Finland slopes. Ski resorts in Finland on the map of Finland
The Land of Lakes portal describes the best and most popular ski resorts in Finland. On our website you can get a complete picture of a particular region, as well as book a cottage. At the service of visitors - a photo gallery with high-quality pictures of resorts, slope maps, descriptions of trails, weather conditions and reviews of tourists.
Skiing in Finland is the widest choice of entertainment. Guests of this amazing country can ski on the slopes located on the picturesque well-groomed slopes, the peaks of which can be reached on modern comfortable lifts. Lovers extreme rest can go snowboarding in Finland in specialized parks, which are found in almost every region. Additional entertainments that tourists have the opportunity to enjoy are snowmobiling, unforgettable winter fishing, reindeer and dog sled safaris, and much more. One of the main advantages winter holiday in Finland, it is an opportunity to enjoy incredibly picturesque landscapes. The vast majority of Finnish ski resorts are versatile. They are suitable for both beginners and experienced skiers alike. In terms of service quality and other characteristics, most of the tourist and entertainment infrastructure facilities are significantly superior to Russian ones. At the same time, prices for vouchers to ski resorts in Finland are almost identical to similar offers in Russia.
The specialists of our company have chosen 20 of the best out of more than one hundred Finnish ski slopes. Let's consider the main characteristics of the tourist regions of Finland.
Lapland (Lappi).
One of the most fabulous corners the planet, the official residence of the famous Santa Claus and a real Mecca for winter sports enthusiasts - it's all about Lapland. There are many resorts that are wildly popular among tourists. The northernmost center of Finland, where skiing is available, is called Saariselkä and is located in Lapland, in a national park at an altitude of 718 meters.
In the western part of Lapland, near the town of Kolari, there are the ski resorts of Ylläs, Pallas, Olos and Levi. The ski slopes of Olos and Pallas, located 6 kilometers from the Swedish border, are not very long, but they have connections with neighboring resorts, where numerous competitions are regularly held. The resorts in the vicinity of Levi are reminiscent of ski resorts in the Alps due to their extraordinary nature. However, ski holidays in Finland are much cheaper. Ylläs remains the record holder for the height difference and the length of the slopes, where there are slopes of all difficulty levels, including for children.
In the southeast of the region, there are Sala, Luosto, Ruka, Pyhä, as well as Rovaniemi, where, according to legend, Santa Claus lives. The Pyha resort is very popular among fans of extreme skiing, and for the best cross-country trails, it makes sense to go to Luosto.
In the south of Lapland lies the Sala resort, which is famous for its excellent ski resorts. 20 km from the city of Kuusamo is one of the most popular resorts, which is called the Hand. You can spend your ski holidays in Finland here in the immediate vicinity of the border with the Arctic Circle. Ruka is known for a huge number of different tracks, as well as a high level of infrastructure development.
Northern Finland.
In the north of Finland there are such resorts as Vuokatti, Paljakka and Ukkohalla, which are rightfully considered the real pride of the country. Vuokatti is located just 40 kilometers from Kajaani airport and is renowned for its impeccable infrastructure. This resort has its own ski center. Guests can stay in comfortable cottages and hotels, ride along well-equipped tracks.
The resorts of Ukkohalla and Paljakka are located 20 km from each other and are connected by a ski pass. The season here lasts from November to May. These Finnish resorts give a vacation in the mountains, during which you can get aesthetic pleasure from the unique picturesque landscapes.
Central Finland.
In the central part of the country there are some of the largest ski resorts: Himos, Koli and Tahko. Himos is located near a town called Yamsa. It is popular with travelers who value excellent service and comfort. The ski area here is ideal for skiers with different backgrounds. In winter, Himos has an extreme park, which is especially loved by snowboarders.
The Tahko resort has the longest track with a length of 1.2 km. There are 23 well-equipped tracks in total. The height difference is more than 200 m. One of the most memorable trails leads to the top of Mount Tahkovuori.
A resort called Koli is ready to present an unforgettable ski vacation in Finland. It is located in close proximity to the border with Russia. The most difficult and highest slopes are located here, as well as excellent trails for beginners.
Southern Finland.
Among several dozen cities located in the south of the country, Tampere and Lahti can be distinguished. These are relatively inexpensive ski resorts in Finland with an excellent level of service and developed infrastructure. Also worth noting is the Sappee resort near Tampere, where there are 10 well-equipped slopes, 14 kilometers of cross-country skiing, and a park for snowboarders. Ski resorts located in the southern part of Finland make it easy to choose comfortable cottages. Not far from Lahti there is a resort called Messila. It is considered one of the most developed in the south of the country. On its territory there are 70 kilometers of ski tracks for flat skiing.
Finland is a country where you can feel like a part of nature and achieve perfect spiritual harmony. This amazing corner of the world is guaranteed to be an unforgettable experience.
