The Arctic landscape of Finland is quite different from a skiing holiday in the Alps. The flat and gently rolling wooded forests are starting to appeal to a new generation of skiers, particularly families, cross country and totally new skiers who are wanting to test the waters knowing that other activities are on hand just in case they don’t like skiing! Snow reliability is normally very good from November to early May. As it’s within the Arctic Circle, this means it can be cold and dark in the early part of the ski season although some of the ski runs are floodlit. Temperatures are very variable, it’s not uncommon for the range to be between 0C and -30C but it’s normally warmer on the ski slopes than in in the valley below by 10 to 15 degrees. To combat the cold we can arrange thermal clothing and boot rental if required.
One of the biggest draws for skiers wanting to try skiing in Finland is the very good possibility of seeing the Northern Lights (AKA Aurora bora allies).
What you don’t get in Finland is large linked ski areas such as in France. The ski areas are on a much smaller scale, Levi, for example, has just 44km of piste, and Yllas offer 53km of piste.
Unlike the Alps, there are very few mountain restaurants in Finland but you are never far from the base where you can eat in one of the many self-service eateries. The ski lifts are quick but drag lifts and T-bars are far more common than chairlifts and gondolas however the length of these isn’t a concern as most are short lifts.
Many of the ski runs don’t fully open until February when Finish schools break for holidays, normally clashing with our school holidays, so slopes can be busier. Easter is also a popular time to ski in Finland, especially when Easter fall late.
The Fins are very good snowboarders and terrain parks in Finland are very good, superpipes are increasingly common.
Feedback from clients about ski schools has always been very positive and all speak good English.
A Ski Holiday in Finland isn’t limited to just skiing (or snowboarding) Most of our clients enjoy many of the other activities that are available such as snowshoe safaris, Husky sleigh rides, Reindeer safari, Ice fishing, trips to meet Santa and Snowmobile trips. You can even spend a night in an ice hotel.
The most popular accommodation with our clients is the log cabin, these self-catered units sum up a ski holiday like nothing else. Our Log cabins are available in both Yllas and Levi and come in various sizes to suit families of 3 to 5 right up to larger 7 room cabins that can sleep up to 12 people.
The hotels in Finnish ski resorts are very good too, mostly 3* to 4* half board hotels some offer ski in ski out locations, ideal for families.
We feature four ski resorts in Finland that we believe offers the best possible option for a skiing holiday in Finland.
Yllas; Pronounced “U-las”, is Finland’s largest downhill ski resort, ideal for novice skiers and those wanting more than just a ski holiday.
Saariselka; Frontier atmosphere in the far north of Lapland, close to Russia. Home to the real Santa.
Levi; the most famous of Finland’s ski resorts, often appears on Ski Sunday and only 15 minutes from the nearest airport.
Pyha; Some of the best off-piste skiing to be had in Finland
