The resort of Saariselkä in Finnish Lapland has its first dusting of snow following an overnight snow fall.

After a very mild autumn current day time temperatures are +3 ºC but at night the temperature is consistently below 0ºC.

Over the coming months with the arrival of more snow this small, pretty Lapland resort really comes to life as the winter activity lovers descend.  The first to arrive are the international cross country ski teams looking to get the edge on the competition with some pre season training on the first kilometres of immaculate trails.

At the same time the husky handlers will start taking their dogs out to get them fit after their lazy summer. They will also be concentrating on training their young dogs that will join the established husky teams during the coming season.

Once the snow is building you will start to hear the buzz of snowmobiles along the forest trails and over the fells. This might be visitors just heading out on the last sun days for a forest picnic, the Lapp reindeer herders out checking on their animals or even locals hunters.

As temperatures drop the snow canons will be pointed at the slalom slopes to ensure that the resort can open at least a few of its slopes as part of the great opening race between Lapland resorts. Resorts such as Levi and Ruka are already hoping to have slopes open in late October.

To visit Saariselkä in Finnish Lapland and meet Santa this December click here.