Finland has long occupied its niche in the field of ski holiday... Below we will consider several of the largest resorts located in the country and offering all kinds of winter activities. So look further the best ski resorts in Finland.
1. Luosto
From November to May in the central part of Lapland, this hospitable mountain ski resort Finland - Luosto. It can be reached from Rovaniemi airport by bus or from Kemijärvi railway station by car. There are 3 lifts for eight ski slopes, of which two are adapted for night skiing. Other entertainments include a snowboard park, a water park, and the possibility of snowmobiling, dog or reindeer sledding. In addition, you can simply watch the northern lights, participate in the descent into the local mine to search for precious stones, and go ice fishing. For beginner skiers, there is a training school with professional instructors.
2. Himos
The Himos ski resort is located in central Finland, just nine kilometers from the town of Jämsä. There are eighteen ski slopes, all of which are illuminated. Different slopes operate on odd and even days in order to avoid crowds and provide a fully functional service. The longest track is about a kilometer long. Twelve lifts for greater comfort of visitors. You can come completely with your own uniform, or you can partially rent it, up to some ski poles. In addition to ski entertainment, the resort offers a snowboard park, snowmobile safaris, ice fishing, as well as dog sledding or overcoming cross-country trails more than twenty kilometers long.
3. Levy
The top of the best ski resorts in Finland includesLevy. It offers visitors the longest skiing season - more than two hundred days - from November to May. At the service of skiers, twenty-six lifts and more than forty slopes of varying degrees of difficulty, up to ten for children. For children, on the territory of Levi there is a water park and children's park... There are also snowboard park services, compulsory ice fishing, dog sledding or snowmobile safaris and even golf. There are also parks of Deer, skateboards and bikes, but this is for those who were able to try the rest of the entertainment. The resort was built taking into account the preservation of the local nature in an unspoiled form, so that in between snowing activities you can enjoy the beauty of snowy Finland.
4. Hand
This popular Finnish ski resort is located twenty-five kilometers from the town of Kuusamo. On the territory, there are about four dozen ski trails (28 of which are illuminated) with two dozen lifts. The total length of the tracks is twenty kilometers. But more attractive is the length of the cross-country skiing trails - 500 kilometers. In addition, there is a snowboard park and a freestyle center. Fishing, safaris are interspersed with winter diving, ice climbing and winter go-karting. This place not only offers to "ride" the slopes, but to take everything you can imagine from winter Finland. Of the others interesting places Recommended to visit the residence of Santa Claus, the huge Shopping Center "Kumpare" and the water park.
5. Tahko
The center of the country pleases ski lovers with the presence of the Tahko resort. There are more than two dozen ski slopes on the territory, including one fully adapted for children. Fifteen lifts and over 60 kilometers of cross-country trails. Already obligatory for Finnish resorts, a snowboard park and a ski school are also present. Snowmobiling and fishing are mixed with the opportunity to test yourself on a real shooting range or riding club. Among other things, during the current season from November to April, you can experience an unforgettable experience in a sightseeing flight on a seaplane. If you are more attracted to skating than skiing, then here too, the Tahko ski resort has something to offer - the Nilsia winter stadium. In summer, Tahko can be visited for cycling, various water activities and more.
6. Vuokatti
This resort is located almost in the center of Finland, not far from the city of Sotkamo. Thirteen ski slopes of varying degrees of difficulty and eight lifts that meet the latest in modern technology. In addition to the usual tracks, Vuokatti has a slalom slope and a snowboarding tunnel that meet all the requirements of international sports standards. Equipment rental and ski school, recognized as the best in the country. In addition to standard snowmobiles, fishing, ice rinks, the resort offers sightseeing in the form of museums, churches, the National Park and the Santa Claus house.
7. Ylläs
Among the more than forty slopes of this ski resort, there is one of the longest in all of Finland, at three kilometers. Three dozen easy trails, four rather difficult and other trails are served by twenty-one lifts. Two ski schools will help you get on your skis if this is a new kind of entertainment. In the season from October to May, in addition to conquering the above-described ski slopes, you can go horseback riding, snow car safari, sledding and fishing. You can get to the resort from the nearest cities and airports by buses, taxis and private transport.
8. Pyhya
Another resort located in the center of the country. Pyhä has a dozen slopes for skiing, which are equipped with nine lifts. There is a snowboard park, a water park and a go-kart on the territory of the resort. For those who are looking for other entertainment in between descents from the mountains, you can offer the same dog and reindeer sledding, cross-country trails, snowshoeing in beautiful snowy surroundings, and a must-have snow safari. Pyhä is considered one of the best ski resorts in Finland in terms of maintenance and service.
