Lapland holidays in Saariselkä

Frontier atmosphere and Sámi heritage in our most northerly resort

  • Located in the Arctic Circle
  • Europe's most northern ski resort 
  • 18.5 kilometres of slopes available for skiing and snowboarding 
  • Unbeatable snow coverage all season

Located in the wild mystical north of Lapland, Saariselkä is an exceptionally friendly, uncommercialised resort with a unique frontier atmosphere. With magnificent Arctic wilderness scenery just on the doorstep, it makes an ideal resort for an all-round winter wonderland adventure. The skies are often a deep hue of pink and purple, the pine trees heavily laden with snow, and being so far north there is a good possibility of seeing the Northern Lights too. In Saariselkä, you're deep in Sámi country, where many people from the indigenous community of Lapland live and work today.

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Arctic skiing and activity holidays in Saariselkä

Saariselkä is Europe's most northern ski resort and is renowned for its excellent cross-country ski trails in the adjoining National Park. In Saariselkä there are over 200 kilometres of cross country ski tracks, 34 of which are illuminated - so you can make the most of these tracks despite the polar nights. The general ski area is spread across the Iisakkipää and Kaunispää fells and is best suited for beginners and intermediates. The ski schools here speak English and all of the slopes lead back to the same area in the valley where you'll be able to warm up in the café or by a campfire.

Apart from skiing, Saariselkä offers a range of winter excursions that'll make you Lapland holiday complete. There'll be plenty of opportunities for reindeer and husky sleigh safaris as well as snowmobiling, snow shoeing and many more exciting activities! On holidays during November and December you'll even have the chance to meet Santa

Northern lights adventures

Staying in Saariselkä, you can experience one of our unique Northern lights adventures. Book a '7 Night Adventure' at the Muotka Wilderness Lodge where you'll receive a set itinerary filled with fun winter excursions like husky sledding, snowshoeing and cross country skiing. Alternatively if you can't decide where you want to stay, combine the northern lights adventure with a visit to Saariselkä resort centre with our 'Muotka 2-Centre Adventure' for the best of both worlds. We also offer single night excursions if you would prefer - for a really memorable experience sleep under the magical night sky in a cosy Aurora Cabin.

Where to stay in Saariselkä

We offer a range of hotels and apartments in Saariselkä, all located in the centre of resort so you'll have easy access to everything you'll need during your stay. The Holiday Club Hotel couldn't be better located for enjoying the amazing arctic activities in Lapland. 

Feel like adding a touch of luxury to your trip? We'd recommend staying in the Star Arctic Hotel or the Top Star Glass Cubes. Both of these stylish accommodations are located on top of the fell so are the perfect choice if you're hoping to catch a glimpse of the Northern lights. 

What's included in an Inghams holiday to Saariselkä

On an Ingham's Lapland holiday you'll have your flights, transfers and accommodation, plus thermal suits and boots included. All you'll need to do is decide which activities you want to add on. Skiers and boarders can add on lift passes, equipment and lessons with us too. Our Ingham's Representatives based in Saariselkä are also on hand to help you make the most of your Lapland holiday - if you need any advice, tips or assistance while you're away, they will be there to help. 

Did you know that if you book a 7 night holiday to Lapland in December you can also visit Santa in his home?

Simply pick up and purchase the Visit Santa's Home excursion at the time of booking and the whole family can enjoy a group meeting with Santa, a gift for children, feed and pet Santa's reindeer and see how Elf Smith sends presents around the world! Warm up inside with hot drinks and ginger biscuits.

Every 7 night holiday to Lapland departing before Christmas includes a magical festive feast! For even more festive fun, why not indulge yourself in a reindeer sleigh ride or dash through enchanting snow-laden forests on a snowmobile or husky safari!

