Winter Fun 101: Mastering the Finnish Art of Snow Play

You might have thought that husky and reindeer sleigh rides are typical Finnish ways to enjoy the snow? Sorry to disappoint, but most Finns have never even tried them. If you want to experience the fun of snow in truly Finnish ways – the ways Finnish children master brilliantly as toddlers and that are accessible to everyone for free – read this article carefully!

How to Make a Snow Angel

Find a flat patch of soft, clean snow. Pull your hood over your head, lie on your back, and start moving your arms side to side along the snow as if drawing wings. Do the same with your legs to shape the bottom half of the angel. When you stand up – you’ll need a friend to help pull you up to avoid ruining the angel – you’ll leave behind an enchanting snow angel complete with a head, wings, and a flowing gown.

Snow Rolling: Sauna Meets Snow

A favorite Finnish tradition is diving into a snowbank straight from a hot sauna. This invigorating activity is an alternative to cold-water plunges. Done right, snow rolling is an exhilarating way to cool off and have a good laugh.

We recommend wearing socks or wool socks to prevent slipping. Otherwise, you can be completely naked, as Finns often are in this situation, especially if the activity takes place at a private rental cabin where it won’t disturb the neighbors.

Be cautious, though: the snow should be soft and powdery. Icy or hard-packed snow can easily scratch your skin and leave painful marks.

Building a Snowman

Snowmen aren’t just for kids – adults can enjoy them too! Wait for a mild day when the temperature is around freezing 0°C/32°F. Start by rolling a snowball on the ground, letting it grow bigger as more snow sticks to it. Make three balls in descending size and stack them carefully.

Traditional decorations include coal for the eyes, mouth, and buttons, with a carrot for the nose, but creativity is key. Use small stones or dried plants sticking out of the snow instead – just don’t break branches off live trees.

And remember, with sticky snow, you can create any creature your imagination dreams up! In Finland, you should try creating different Moomin characters, for example.

Snow Washing: The Finnish Prank

Snow washing is a playful trick to surprise a friend. Wait until they walk under a snow-laden tree and give it a shake, showering them with fluffy snow that trickles down and goes under their shirt. Alternatively, scoop up a handful of snow and push it down the back of their neck!

Feeling adventurous? If the snow is soft and deep enough, you can also surprise your friend by pushing them into a snowbank and see how they plot their revenge! It’s important that the snow is soft, as hardened snow can actually hurt.

Playing King on the Hill

King of the Hill is a classic, a chaotic game you can play on a snow mound, a hill, or a slope. The goal is simple: battle your way to the top by pushing others off and claim the title of “King of the Hill.”

The game goes on as long as everyone feels like playing. Whoever is standing at the highest point is the “king,” but don’t get too comfortable – other players will try to shove you off and take your place!

This isn’t the safest game out there. With all the pushing and shoving, there’s definitely a risk of slipping or falling, so play with care.

The Joy of Pulkka

Pulkka – a lightweight plastic contraption designed to glide over snow – is pure winter fun for both kids and adults! The most popular way to use a pulkka is to race down a snowy hill, letting gravity do the work while you steer (or just hang on and hope for the best!).

You can also take turns with a friend: one person sits in the sled while the other pulls it along. It’s simple, silly, and guaranteed to make you smile. Just be sure to stay off the road, as that would be a real hazard for everyone in traffic!

In Finland, it’s common to see adults pulling small children in sleds on their way to the store or back home from daycare.

Constructing a Snow Castle

If you have the right location, plenty of snow, and some time, why not build a snow castle? You can build a snow castle by rolling large snowballs and stacking them on top of each other in the shape of your choice, much like building a snowman. A lightweight snow shovel is also often very helpful in constructing the castle.

Use molds like those found in kids’ sandboxes to create patterns and shapes for the castle walls. Add decorative touches like small windows for extra charm.

A word of caution: never dig tunnels into large snowdrifts created by plows – they can collapse, posing serious danger.

Read also

How to Survive Winter in Finland: A Compact Guide

Do you want to roll in the snow? Here’s what it’s like and how to enjoy it the most!

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