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Finland: Paradise for Skiing and snow activities Lovers

ByTips For Your Trips

Finland, with its pristine winter landscapes, excellent ski resorts, and vibrant culture, is a top destination for skiing enthusiasts. From the picturesque slopes of Lapland to the cozy ski towns in the south, Finland offers a wide range of skiing experiences for travelers of all skill levels. Here’s a guide to help you find the perfect Finnish ski destination based on your preferences:

For the alpine ski and after ski lovers, Levi is the place to go

Levi, located in the heart of Finnish Lapland, is one of the most popular ski resorts in Finland. Known for its well-groomed slopes and excellent beginner-friendly facilities, Levi is perfect for families and novice skiers. The resort offers a wide range of activities, including skiing, snowboarding, and even reindeer sleigh rides, ensuring there’s something for everyone. Levi is also famous at very lively nightlife, for example Ihku has almost everynight full bar and Hullu Poro Areena have famous Finnish artists.

Find and book the best activities in Levi!

  • Restaurants:
    • Restaurant Nili-Poro: Specializes in traditional Lappish dishes and local ingredients.
    • King Crab House Levi: Known for its fresh seafood and cozy atmosphere.
    • Saamen Kammi: Offers a unique dining experience in a traditional Sámi hut.
  • Hotels/Accommodations:
    • Hotel Hullu Poro: A cozy hotel with a range of amenities and easy access to the slopes.
    • Levi Panorama: Offers modern accommodations with stunning views over Levi.
    • Northern Lights Ranch: Unique glass-roofed cabins perfect for viewing the Northern Lights.
    • Check best hotels in Levi

For the Adventurous Skiers and nature lovers: Ylläs

Ylläs, also located in Finnish Lapland, boasts the largest ski area in Finland with a diverse range of slopes and off-piste options. This resort is ideal for adventurous skiers looking for challenging terrain and exhilarating runs. Ylläs also offers fantastic cross-country skiing trails and breathtaking views of the surrounding fells.

Ylläs is the best place for you, if you like to have some silence in the nature, skiing crosscountry in the most white snow, and enjoy alpine or off-piste skiing in the best resort of Finland.

If you like to experience this all, best time is visit here in winter time from december to may. Easiest way to get here is to find best flights by Momondo, to Kittilä airport. From Kittilä you can have a bus or taxi to Ylläs. You can also rent a car from Kittilä airport and drive to Ylläs in half an hour.

In summertime there is also lot to do and see. Definetly the best mountain biking routes and also downhill biking routes with lenght over 3 kilometers. Autumn time also offcource the most amazing autumn colours in the nature.

You can find and book easily your activities in Ylläs from snow shoeing to husky trips from GetYourGuide service before your holiday

Best Restaurants in Ylläs:

  • Arctic Skylight Lodge: Great fine dine food from Lapland.
  • Loimu Resort: Offers gourmet dishes made with local ingredients and a touch of elegance.
  • Lapland Hotel Saaga: Lapland experience with delicious tastes from clean nature of Finland.

Hotels/Accommodations:

  • Loimu resort (before known as Aurora Estate Boutique Hotel): A charming boutique hotel with luxurious rooms and a friendly atmosphere. Very nice hotel in the village of Ylläsjärvi, just close the lake of Ylläs. You can easily get from Loimu resort to the skiresort by skibus in just few minutes. The best dining place at least earlier is also in this hotel on this side of Ylläs, I highly recommend to test it for you, if you are living here or not. If you like you can also have a traditional smoke sauna and jaguzzi here, ask and make reservation before you are going. Ice swimming experience is also possible here. Make your reservation to Loimu Resort easily here in booking.com Very good place also to see amazing northern lights
  • Lapland Hotels Saaga: Provides modern comforts and easy access to the slopes. Very nice views from room, close to slopes, or actually in the slope. Very good restaurant with enjoyable Lapplish food menu and also small nice spa to make your stay perfect. Check more, and get best price by trip.com
  • Ylläksen Taiga Cottage: high-quality cabin in Ylläs offering a tranquil holiday experience with three bedrooms, a living room, kitchen, dining area, sauna, and bathrooms. The cabin includes an outdoor storage area for equipment. Located close to the ski slopes, provides excellent winter sports opportunities and accommodates up to 10 people. Check availability and book here . Only finnish website but you can contact owner by email in english also.

Things to Do in Ylläs

Ylläs offers a wide array of activities that reflect its breathtaking landscape. Beyond skiing and snowboarding, you can immerse yourself in the enchanting world of snowshoeing or join a guided tour to admire the mesmerizing Northern Lights. For those seeking excitement, consider snowmobiling along pristine trails or embarking on a husky safari, where you can bond with adorable sled dogs as you glide through the winter wilderness.

Cultural enthusiasts will appreciate the opportunity to visit a traditional reindeer farm, where you can learn about Sámi culture and even experience a reindeer sleigh ride. If relaxation is your priority, indulge in one of the local saunas—an essential Finnish experience. After a day of adventure, treat yourself to delicious meals at cozy restaurants offering both traditional Finnish cuisine and international dishes.

Make sure to explore the picturesque village of Ylläsjärvi, filled with charming shops and local artisan boutiques. With its mix of winter activities and cultural experiences, Ylläs is a treasure trove of unforgettable adventures for every traveler.

Find best activities in Ylläs here!