Added value

Arctic thermal suits and snow boots included for all adults & children (3yrs +)

3 for 2 on Husky, Reindeer & Snowmobile Safaris (while stocks last)

The Santa Experience: Save on Santa, Husky, Reindeer excursions (Available in December, while stocks last)

  • from£1880pp
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Star Arctic Hotel Bedroom 314X193

Our 3 and 4-night short break packages are an easy way to experience the winter wonderland that is Saariselkä. With all your transportation, accommodation, and excursions included in the package, it really couldn't be any easier. Available on a full board basis, this package is perfect for couples, groups of friends, or families wanting a short and sweet taste of what Lapland has to offer. The Star Arctic Hotel is also available for 7 night stays

  • from£749pp
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  • 139 rooms
Saariselka_HolidayClub_Bar.jpg

Located right in the heart of Saariselkä, this popular hotel offers a high standard of accommodation and facilities. You'll enjoy breakfast and dinner included with the hotels half board basis. Please note that the spa is closed for the winter 2024-25 season and for the foreseeable future. This hotel can also be booked as part of our 'Muotka 2-Centre Adventure'.

  • from£616pp
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  • Sleeps 6
Lapland_Saariselka_Holiday_Club_Apartments_Lounge

The Holiday Club Apartments are in a fantastic resort location and are part of the Holiday Club Hotel. These apartments are offered on a self catering board basis with the option to upgrade to half board. 

  • from£1829pp
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Wilderness Hotel Juutua Finland Exterior

Our 3 or 4 night Juutua Arctic Aurora Adventure Packages have everything included in the price, from accommodation to excursions, so no need to worry about planning your trip - it's all done for you! Depending on which duration of short break you choose, you'll have different arctic excursions included - think husky sleigh rides, aurora hunts and snowmobiling. Offered on a full board basis, you'll have breakfast, lunch and dinner included with your stay. 

  • from£1822pp
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  • 8 Cabins
Cabin And Northern Lights

Experience the wilderness and beauty of untouched Lappish landscape whilst sleeping under the stars in one of these unique Top Star Arctic Glass Cubes. Thoughtfully placed away from light pollution and each having their own heated panoramic glass wall and ceiling, these cabins provide some of the best views of the snowy fell as well as some unmissable opportunities to see the Northern Lights. You'll also enjoy half board meals at the Star Arctic Hotel.

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  • 40 rooms
Finland_Saariselka_StarArctic_Exterior.jpg

Welcome to the Star Arctic! A modern and stylish hotel boasting spacious Lappish-style suites and Aurora cabins. A great choice for those looking for an intimate and exclusive feel stay, it is located at the top of Kaunispaä fell, away from the light pollution of the village centre and an excellent spot from which to view the Northern Lights. You'll enjoy breakfast and dinner included with your stay on the hotels half board basis. Also available on 3 or 4 night short breaks.

  • from£799pp
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  • 96 rooms
finland_lapland_saariselka_tunturi-hotel-gielas-hotel_exterior2.jpg

A wonderfully atmospheric hotel with cosy wood-panelled public areas, good cuisine on a half board basis and comfortable rooms. The property enjoys a peaceful setting 250m from the village centre and next to the cross-country ski tracks. 

  • from£929pp
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  • 96 rooms
Lapland_Saariselka_Gielas_Exterior.jpg

The deluxe wing of the Tunturi hotel, the luxury Gielas building offers highly recommended deluxe rooms. The whole property enjoys a peaceful setting, just 250m from the village centre and a few steps to the cross-country ski tracks. This hotel is offered on a half board basis and can also be booked as part of our 'Muotka 2-Centre Adventure'.

  • from£588pp
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  • 96 rooms
finland_lapland_saariselka_tunturi-hotel-gielas-hotel_exterior2.jpg

Tunturi Hotel Suites are part of the charming Tunturi Hotel complex with its cosy wood-panelled public areas and popular restaurants. These suites and offered on either a bed and breakfast or half board basis.

  • from£2619pp
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  • 36 rooms
Muotka Wilderness Lodge Main Building (1)

This can be booked as part of our 'Muotka 7 Night Adventure', which is the price shown. You can also book this as part of our 'Muotka 2-Centre Adventure'.

