Filming in Lapland

No lights!

The next day we headed off to film the vast array of activities that are included in the cost of a Cosmos Lapland holiday; reindeer ride, husky sled ride, snow mobile rides, tobogganing - they really have thought of everything. It was 9 am when we left the hotel and still pitch black outside.

Arriving at the woodland location, I noticed how beautiful the snow looked settled on the trees. Our guide, Rob, told us that the snow builds up so much over the winter that some of the trees stop looking like trees and start to resemble clouds. I bet the children would love to see that!

Fascinating as the scenery was, Chris and I were painfully aware that what little daylight we would get was fast approaching, so we got set up.

Snow covered trees look like clouds

No Camera!

We filmed the snow mobiles, husky sled rides and the reindeers. However, when it came time for the tobogganing, the camera froze!

Despite wrapping the camera in a protective case to keep it warm, condensation was freezing on the lens, making filming practically impossible. We looked for some shelter, and found a woodland log cabin which contained the public loos - who said filming on location was glamorous?

Eventually the camera whirred into life again. We piled back into Rob's van and headed off for the highlight of the shoot, Santa's Post Office.

Huskies resting on the snow

Lots of Action

We arrived at the secret village that Santa calls his home. I was especially pleased to have a chance to meet some of the Reindeers, though, sadly, Rudolf was out at work.

Short on time, I decided to take a short cut to the Post Office. This proved to be a mistake, as I found myself thigh deep in a snow drift and unable to get out.

Thankfully my thermals and the thick waterproofs that Cosmos provide kept me warm. After a fit of giggles and several failed attempts of ending deeper in the snow, I managed to claw my way free. So much for saving time!

We found Santa's Post Office and got the camera all set up to record just as the first lot of wide eyed children arrived. Wonderful!

One of Santa's helpers sorts the Christmas mail

A real family holiday

Filming in Lapland presented a variety of challenges which I've never encountered on a shoot before, but it was also a magical experience, and one I thoroughly enjoyed.

The families who we met along the way all seemed genuinely excited about their experiences and the children were full of smiles. Plus, we weren't the only ones working hard; the Cosmos Reps really do go out of their way to ensure everyone has a brilliant time.

Would I recommend a visit to Lapland? Absolutely, but I might leave the camera and all that heavy equipment at home next time.

Santa's Post Office, Lapland

How to get there, too

Holidays to Lapland can be booked with our travel partner, Cosmos Holidays. You can choose to go for just 1 day, or extend your stay to between 3 and 5 days. Places do fill up quickly, so you are advised to book as early as possible.

Visit Cosmos Holidays' Lapland web page.