Ski enthusiasts and connoisseurs are convinced that Finland is the ideal country for practicing their favorite sport. Despite the fact that there are no high mountains and sheer cliffs, the ski resorts in Finland meet world standards. It is important that this country is the closest neighbor of Russia, so the road to rest will take a little time. This is especially true for residents of St. Petersburg.
It is quite difficult for a novice tourist to deal with a huge number of offers from tour operators, so today we will try to introduce you to the main ski resorts in Finland. Perhaps our tips will help you make the right choice.
Ski resort Levi (Finland)
It is a very picturesque place located in the west of Lapland. The resort is located just 100 km from the Arctic Circle. It hosts annual competitions of alpine skiers for the European and World Cup.
Three times in its history, the Levi ski resort has become the best. Finland annually compiles ratings of the most popular holiday destinations. This allows Finns and international guests to choose a resort according to their preferences and financial capabilities.
Levi is located 15 km from the town of Kittila. The resort welcomes over 400 thousand tourists annually. Levi is very different from other ski resorts in the northern latitudes. It is more reminiscent of similar centers in the Alps. Levi has a well-developed infrastructure, the location is compact, and therefore very convenient.
Cottages, bungalows, hotels are located next to the slopes. All of them are equipped with shower, sauna, fireplace.
Levi has an extensive network of well-equipped ski slopes. Their length is more than 600 km, 230 km of which are allocated for flat skiing. 23 km of trails are illuminated for night skiing.
In addition to skiing, ski resorts in Finland, including Levi, offer relaxation in the water park. You can also take part in a snowmobile safari.
Vacation with children
If you are going on vacation to Finland with children, we are sure that they will not be bored in Levi. There are many interesting things for them here. This is a wonderful outdoor playground for children, a ski school, an entertainment center for children of the Levitunturi hotel. Here you can hire a nanny who speaks Russian.
Ruka resort
The best ski resorts in Finland are well known to many Russians. But especially our compatriots love to visit the “golden gates of Lapland”. This is the name of the ski resort Ruka (Finland). It is located near the town of Kuusamo (25 km). It is only 850 km away from St. Petersburg. The easiest way to get here is by plane from Moscow to Helsinki, which is located 800 kilometers from the resort. Then fly to Oulu by plane and drive 200 km by car.
The ski resorts in Finland are famous for their wonderful pistes. They are designed not only for professionals, but also for amateurs and even beginners. Their total length is 360 km, including 41 km of illuminated trails.
There is a training camp for the Finland freestyle team. In 2005, the World Freestyle Championship was held at the Ruka resort. In the western part of Ruka there are trails for professionals - difficult terrain, steep slopes. In the east, everything is prepared for beginners' classes. Here the slopes are shallower, but much longer.
All ski equipment can be rented. For adults it will cost $ 100, and for children $ 58.
Where to have fun
Ruka Resort offers tourists a lot of entertainment. For a very affordable fee, you will see the real village of Santa Claus and you can walk in its park. Such a trip will be interesting not only for you, but also for your children. You will surely be delighted to participate in a snowmobile safari through a snow-covered forest. During the trip, you will be offered a cup of hot tea, and a guide will accompany you along the way.
A trip to the dog and deer farms, where you can independently (after a short instruction) manage the sled, also leaves vivid impressions.
For only € 30, you can go ice fishing, where your guide will help you cook your freshly caught fish over a campfire. The resort also offers a snowboard park. Little tourists splash with pleasure in the water park.
Himos
This ski resort is no less popular among Russians than Ruka. Tourists from our Northern capital... After all, the distance to St. Petersburg is only 420 km.
Our skiers are attracted here by slopes of varying degrees of difficulty. Russian-speaking instructors work here, Russian television channels are broadcast in the cottages.
Finns also like to relax here, because there are large cities nearby - Espoo, Lahti, Helsinki, Tampere. Himos was recognized twice the best resort country.
Here you can ride many kilometers of trails, try your hand at numerous slopes.
Among the entertainment you can choose ice fishing, go dog sledding. Or you can go to the farms, where you will be allowed to admire cute friendly animals - husky dogs. Such an excursion will surely please and will be remembered by children for a long time. The kids will not remain indifferent even after a visit to Ellie's grandmother. This amazing old lady will pamper her guests with delicious Karelian dishes, pies with rice, potatoes, and gingerbread dough cakes. She will even offer to teach her art to everyone.
Holidays in Tahko resort
Another favorite vacation spot is located in the very center of Finland. This is the Tahko ski resort. Finland invites all lovers and connoisseurs of winter sports to this resort. It is an hour's drive from big city Kuopio.
This resort meets all Olympic standards, so it will play a major role in the 2022 Olympics. The resort has over twenty slopes. In all, artificial snow is most often used. Eight trails are prepared and illuminated for exciting skiing at night.
The height differences on the slopes are about 200 meters. There are trails for professionals, amateurs with little experience and beginners. There are even absolutely safe slopes for young skiers.
