subject: Lapland and coping with the snow [print this page] Lapland and coping with the snow Lapland and coping with the snow
Lapland is equipped to deal with the snow and not much disruption exists even when there are record levels of snow. We often compare countries like Sweden and the U,.K and question why the U,K finds it so hard to cope when there is snow, well the answer is that the U,K have never really had to contend with continuously harsh winters where as Lapland's winter lasts for over 200 days and they have to cope. Millions of pounds have been invested in their snow defences and all cars have to have off road tyres, in fact it is illegal not to have them. Snow ploughs are a common occurrence, clearing the roads and pavements to ensure people can drive and walk safely.
Lapland also thrives in these conditions and tourism is high at this time of year. By contrast the U.K doesn't persistently suffer from cold winters and investing millions of pounds in snow defences would be a waste. Over the last couple of years our winters have become more severe earlier and they have lasted longer and now the experts are considering and consulting weather experts to try and understand if these conditions will continue. If it is predicted that the conditions will continue then more money will probably be invested into snow defences and this would mean that all cars would have to have snow tyres, airports would be much better equipped to deice planes and ensure that the airports didn't simply come to a standstill when the snow arrived.
I remember a holiday in Lapland where the snow was a blizzard as we walked across the runway, the plane was being de-iced and a quick glance at the captain confirmed he certainly wasn't concerned. Lapland carries on regardless, cars drive normally and contrary to popular belief Lapland is not littered with four wheel drives in the winter months. The people of Lapland don't rush out and buy every piece of available food on the shelves and they certainly don't panic.
We do panic here in the U.K when there is snow but we have every reason to when we simply are not equipped. Driving in these conditions is simply horrendous and the thought of going out at all is not appealing. Airports are a nightmare and the thought of flying is scary. A Holiday to Lapland in the winter months may see your flight delayed from Lapland on the ways home but it won't be because the airports in Lapland can't cope but more than likely that the weather is bad back home and the flights are all delayed. It remains to be seen whether the U.K will become more equipped to deal with the snow but at the present time, it would certainly be a good idea
