{"id":15161,"date":"2019-06-11T11:45:09","date_gmt":"2019-06-11T08:45:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tys.fi\/?p=15161"},"modified":"2019-06-11T11:45:09","modified_gmt":"2019-06-11T08:45:09","slug":"snow-in-turku","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tys.fi\/sv\/snow-in-turku","title":{"rendered":"Snow in Turku"},"content":{"rendered":"[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” bottom_padding=”5%” overlay_strength=”0.3″ shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”padding-10-percent” column_padding_position=”left-right” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_link_target=”_self” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column_text]\n

As the trees slowly shed their leaves, snow is already starting to cover Turku. Even though it is already melting and probably won\u2019t stay much longer, here is some info on snow in Turku, how to adapt to its arrival, and how to make the best of it.<\/h4>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Snow(s)<\/strong><\/p>\n

Not all types of snow are born equal. For those who have already spent a winter in a Nordic country, this won\u2019t be news but it nevertheless represents relevant information for a number of reasons. Wet and heavy snow, usually found when the thermometer hovers around 0\u00b0C, is quite different from the sand-like snow from a snowstorm when temperature drops under -10\u00b0C.<\/p>\n

Although false, the myth that Inuktitut (the language spoken by Innu people in the north of Canada)\u00a0has more than 50 words for snow<\/a>\u00a0has roots in reality. Different types of snow, as well as their combinations, are extremely diverse and will affect how one should prepare to cope with the weather conditions. For more on this, I recommend reading more on\u00a0snowflakes and the different shapes they can take<\/a>\u00a0(which influences the type of snow they make).[\/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner column_margin=”default” top_padding=”1%” bottom_padding=”2%” text_align=”left”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_position=”all” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][image_with_animation image_url=”15162″ alignment=”” animation=”None” border_radius=”none” box_shadow=”none” max_width=”100%”][vc_column_text]Snow can transform completely a landscape.<\/em>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_column_text]Logistics<\/strong><\/p>\n

Now that we know what we are talking about, time to talk about how to adapt to wintery conditions.<\/p>\n

Dress appropriately<\/strong><\/p>\n

Wearing a warm\u00a0hat, gloves, shoes, scarf, socks, and a good winter coat\u00a0will allow one to almost completely ignore snow. When well equipped, I personally consider snow a lesser annoyance than rain, since it much easier to remove from items of clothing.<\/p>\n

Rookie mistakes include using an umbrella, not gearing up properly (including, for instance, using a hat that doesn\u2019t cover one\u2019s ears), or simply underestimate the cold. Thin leather jackets or gloves, for example, won\u2019t be enough in most cases.<\/p>\n

A classic strategy to cope with colder or windier weather is the\u00a0onion-layer method. This method simply consists of wearing different layers of clothing to increase insulation. Doubling socks or gloves can provide an excellent level of protection against the cold, while not requiring the purchase of expensive winter clothes.<\/p>\n

Transportation<\/strong><\/p>\n

Walking remains a safe option, but biking or driving become quite different when you add snow.<\/p>\n

Snow can both represent an obstacle in itself, or hide some bad surprises (usually ice). As a result, a key element of snow-biking (or walking, for that matter) is to be careful and pay extra attention to the road. Braking suddenly and too hard is to avoid as much as possible. The same is true for sharp turns, which can quickly result in a bad fall. Overall, caution is paramount, even with winter tires or studded shoes.<\/p>\n

On the bright side, falling in a snowbank is preferable to the hard ground.<\/p>\n

N.B.:\u00a0As days grow shorter, it is essential to have bike lights when travelling during the dark hours. Not having bike lights can mean a 40 euros fine for those caught by the police.<\/p>\n

Wintery delights<\/strong><\/p>\n

Now that snow will become a regular feature of weather forecasts, we shouldn\u2019t forget to mention its good sides.\u00a0Apart from the beautiful landscapes it creates, a good snowfall is also a great opportunity to try some winter sports.<\/p>\n

Even though Turku does not always receive enough snow to allow it, it is possible to rent skis and try cross-country skiing in\u00a0Turku<\/a>\u00a0(all the info can be found\u00a0here<\/a>).<\/p>\n

For those in search of more speed and thrills, there is also a\u00a0small downhill skiing ski resort<\/a>\u00a0near Turku\u00a0where<\/a>\u00a0it is possible to try downhill skiing.[\/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner column_margin=”default” top_padding=”1%” bottom_padding=”2%” text_align=”left”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”padding-3-percent” column_padding_position=”right” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” width=”1\/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” bg_image_animation=”none”][image_with_animation image_url=”15165″ alignment=”” animation=”None” border_radius=”none” box_shadow=”none” max_width=”100%”][vc_column_text]The Hirvensalo Ski Resort.\u00a0Source<\/a><\/em>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][vc_column_text]Closer to the student village, there is also a number of good spots for sledging (here is a\u00a0personal favorite<\/a>).<\/p>\n

Those, however, are only few of the things that make snow such a nice part of winter.<\/p>\n

Enjoy while it lasts<\/strong><\/p>\n

South-West Finland is not known for it\u2019s harsh winters. For better or for worse, snow usually does not last too long, except maybe a few weeks in January and February. As a result, those eager to try winter sports or simply to enjoy the beauty of snowy landscapes should make the best of the few snowy weeks we might have this winter.<\/p>\n

As for those wishing for the snow to disappear, there is no reason to worry. It did snow last year as late as the 9th of May, but thankfully this is quite unusual. Most years, the last snowfall takes place in March or April.<\/p>\n

Trivia<\/strong><\/p>\n