Driving guide: five things you need to know about driving through the Arctic

Considering the UK comes to a grinding halt the moment we have a minor hail shower, heavy rain or somebody shouts the word snow out a little bit too loud, it’s clear that driving in the snow is not a task to be taken lightly.

Arctic road trips are an underrated way to spend your holidays, especially considering the incredible scenery and challenging roads you’ll encounter just like we did on our own Arctic adventure.

If you’re going to give it a go then you need to be prepared, because driving on sheet ice and snow is far from a ‘get in and go’ situation. The Arctic may as well be another planet, so here are some important tips to bear in mind before you set off on a deep-freeze road trip.

Make sure you’ve got studded tyres fitted to your car

Winter tyres may be fine in the snow, but in the North of Norway, Finland and Sweden are roads stretching for hundreds of miles, totally covered in sheet ice.

Studded tyres are the only way to drive on ice without sliding into a snowbank or an oncoming lorry. Just be careful where you park, because a car on studs will grip where your hiking boots will slip so you might end up on your bum getting out of the car.

Pack a first aid kit

A lot of cars come with a small first aid kit as standard, but it won’t cut the mustard if you get stranded in sub-zero degree weather.

A good cold weather survival kit will help, especially with a foil blanket to keep you properly insulated against the cold should the worst happen. Make sure you have the emergency services number to hand for whichever country you’re driving through.

Keep plenty of water in the car too, as you don’t realise how much you sweat when it’s below freezing and the risk of dehydration is just as high as it is in a hot climate. Snacks will keep the mood up and hunger at bay should you get stuck.

Pay attention to the road

It’s easy to lose focus on driving, especially on the longest stretches of highway, but it’s crucial that you stay alert. Roads can change from sheet eyes to Tarmac to powdery snow in an instant so keep both hands on the wheel and keep your wits about you.

Some locals drive incredibly quickly and they’re not afraid to overtake you, so try to stay calm and not panic when they do. Sudden movements could send you into a spin, and into the wilderness.

The biggest danger on Scandinavian roads are the local truck drivers who are absolutely fearless. They won’t slow down for oncoming cars and their lorries kick up enormous plumes of snow behind them which effectively blind you until you’re out of the frenzy.

Dress for the occasion

You may think that being inside a heated car would negate the need for proper winter clothing, but you’d be dead wrong. After all, you’ve got to get to the car – and who knows where you’ll stop to take photos or have lunch.

Insulated snow boots will keep your feet warm in the snow, as will a pair of thick socks and ideally waterproof trousers. The last thing you want is a wet pair of jeans dripping into your socks and freezing when you’re out of the car.

Make sure you wear thermal layers underneath your clothes, and a well insulated jacket will make a world of difference to staying warm outside. Don’t neglect your hands, neck and ears as you’ll suffer without a hat, scarf and gloves.

Keep your car well maintained

If you’re in a brand new car this will be less of a concern, but if you’re in an older car, the last thing you want is to break down in the middle of a sheet ice highway. Snow banks mean there aren’t any hard shoulders to pull over into. Spare parts will be hard to find should a breakdown occur and garages in the Arctic are few and far between once you get into the sticks.

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