Ski slopes (almost all) go down to Lake Syväri, which is located in another city - Nilsii. The Tahko resort is often chosen for hosting the world championships for snowboarders and skiers.
Where to stay
At the resort of Tahko, new hotels, hotels, cottages are already working and are constantly being built. Ski resorts in Finland are actively developing. It is for this reason that their popularity is growing every year. Today this resort offers tourists accommodation in 3 *, 4 *, 5 * hotel rooms or in separate cottages, which are equated to apartments in terms of comfort.
We have a rest in the resort of Hyakya
It is one of the most popular places in Finland for active family vacation... At your service here are magnificent, well-groomed slopes, a recently opened new sports hall, an excellent hockey rink, a rental point where you can take all the necessary equipment for winter sports.
Cozy restaurants will introduce you to the national cuisine. Six kilometers from this resort there is a dance restaurant and a shopping center.
Come to Pyha Resort
I must say that the ski resorts in Finland are very different. Some are noisy, crowded, funny. Others are calm, peaceful, giving you the opportunity to fully enjoy the greatness of Finnish nature. The latter, undoubtedly, is the Pyha Ski Center. It is amazingly suitable for families.
It is not as crowded here as on Levi or Tahko. If you want to be alone - better place you will not find. The extraordinary beauty of Finland's nature will give you an excellent opportunity not only to go skiing, snowboarding, sleighing, but also to admire the magnificent landscapes.
Ylläs is the largest resort in Finland
This resort has the largest number of ski lifts - 28. There are 63 ski slopes.
Not far from the Ylläs fell is the National Park of the same name. Its unique landscape is made up of seven incredibly beautiful hills surrounded by untouched forests.
All vacationers at the resort are offered snowmobile safaris or relaxing in the spa. Large and small restaurants and cafes offer a wide range of delicious dishes.
To services of tourists - comfortable rooms in hotels or cottages. Horse riding is possible in the resort during the summer.
Vuokatti
This resort can compete for leadership in popularity with the most famous places recreation. It is not as big as Ylläs, but there are no fewer people who want to relax here.
The resort has 13 slopes that differ in difficulty. For beginners, these tracks are completely free. Professionals can hone their skills on steep and difficult descents.
If you get tired of skiing, you can go to the village of "real" Santa Claus, Hiidenportti National Park, climb to the top of Vuokatinvaara fell and admire the stunning views. You can also ride a reindeer sleigh here.
Ski resorts in Finland - reviews
No matter how hard we tried to find at least a small negative review of the holiday in Finland, we did not succeed. To some, this will seem unlikely - after all, there must be at least one skeptic who would be unhappy with a trip to the northern neighbors. Probably, he just hasn't gone to Finland yet.
The climate of Finland seems to have been created specifically for the growth and multiplication of various ski resorts in this country. Finns love to ride all types of snow transport: sledging, skiing, snowmobiles and snowboards. Tourists who come to Finland from March to May also share this traditionally Finnish entertainment.
Holidays in Finland on alpine skiing
Finns always approach any business responsibly. Therefore, it is difficult to find spontaneous trails or poorly organized skiing areas in the country. There are so many ski resorts in Finnish lands that it is difficult to immediately decide where to spend your own vacation. Consider the best snow trails of the Finnish state:
- Luosto;
Ski resorts in Finland, without exaggeration, can be called the hallmark of the state. Some of them are based so close to the Arctic Circle that it will not be difficult to admire the famous Northern Lights there.
Ski resort Luosto
Lapland is a great place to celebrate the New Year, and the good ski resort Luosto is also located there. The slopes of the resort are located in the Pyhätunturi National Park. Snow cannons and additional trail lighting are a nice bonus for all guests of Luosto.
The total length of the resort slopes is 90 km. Luosto has tracks for children, snowboard slopes and classic ski tracks. There are 7 tracks in the center, and they are equipped with the latest technology..
Works near Luosto small resort Pyhya. The centers have comfortable lifts, cafes and equipment rental points.
Alpine skiing in Levi
Levi is a ski resort also located in Lapland. It is noteworthy that the tracks are located 170 km from the Arctic Circle.
This resort has a huge number of trails and developed infrastructure. In addition to the slopes, there is a water park, there is a separate place for snowboarders. There are hotels, restaurants, entertainment centers and shops on the territory of Levi.
In Levi, you can not only walk all 28 high-difficulty trails, the resort can offer its guests dog sledding trips, as well as places for real Finnish fishing.
Himos ski resort
Himos works both in winter and summer. It is at this resort that international competitions are often held. They ride on Himos until mid or late April.
The ski resort is equipped with 17 slopes, which, in turn, are serviced by snow cannons. Beginners can learn useful downhill skiing skills in Himos. Seasoned skiers will appreciate the 20 km of trails for which this resort is famous..