For the Scenic Beauty and Tranquility: Pyhä-Luosto

Pyhä-Luosto, located in the eastern part of Lapland, is known for its stunning natural beauty and tranquil atmosphere. The resort offers a variety of well-maintained slopes, excellent cross-country skiing trails, and snowshoeing opportunities. Pyhä-Luosto is also home to the beautiful Pyhä-Luosto National Park, making it a perfect destination for those seeking both skiing and nature experiences.

  • Restaurants:
    • Huttu-Uula: Offers traditional Finnish cuisine with a cozy ambiance.
    • Café Loimu: Known for its delicious pastries and warm drinks, perfect for a break from the slopes.
    • Blaze Bar & Grill: Offers a variety of hearty meals and a relaxed atmosphere.
  • Hotels/Accommodations:
    • Santa’s Hotel Aurora: A charming hotel with comfortable rooms and excellent service.
    • Pyhän Asteli: Offers cozy cabins and modern amenities in a beautiful setting.
    • Lapland Hotel Luostotunturi & Amethyst Spa: A luxurious hotel with a spa, perfect for relaxation after a day on the slopes.

For the Cross-Country Skiing Enthusiasts: Vuokatti

Vuokatti, located in the Kainuu region, is renowned for its excellent cross-country skiing facilities. The resort offers over 150 kilometers of well-groomed trails, making it a top destination for cross-country skiing enthusiasts. Vuokatti also has a variety of downhill slopes and a state-of-the-art ski tunnel for year-round skiing.

  • Restaurants:
    • Restaurant Kippo: Known for its traditional Kainuu dishes and cozy atmosphere.
    • A la Katti: Offers a variety of delicious meals and a welcoming ambiance.
    • Restaurant Amarillo: A popular spot for Tex-Mex cuisine and lively atmosphere.
  • Hotels/Accommodations:
    • Break Sokos Hotel Vuokatti: A stylish hotel with modern amenities and easy access to the slopes.
    • Hotel Vuokatti & Suites: Offers comfortable accommodations and beautiful views of the surrounding landscape.
    • Holiday Club Katinkulta: A luxurious resort with a spa and a wide range of activities for the whole family.

For the Northern Lights Experience: Saariselkä

Saariselkä, located in the northernmost part of Finnish Lapland, is a magical destination known for its stunning Northern Lights displays. The resort offers a variety of slopes, excellent cross-country skiing trails, and unique winter activities like husky safaris and ice fishing. Saariselkä’s remote location provides the perfect setting for witnessing the breathtaking Northern Lights.

  • Restaurants:
    • Restaurant Petronella: Offers delicious Lappish dishes in a cozy setting.
    • Lapland Hotels Riekonlinna: Known for its excellent cuisine and warm hospitality.
    • Teerenpesä: Offers a variety of hearty meals and a relaxed atmosphere.
  • Hotels/Accommodations:
    • Northern Lights Village: Unique glass-roofed cabins perfect for viewing the Northern Lights.
    • Lapland Hotels Riekonlinna: A cozy hotel with modern amenities and easy access to the slopes.
    • Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort: Offers unique glass igloos and traditional log cabins for an unforgettable stay.

Why Finland Should Be Your Next Skiing Destination

Finland offers an unparalleled blend of stunning natural beauty, excellent skiing facilities, and unique winter activities. Whether you’re a beginner looking for gentle slopes or an advanced skier seeking challenging terrain, Finland has something for everyone. The country’s pristine landscapes, friendly locals, and vibrant culture create the perfect setting for an unforgettable skiing holiday. Discover the magic of Finland, where every winter adventure promises new experiences and lasting memories.

Absolutely! Here’s the English version of your website section about the Northern Lights and aurora tourism in Finnish Lapland, including affiliate links:

The Magic of the Northern Lights in Finnish Lapland

The Northern Lights – nature’s dazzling light show – are one of the most mesmerizing phenomena in Finnish Lapland. During the long winter nights, when the sky is dark and the air crisp, vibrant green, purple, and red lights dance across the Arctic sky. These auroras occur when particles from the Sun collide with Earth’s atmosphere, and Lapland’s location within the auroral oval makes it one of the best places on Earth to witness them.

Aurora tourism has grown rapidly in recent years, with more and more travelers heading north in hopes of experiencing this natural wonder. The best chances to see the Northern Lights are between September and March, especially on clear, cloudless nights between 9 PM and 2 AM. Regions like Inari, Kilpisjärvi, and Rovaniemi are particularly favorable – in Kilpisjärvi, the probability of seeing auroras on a clear night is as high as 75%.

Aurora tours offer visitors a safe and unforgettable way to chase the lights. Guided excursions take you far from light pollution, often by snowmobile-pulled sleigh or warm minibus. Many tours include hot drinks, campfire snacks, and local treats like pancakes and sausages. While sightings can’t be guaranteed, the journey into Lapland’s silent wilderness under a starry sky is a magical experience in itself.

Book Your Northern Lights Adventure

Below are incredible northern lights tours available through GetYourGuide.

How to Get There

Reaching Finland’s ski resorts is convenient, whether you’re flying in from abroad or traveling within the country. The major gateway airports include Helsinki-Vantaa Airport, which connects to various international destinations. From Helsinki, you can catch a domestic flight to Kittilä, Ivalo, or Rovaniemi airports, depending on your chosen resort.

For those preferring land travel, the train system in Finland is efficient and comfortable, with services connecting from Helsinki to several northern cities. Once you arrive at your destination, local bus services and shuttle options are readily available to take you to the ski resorts. Renting a car is also an excellent choice, allowing for flexibility to explore the serene landscapes along the way. Whether you’re arriving by plane, train, or car, the journey to Finland’s winter wonderlands is just the beginning of your skiing adventure.

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