Saariselkä ski resort information
Deep in Sámi country is the small but beautiful ski resort of Saariselkä. Surrounded by magical Arctic wilderness complete with pine trees and reindeer, this resort is perfect if you want to experience the true Lapland.
Situated at a height of 265m and with skiing up to 438m, the altitude isn’t high but being so far north the temperatures are low and powder snow is guaranteed. With only 12km of marked ski runs the resort isn’t huge, but there are 185km of cross country runs for the keen cross country explorer.
Accommodation that Ski Line has to offer in this resort is typical of the area, with log cabins, self catered apartments and half board hotels. A ski bus takes you to the lifts, 2km from the centre of the village, and is free when a lift pass is purchased.
Families will thrive here, with so many off the slope activities, a swimming pool at one of the hotels, an indoor kindergarten for 2-11 year olds and a free outdoor snow play area.
Après ski in the ski resort of Saariselkä
Although quite a small resort, the après ski in Saariselkä can be really lively. There are many options, have a quiet dinner, enjoy rock music in the Lutto pub, or listen to live music in one of the hotels or the Kieppi bar. If you want to continue into the night, there are three nightclubs for party people.
Activities off the slopes in the ski resort of Saariselkä
Being in the Artic wilderness, Saariselkä has lots to offer in the way of activities. For young families visiting between 4th and 25th December, a visit to Santa can be magical. There’s also a 1km toboggan run, reindeer safaris, Tankavaara gold panning and plenty of exciting excursions to truly experience Lapland. Why not visit a Sámi village, see the Northern Lights, or even have an overnight stay in a glass igloo!
Beginners skiing in the ski resort of Saariselkä
Saariselkä is a great resort for beginners, with 6 long blue runs spread across both fells, Kaunispää and Ilsakkipää. The English speaking ski school here will help you to progress too.
Intermediates skiing in the ski resort of Saariselkä
Early intermediates will enjoy taking in the scenery and skiing easily down blue and red runs here, and with no queues and hardly anyone on the slopes it’s great.
Advanced skiing in the ski resort of Saariselkä
If you are a keen advanced skier in search of challenging or difficult runs you may be disappointed in the runs available to you in Saariselkä. With only one black run you’ll be extremely limited.
Snowboarding in the ski resort of Saariselkä
There’s a half pipe here for snowboarders to use, and the blue and red runs are easy to ride with tree-lined slopes between the pistes. Four out of the five lifts are draglifts though, but the chair lift takes you to the top of the main fell, Kaunispää, where the majority of red runs can be found. |