There are ski schools in Himos, a public swimming pool, and nightclubs work until the morning. Tourists can stay at cottage settlements or Himos hotels for an unforgettable weekend.
Downhill skiing in Pello
If travelers suddenly decide to change skis for deer, then they will certainly head to Pello. The ski resort 100 km from Rovaniemi is famous for its additional entertainment.
A full 200 km of trails, snowmobile trails, dedicated buses and classic slopes - this is not a complete list of what Pello has to offer guests from all over the world..
The main road to the Arctic Circle passes through Pello. On the slopes of the resort, life is in full swing even at night. In the river near the resort town, there is a rare wild salmon, fishing is allowed by law.
Vuokatti Family Resort
Vuokatti is considered a family ski resort. There are many slopes for children. Also in Vuokatti there is a special tunnel that allows you to ride there in the summer too. A wonderful place is located in the province of Kainuu.
Freestyle competitions are regularly held in Vuokatti. The ski resort has a children's water park, as well as several entertainment centers. There are 13 slopes of varying difficulty in the resort, some of them are suitable for skiing in the dark.
The Vuokatti snowboard tunnel is 100 meters long. The width of the tunnel is 20 meters, so there is enough space for everyone. The easy trails for beginners in Vuokatti are free of charge.
Tahko ski resort
More than 20 slopes, children's slopes and tracks of increased difficulty - all this is the Tahko ski resort. The park for snowboarders in Tahko deserves special attention. The area of the resort is known for large differences in altitude, so the tracks there are interesting and non-standard.
The ski slopes in Tahko are 84 km long. In addition to snowboarding and jumping, the resort offers golf, rowing and fishing..
The resort is located 70 km from the city of Kuopio. Lake Syväri is located next to the ski slopes. In Tahko, the whole tourist infrastructure... There are lifts on the ski area, and at night the slopes are illuminated with colored illumination.
Alpine skiing in Ylläs
Ylläs offers guests a gigantic slope, the largest in terms of size among all slopes in Finland. There is also a Snow Park in Ylläs, children's entertainment is widespread, there are trails for experienced skiers, wild slopes, and simpler trails for beginners.
The large ski resort has 63 slopes, where 29 ski lifts carry tourists. Ylläs has some of the longest runs in the country.
Guests of the resort are lovers of untouched snow and the Northern Lights, which can be seen climbing the peaks of the local mountains on summer nights, as well as in winter and autumn. Ylläs is renowned as the main resort in Lapland due to its technical equipment and vast territories. The nature around the resort town fascinates with its unusual northern beauty, and the weather is conducive to long skiing.
I must say right away that Finnish resorts are good, but not the coolest (literally and figuratively). However, the country of Suomi has a number of advantages even over the Alps. For example, Santa Claus is one, unlike many ski resorts, and New Year he always meets in his homeland (hundreds of tourists can confirm this with a documentary photograph of Santa).
You can also see the Northern Lights in Finland in winter! True, in mid-December in Lapland, daylight hours lasts no more than 2 hours, but there is so much romance in this too!
The ski resorts in Finland would be more correctly called “hill-skiing”, because in Finland there are not mountains, but hills, which are interesting mainly for intermediate skiers and beginners. But the tracks are in excellent condition. The ski tracks in this happy country are laid professionally, they do not understand "spontaneous" tracks there.
The main flow of tourists is directed to Lapland and Northern Finland, to the south it is slushy, although there are also small ski centers, but which are more likely to be an addition to a vacation in Finland than a reason to visit this country.
Lapland has the most famous resorts- these are Ylläs, Salla, Saariselka, Rovaniemi, Pyhä and Luosto, Levi, Kuusamo - Ruka. In Northern Finland, the most popular resorts are Vuokatti, Paljakka and Ukkohalla.
Lapland
Ylläs
It is the main ski resort in Finland. In 2002, he was officially recognized as the best in the country. Indeed, here is the steepest height difference and the most long runs... But in fairness it should be noted that according to a poll of readers of the popular Finnish newspaper Iltalehti, the best ski resort in Finland is Levi.
Ylläs consists of two ancient Sámi villages - Ekaslompolo and Ylläsjärvi, and the main tourist infrastructure is concentrated in Ekaslompolo.
In Ylläs, as well as in the Levi resort, stages of competitions for the World and European Cups in various types of alpine skiing are held.
Resort benefits
- Ylläs is unique: it has Finland's only Super-G (super-giant) downhill track.
- You can ski in Ylläs in any style - there are ample opportunities for downhill and cross-country skiing, snowboarding, telemarking and off-piste skiing.
- The ski network of the Ylläs region is successfully intertwined with the slopes neighboring resorts(Levi, Muonio and Hitta), which means that long hikes can be made along numerous routes.