Wilderness Hotel Muotka is a lovingly renovated family-run property, offered on a full board basis and set in a secluded snow-laden winter wonderland, 15km from Saariselkä village. Its idyllic location, on the edge of the pristine Urho-Kekkonen National Park, guarantees minimal light pollution and an increased potential for seeing the Northern Lights, simply by stepping outside the Lodge's front door. We have included a full range of daytime arctic activities plus evening aurora hunts with Muotka's expert Guides!

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Superior Suite Exterior

A trip to Lapland isn't complete without a cosy wooden cabin and these traditional Kuukkeli Log Cabins are the perfect option. They'll create a comfortable space for you and your family to sit back and relax, spend quality time together or explore the snowy wilderness that's only a few steps from your door. These cabins are offered on a self catering board basis with the option to upgrade to half board.

Ski and Snowboard Information
Skiing levels
Beginner
Intermediates
Advanced
Snowboard
Cross country

Beginner skiing in Saariselkä

Great resort for learning to ski with easy slopes and friendly English speaking instructors.

Intermediate skiing in Saariselkä

This compact ski area offers uncrowded pistes with hardly any queues. Suits early intermediates.

Advanced skiing in Saariselkä

Limited challenges with one black run but the snow is often very light between the trees.

Snowboarding in Saariselkä

Two free style parks and good quality powder between the pistes.

Cross-country in Saariselkä

A cross-country enthusiast's paradise with mile after mile of well-marked trails through scenic Arctic wilderness. Several are lit at night. 

Saariselkä has long been one of the most famous and best-loved cross-country ski areas in Finnish Lapland. It offers 230kms of prepared trails for both classic and skating styles of skiing, 34kms of which are illuminated. Trails start from the village centre and radiate in all directions, including into one of Finland’s loveliest national parks - Urho Kekkonen. 

The area is well-suited to beginners as well as to more advanced nordic skiers and Inghams has arranged special excellent value Learn To Cross-Country Ski packages with our local partners. Soon you will be gliding past scenically located husky and reindeer farms, or abandoned ghost mine buildings from the 1860s gold rush era. Perhaps you will be lucky enough to see moose, reindeer, arctic hare or willow grouse, all of which call the national park home. There is a good network of campfire shelters, wilderness huts and cafés, including Laanihovi where you can expect a particularly warm welcome and excellent local salmon soup.

Ski Bus

A regular ski bus (pay locally) operates from outside all the hotels and runs to Laanila, Kakslauttanen Igloo Village and Kiilopää ski area, making it easy to do one-way trips as well as the many varied circular routes.

The ski lifts are 2km away from the village. The bus costs approximately €5 per day. Children under 6yrs old travel free with an adult. Please see this link for the bus timetable, https://skisaariselka.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/ski-bus-time-schedule-2019-2020.pdf


Mountain facts
Area 12 km
Resort Altitude 265m
Ski Alt. From 265m
Ski Alt. To 440m
Runs 6 5 1
Longest run 1 Km
Lifts Chairlifts 1, Draglifts 4
Lift Times

7 of 14 runs are floodlit from Dec to mid-February. 
Full ski are open from mid-February

Lift Ski LockersNo
Local Pass Lifts5
Night Skiing IncludedYes
Snow Cannon Coverage33%
Cross Country Trails

185km (34km floodlit)

Night Skiing

Slopes are open after dark in December and January as 34km are floodlit. Slopes are open until approx.17:00hrs.

Off-piste OptionsYes
Slope DirectionN, E, W
Snowpark Info

1 snowpark.

Excursions

Pre-bookable Lapland Excursions:

There are a number of excursions that are eagerly awaiting you. Check them out and make the most of your Lapland adventure by choosing one of our excursion offers and enjoy 3 for 2 on selected excursions or experience the magic of Lapland with the Santa Experience.

Snowmobile Safari Reindeer Safari Husky Safari
Visit Santa's Home Snowshoe Safari Aurora Husky
Ice Karting Kota Dinner Aurora Snowmobiles

 

Snowmobile safari Age (years) Price per person from Duration
Single (1 adult driving alone) 18+ £130

2 hours (from resort)
approx. 10-15km

Lunch is included in this excursion from January onwards.

