1

You don't need to take a Finnish driving test as foreign licences are usually good for a certain period (I think one year) of residence for some nationalities - you don't mention yours. Finnish roads are ploughed and gritted, and snow tyres are compulsory, so just learn to slow down a bit, particularly on curves, and you'll be fine.

2

Good info there John, Thanks! (or- Kiitos! :)

3

All the best snowboarding is in the north though, so better save up some 4 days of holiday and go to Levi or Ruka.. be prepared for some 12 hours straight on the road though.. ^.

4

Thanks Nuppu,
Ive been enjoying the good public transport system in Helsinki area so far, so no need to rent a car... yet.
I guess its ok to fly or train overnight up to the ski resorts?
Levi looks pretty good, but I might go for Yllas just because it seems higher :)

Have also been checking out the diving possibilities in Finland.
There are weekend trips to the south-east coast for wreck dives
but as the weather at this time of year is often adverse it can
easily change to a mine dive instead (plan B)...
hmm... wrecks- yes, but abandoned mines- not so keen!

For the lakes there is Ice diving training course, which could be fun.
Bit expensive though, got to hire a lot of kit, so might leave it.

My girlfriend is over here soon, so Im checking out the Ice Igloo resorts too hahaha

Kippis!
:)

5

You can take a train as far as Rovaniemi but you'd be better off flying to Kittilä or Ivalo for ski resorts. Look at a map and you'll see why.