Disadvantages of the resort: not the most saturated infrastructure.
Resort infrastructure
2 ski schools and 2 equipment rentals. Accommodation is possible in hotels and cottages of different levels. There are about 10 restaurants, pubs, cafes, which are not only tasty but also fun thanks to the frequent music festivals that Ylläs is famous for. In addition, there is a water park and one of the best safari programs in all of Finland.
For children
Children will not be bored either; special slopes and ski tracks, playgrounds, a Formula slide with tight turns, trampolines and tunnels.
It is interesting…
In the summer of 2008, another purely Finnish entertainment appeared in Ylläs. The most Finnish. One of the lift cabins has been converted into a sauna. Everything is real there - the cabin is made of wood, and so that you can watch how, as you climb, the view becomes more and more wonderful, there are several windows. In 40 minutes (this is how long the session lasts in this Finnish bath), it rises twice to a height of 500 meters. The duration of the session is 40 minutes, the height is 500 m, the capacity is four people, the cost is 500 euros.
Salla
What could be more desirable and inaccessible for a resident of an industrial metropolis than peace and quiet? And vacationers in the Salla resort can enjoy them to the fullest. Here they will be able to relax from the noise and at the same time not get bored, playing sports in a modern ski resort. Forests, hills and perfectly prepared trails among them - that is what Salla is.
Infrastructure
Salla offers accommodation in cottages of various layouts and capacities with their own sauna and fireplace and fully equipped kitchen. The resort has two restaurants, a mini market, an indoor gym, sports equipment rental and a ski school. Alcohol only in restaurants.
Among other entertainment - national park Oulanka 270 square kilometers, as well as the Deer Park, where you can meet deer in their natural habitat, as well as get acquainted with the breeding of these animals and learn how deer help humans.
For children
For children, the resort has a small slide with a children's lift.
It is interesting…
In 2003, the European Freestyle Cup and the Downhill World Championship were held on the slopes of Salla. And since the competition is taking place, it means that the tracks are very well monitored.
Saariselka
This is the most northern resort Lapland, the snow starts here in mid-October, and at the end of the month it is usually already possible to ski.
The resort is located on the territory of the National Park named after the President of Finland Urho Kekkonen (who did so much to strengthen friendly and good-neighborly relations between the USSR and Finland).
The ski slopes themselves are located 900 meters from the resort, but a free shuttle bus runs between the hotels and the resort, so getting to them is not at all difficult.
Resort benefits
The resort's walking ski trails are good, their total length is 250 km, of which 40 km are illuminated at night. In addition, 65 km of snowmobile trails have been laid.
Disadvantages of the resort
The Saariselkä pistes are good for beginners and children, but the professionals will get bored on them.
Resort infrastructure
There is also no shortage of hotels with more than 8,000 accommodations, restaurants and museums (among the latter the most interesting are the gold museum and the Sámi ethnographic museum).
In addition, the annual Lapland culture celebrations, reindeer races on the lakes, snowmobile safaris and spending time in the northernmost water park in Finland and throughout Europe, the Holiday Club Saariselka water park, will not let the tourists get bored.
It is interesting…
Saariselkä has the longest freestyle park and half-pipe in Finland, as well as the longest toboggan slide in Finland.
For children
A special ski slope and a children's snow park have been created for children.
Rovaniemi
In the capital of Finnish Lapland, the town of Rovaniemi, it is impossible to get lost: it consists of one main street, one McDonald's, several shopping centers and cafes, a couple of souvenir shops and safari bureaus. Mostly tourists are attracted here by the fact that Rovaniemi - hometown Joulupukki, that is, Santa Claus. He lives in his own village and takes pictures with tourists for 18 euros. As for Ounasvaar, ski center Rovaniemi, it is interesting only for beginners (elevation differences and lengths are small) and cross-country skiers (100 km of trails). There are 10 slopes for children.
Resort infrastructure
The city has a good skating rink with very slippery ice. Skate rental costs about 10 euros.
A must-see is a reindeer farm and a husky farm. Getting there by snowmobile through the incredibly beautiful forests of Lapland is already a fabulous adventure. And upon arrival, you can ride a dog sled and feed husky and deer puppies.
The Rauna Zoo, which is located about 80 km from the city, is also worth a visit. This is the northernmost zoo in the world, an hour's drive from Rovaniemi. Here you can see representatives of more than 50 species of northern frost-hardy living creatures.
Hand
Ruka - The Golden Gate of Lapland is the most popular resort among Russians, celebrating its 55th anniversary in 2009. Its main advantage is that it is located on real mountains (up to 493 m above sea level), while the resorts of Central and Southern Finland are built on hills and low hills.