Double (2 sharing) 12+ & 140cm+ tall £92
Child in sleigh/Pod 5-11 £65

All drivers must be 18yrs+ and bring a full, valid photographic driver's licence with them to the excursion.

Children must be aged 12 or above and at least 140cm tall to ride as a passenger on a snowmobile, they must be able to touch the foot rest when sat on the snowmobile. Children under this height or aged 5-11yrs will be towed in a sled or pod (unheated) behind the guide. It is not possible for infants (aged 0-4 years) to take part in this excursion. 

Single riders who have purchased a sharing snowmobile may need to upgrade locally to a single driving snowmobile, if a sharing snowmobile is not available.

Discover Snowmobile Safaris

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Reindeer Discovery  Age (years) Price per person Duration
Adult  12+ £115

Available for arrivals before Christmas.

approx. 2 hours (1 hour at the Wilderness Centre) including a talk from a reindeer herder.

Child 5-11 £75
1-4 £0
Reindeer Adventure + Lunch Age (years) Price per person Duration
Adult  12+ £115

Available for arrivals after Christmas.

approx. 2 hours (1 hour at the Wilderness Centre) including a talk from a reindeer herder. Lunch is included. 

Child 5-11 £75
1-4 £0

Discover Reindeer Safaris

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Husky Discovery Age (years) Price per person Duration Driven by
Adult - Mini 5km 12+ £135

Available to guests arriving before Christmas.

approx. 2½ hours (1 hour at Wilderness Centre)

Guest
Child - Mini 5km 5-11

£95

1-4 £0
Husky Adventure + Lunch Age (years) Price per person Duration Driven by
Adult - 8-15km 12+ £165

Available to guests arriving after Christmas.

approx. 2½ hours (1 hour at Wilderness Centre)

Lunch included

Guest
Child - 8-15km 5-11 £100
1-4 £0

Guests must be 18+ and in good physical fitness to drive the husky sled. 

Discover Husky Safaris

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Visit Santa's Home Age (years) Price per person Duration
Adult 12+ £85

Available to pre-book for holidays in December. 

approx. 2 hours at venue

Child 2-11yrs £80

Visit Santa's Home

Snowshoe Safari Age (years) Price per person Duration
Adult - daytime 12+ £85 approx. 2 hours
Child - daytime 7 - 11 £50
Ice Karting Age (years) Price per person Duration
Adult 9+ £110 approx. 1.5 hours

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Please note: Times and distances are approximate and may vary due to weather and other conditions. In extremely cold temperatures or bad weather conditions excursions may be cancelled at late notice. Prices and supplements are correct at time of publishing but may vary up or down. Correct prices will be advised at the time of booking.

Days and timings of excursions will be confirmed on arrival in resort.

Travel insurance is a condition of booking with us, and you should ensure that your chosen policy covers the activities that you plan to take part in during your holiday. Your policy should provide cover for your own personal and medical expenses, however individual policies will not cover damage to snowmobiles or skidoos and a compulsory excess will be payable directly to the supplier of the snowmobile/skidoo excursion.

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Ski Packs

Learn to Ski or Board Package (for complete beginners)

5 days 

Child

Adult 

17 years +

Learn to Ski £198 (6-16 years) £235
Learn to Board  £198 (7-16 years) £235

Included for 7 days

  • 7 days lift pass
  • 7 days 'Blue' ski/board & boot hire
  • 5 days tuition (1½ hrs per day)

 

Ski or Board Saver Package

3 days

Child 

Adult

17 years +

Ski saver £208 (6-16 years) £245
Board saver  £208 (7-16 years) £245

Included for 7 days 

  • 7 day lift pass
  • 7 days 'Red' ski/board & boot hire for adults, 'Blue' skis and boots for children
  • 3 days tuition (1½ per day) ski or snowboard

 

Ski pack information

All Saver Packs must be pre-booked in UK and are not bookable locally.

