latitudes, ambient temperatures of -15°C can quickly feel like -30°C. Your outer layer must be 100% windproof with secure seals around your collar, wrists, and waist.

Recommended gear:

Explore ski jackets & outerwear for waterproof and windproof options designed to protect against harsh alpine conditions.

Shop ski pants & outerwear for additional protection against wind, snow and freezing temperatures.

Explore gloves & mitts to keep your hands protected when exposed to Arctic wind and cold.

Heavyweight Merino Base Layers

Your first line of defense starts at the skin. Heavyweight Merino wool tops and bottoms (from industry leaders like Icebreaker and Montbell) regulate core body temperature while actively wicking away micro-moisture. Merino is naturally soft, breathable, and odor-resistant - ideal for your Arctic holiday.

Mid-Layers & High-Loft Puffers

For static cold and freezing chairlift rides, a high-quality down jacket or heavyweight fleece is non-negotiable. Look for premium insulation from brands like Helly Hansen insulated jackets and Montbell down jackets. These brands have technical outer jackets and mid-layers delivering exceptional warmth-to-weight performance without restricting your movement on the mountain.

Windproof & Waterproof Outer Shells

Biting polar winds will cut straight through standard winter coats. Ensure your outer ski jacket and pants feature advanced windproof and waterproof membranes (such as GORE-TEX Pro). Features like fully sealed seams, adjustable storm hoods, and high, fleece-lined collars are vital when weather conditions shift. Norrøna delivers premium, performance-driven apparel perfectly designed for the Scandinavian environment. Montbell and Helly Hansen also have a great range of Waterproof and windproof jackets and pants.

Footwear & Thermal Socks

Cold feet will end a night of aurora watching or a day on the slopes faster than anything else. Pair thick Merino wool thermal socks specialised apres footwear.

Gloves & Mitts

A two-glove system is best for Arctic climates. Wear a sleek, touch-screen compatible liner glove underneath a heavy-duty, waterproof outer mitten (such as options from Level or Swany). This lets you operate your camera or adjust ski gear without exposing bare skin to freezing air.

Snow Goggles & Eyewear

Polar winds can cause eyes to water instantly. High-performance snow goggles from Oakley or Smith equipped with low-light or contrast-enhancing lenses offer essential protection during evening excursions, low-visibility ski days, and snowmobile transfers. You can also browse the full range of snow goggles.