Kittilä

The arctic fox population across the Nordic region has declined for decades, but recent data suggests cross-border cooperation between Finland, Norway and Sweden is helping turn things around. Arctic Fox dens and cub population is highest in all three countries.

Ski resorts in Levi, Pallas and Saariselkä kept their slopes open until Mother’s Day this year.

Grass and forest fires are proving difficult to contain in Finnish Lapland, and now several fires on the Russian side of the border are moving into Finland.

Finland's ski centres are coping with shorter, milder winters by making and storing snow – costly short-term solutions that may worsen the problem in the longer term.

Extreme cold around -40°C in Finnish Lapland has led to widespread flight cancellations at Kittilä and Rovaniemi airports, leaving thousands of passengers stranded. Finavia says severe frost combined with unusual moisture complicates de-icing and slows apron operations, and flights will only resume when safety criteria are met.

An intense cold spell in Finnish Lapland has reduced visitor numbers at Levi and forced the closure of some major ski lifts, while other resorts report milder temperatures on the fells due to inversion. The Finnish Meteorological Institute recorded the winter’s lowest temperature at −42.8°C in Savukoski, and tour operators have shortened or cancelled activities for safety.