The 28 ski slopes of the Ruka resort are laid in different parts of the four mountains and are suitable for skiers of all skill levels. The most difficult terrain and steep slopes are in the Ruka-West area, in the Ruka-Vostok area the slopes, although longer, are calmer, and therefore more suitable for beginners, who, by the way, can be trained in a special ski school known throughout Finland and has been teaching slalom for over 40 years.
The resort is especially proud of the Superpipe Vuosseli and Border Cross tracks for snowboarders, which meet all international standards. Fans of cross-country skiing also have a place to walk: the length of the trails is 360 km (of which 41 km are illuminated at night).
Resort infrastructure
Accommodation is possible mainly in cottages, there are more than 400 of them, and many of them are built of calibrated logs and with their harsh appearance resemble real northern huts, but inside there are full 4 and 5 "stars". The region has shops, a supermarket, restaurants and bars with discos.
Other winter activities can be interesting: snowmobile safari, dog and reindeer sledding, ice fishing, winter carting, snowshoeing, winter diving.
For children
At Sadetahti kindergarten, parents can leave their child with a teacher who speaks Finnish, English and German... You can take your toys and food with you there (you cannot organize your own meals in the garden). On the very gentle slope of the resort, Vuosselli, training sessions for children are held.
Levy
Levi is one of the best ski resorts in Finland, a direct competitor to Ylläs, and his fame is not limited to the territory of Finland, since it is the venue for the stages of the World and European Cup competitions in various types of alpine skiing.
Levi is located in western Lapland, where the most high mountains country.
His pride is also that the only gondola in Finland cable car(Levi Gondola 2000) built here.
Sophisticated tourists say that of all Finnish resorts, it is Levi that is comparable to the reference Alps in terms of infrastructure development: hotels are located in close proximity to the slopes, all the necessary services can be obtained in the village.
The resort has an extensive network of snowmobile trails (over 600 km), flat skis (over 230 km, of which 23 km are covered). Fans of overcoming long distances can ride from Levi to Ylläs.
Among other types active rest in Levi you can list cross-country skiing, snowmobile safaris, cycling, reindeer and husky safaris, fishing, walking, rowing, etc. You can also take a snowshoe or snowmobile trip to the nearby Skating Mountain
Infrastructure
Accommodation options in Levi are varied, there are hotels: Levitunturi, Katka 5, Hullu Poro and Sirkantahti, and there are many cozy cottages.
In the center of the resort there is a large sports and recreation complex and a mini-water park .
As for restaurants, there are more than ten of them in Levi. The panoramic Tuiku, located on the top of the mountain, enjoys great popularity, traditional Lappish cuisine is served at Kammi, European cuisine can be tasted at the Steak House, and in Mullun Aya, you can enjoy pizza. In addition to restaurants, there are plenty of bistros and apres-ski cafes in Levi, there are two supermarkets, a pharmacy, wine store Alko, wine cellar, sports shops, hairdressers and numerous souvenir shops. There is also a post office and an ATM.
For lovers nightlife Must like Hullu Poro Areena - an entertainment center that offers its guests a variety of programs until the early hours of the morning: performances by famous bands and musicians, as well as discos.
For children
Children's playground in the open air with interesting games and sports competitions, a ski school with a children's instructor, in which adults can also be trained, play center entertainment of the Levitunturi hotel with a Russian-speaking nanny.
Pyhä and Luosto
Pyha and Luosto are two resorts that have joined forces to make tourists in Finland twice as fun. They are at a distance of 20 km. from each other, a bus runs constantly between them (the fare is about 10 EUR), and a single "ski pass" is sold for the lifts of both complexes.
But, going to this resort, you should know that the Pyhä slopes are better known to lovers of extreme skiing, it is not for nothing that Pyhä has one of the 9 most difficult slopes in Finland, called "The Man's Cry", and the Luosto complex is more suitable for beginners and cross-country skiers.
The main advantage of the resort in its year-round is natural ski season here it lasts from November to May, while in summer the required thickness of the cover is supported by snow cannons.
There is a ski school on the territory of the Pyhä resort - one of the most reputable in Finland.
Resort infrastructure
The center of the resort is the Pyhatunturi hotel and the adjacent Holysuites aparthotel. Here is the Pyhä Shop, where you can buy high-quality sportswear, footwear, as well as various souvenirs.
For a pleasant time, the resort offers 3 restaurants with European and Lapland cuisine, 4 bars and night club with live music in the evenings (open until 4am).
There are also interesting sights in the area: Nature Center National park where guests are introduced to the flora and fauna of the Pyhä region; Luosto amethyst mines (the only ones operating in Europe), where you can find your own lucky stone, and then relax in the Amethyst SPA and enjoy the beauty northern lights from the window of a room in the Aurora Chalet Hotel, the world's first hotel dedicated to the Northern Lights.
And, of course, traditional Finnish winter types of entertainment are always available - in short, the list of pleasures is endless!
For children
Children's tracks start practically from the hotel. A safe "Vorobyinaya Gorka" has been built for children. The resort has a ski school, where you can order the services of a Russian-speaking instructor, as well as professional training of children in the basics of skiing.
Northern Finland
Paljakka and Ukkohalla
Paljakka and Ukkohalla are at a distance of 26 km from each other.
Just like Pyhä and Luosto, Ukkohalla and Paljakka have a single ticket system for the ski slopes, which allows you to ski on 23 slopes.
The Ukkohalla resort is very conveniently and picturesquely located: in the middle of the valley there is Lake Syvääri, surrounded by mountains. On the one side of the lake there are slopes, on which trails are equipped, on the other - cottages, from the windows of which an amazing view of the surroundings opens.
Paljakka is not inferior to its brother Ukkohalle with the beauty of landscapes: from the height of the mountains, a beautiful view of the Pirunkirkkona river canyon and the Paljakka nature reserve opens up.
Environmentalists also say that the snow is the purest here, which is also an indisputable advantage of the resort. And the purity of the snow, in turn, is a kind of indicator of the purity of the air, since the snow cover accumulates in itself almost all substances entering the atmosphere. This means that you can taste the cleanest air in Finland in Paljakka.
Paljakka has the only alpine toboggan run in Finland with a length of 1200 m.
Resort infrastructure
Of the two resorts, Ukkohalla has a more developed infrastructure. Here, for example, there is a new SPA center "Hallan Saga", the variety of saunas in which is impressive - Finnish, Ural cave, steam, aroma sauna, herbal sauna, Karelian with access to the lake, peat bath, hot tubs, hydromassage pool and jacuzzi, children's pool.
All cottages in Ukkohalla are usually located within a kilometer of the slope. The pluses of the resort also include the fact that accommodation here is relatively inexpensive, cheaper than in Ruka or Vuokatti.
In Paljakka, the houses are a little simpler, but still, in Finnish, they are comfortable, well-maintained and cozy.
In both centers there are equipment rental centers and slalom schools. In Paljakka, by the way, the ski lift for beginners starts right from the ski school. Both Ukkohalla and Paljakka offer rental equipment for slalom, snowboard, telemark and cross-country skiing.
For children
For the little ones, there are regular and Lappish sleds. In the meantime, parents set personal records on the slopes, the child can be entrusted to the educators.
Vuokatti
Vuokatti resort is very popular among Russian tourists: firstly, because it is easy to get there (it is located 40 km from Kajaani airport, there is a regular flight between Kajaani and Helsinki, the flight takes 50 minutes); secondly, Vuokatti offers a varied and in some ways even unique vacation.
For example, here, even in the summer, you can do winter activities here, for this there is a year-round snowboard tunnel and an underground ski Track, 1250 meters long, where the temperature does not rise above - 5 ° С.
And in winter, on the contrary, you can warm up in the Katinkulta tropical water park, where there are more than 20 pools and countless SPA procedures, and most importantly, you can swim outside the building and get an incredible novelty feeling: winter cold reigns over the water, and pleasant warmly.
Resort infrastructure
Several large hotels are offered for accommodation, as well as all kinds of cottages with a predominantly block type of accommodation.
There are several restaurants, cafes and fast food outlets in Vuokatti, next to the village of Santa Claus Kuhma and local history museum in the open air - "Kalevala Park".
For children
On the ski slopes there are trails for beginners and the smallest slalomists. The instructors are specially qualified to work with children. The restaurants offer a special children's menu.
You can read about ski resorts all over the world on our website - in a special article "From Finland to New Zealand: Description of the World Ski Resorts"
Technical characteristics of ski resorts in Finland
| Region | Resort | Maximum height difference | Maximum length of the route | Season | Trails and lifts |
| Lapland | Ylläs | 463 m | 3 km | End of November - beginning of May |
37 trails (11 - lit) 18 lifts (including the gondola lift). Trails: black - 4 red - 8 blue - 31 |
| Salla | 230 m | 1.3 km | End of November - beginning of May |
12 trails (6 illuminated), 6 anchor lifts. Trails: 5 blue, 3 red, 2 black |
|
| Saariselka | 180 m | 1.5 km | From about October 20th to May 10th |
12 trails, illuminated - 5 Number of lifts - 6 |
|
| Rovaniemi |
Ukkohalla: 11 slopes (blue - 4, red - 6, black - 1), 6 lifts Paljakka: 12 runs (blue - 6, red - 4, black - 2), 7 lifts |
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| Vuokatti | 170 m | 0.7 miles | November-April |
13 trails (9 trails are lit) 7 blue, 5 red, 1 black. 9 lifts, including two 4-seater chairlifts, 3 anchor lifts, 2 drag lifts and 2 escalators. |