Learn To Ski & Board is for complete beginners only (guests who have never skied). Any guests booking this package who have skied before will be charged an upgrade cost locally.

Group tuition needs a minimum number of guests to take place. There may be times where these numbers aren’t reached. If you have pre-booked tuition and this happens, the ski-school will do their best to offer private tuition to the value of what you had originally booked. Therefore, the amount of lessons received on all of our ski packs may vary due to tuition group size:

  • Four+ guests - three 90 minute lessons
  • Three guests - two 90 minute lessons 
  • Two guests - one 90 minute and one 45 minute lesson
  • One guest - one 90 minute lesson

Prices and supplements are correct at time of publishing but may vary up or down. Correct prices will be advised at the time of booking.

Lift Pass

7 days

(out of 10 days)

Season

Child
7 - 16  years

Adult 
17 - 64 years

Senior
65 +  years

Local Area Pass 

Low

£82

£135

£82

High

£110

£158

£110

Children under 7 wearing a helmet ski free when accompanied by a paying adult. 

Lift pass information 

The local area pass covers the ski area in Saariselkä, best suited for beginners and just turned intermediates.  

The rope lift in the beginners area does not require a lift pass. 

Ski bus payable locally (approx. 20€ per week)

Season dates

Low season: 26 Nov - 07 Dec 24

High season: 08 Dec 24- 03 Mar 25

 

Prices and supplements are correct at time of publishing. Up-to-date prices are confirmed at time of booking.

Equipment Hire
6 days Category

Child

7 - 16 years

Adults

17 years +

Skis Blue - £92
Red - £125
Skis & boots Blue £119 £119
Red - £152

White category skis, boots and helmet are available for children aged 3 – 6

6 days Category

Child

7 - 16 years

Adults

17 years +

Snowboard Red £125 £125
Snowboard & boots Red £152 £119
Equipment information

Please see here for description of hire categories.

 

Prices and supplements are correct at time of publishing. Up-to-date prices are confirmed at time of booking.

Tuition

Ski Tuition

Child 7 - 16 years

Adult 17 years +

3 days 

90 minute intermediate lessons

£108

£108

5 days 

90 minute beginner lessons

£181

£181

 

Snowboard Tuition

Child 7 - 16 years

Adult 17 years +

3 days 

90 minute intermediate lessons

£108

£108

5 days 

90 minute beginner lessons

£181

£181

 

Information

5 days lessons are only available for absolute beginners.

3 days lessons are only available for intermediates. 

Group tuition needs a minimum number of guests to take place. There may be times where these numbers aren’t reached. If you have pre-booked tuition and this happens, the ski-school will do their best to offer private tuition to the value of what you had originally booked.

Prices and supplements are correct at time of publishing but may vary up or down. Correct prices will be advised at the time of booking.

Travel and Transportation

Direct exclusive charter flights to Kittilä airport departing on Sundays for 7 or 14 nights from:

  • Gatwick 
  • Bristol
  • Manchester 

Flight supplements may apply.

Airport Transfer Time - approx. 3 hours by coach

Good to know

  • In the Arctic Circle
  • Good chance of seeing Northern Lights
  • Superb for cross-country skiing
  • Winter park areas (tobogganing, ice skating and snow tubing)
  • Price match promise – If you're yet to book, and you find your Inghams Lapland holiday cheaper elsewhere, we’ll price match it
Lapland Deals
All Saariselkä Deals from £588 pp
Saariselkä Deals 2025/26 from £958 pp
Lapland Deals 2024/25 from £399 pp

Saariselkä Holiday FAQs

What makes Saariselkä a popular destination in Lapland?

Saariselkä's popularity in Lapland stems from its breath-taking Northern Lights displays, extensive winter activities like husky safaris and snowmobiling, and authentic Sami culture. Its appeal lies in offering unforgettable Arctic adventures amidst stunning natural landscapes.

Are there ski-in/ski-out accommodations available in Saariselkä?

With Inghams you'll have a choice of hotels, apartments and cabins in the centre of Saariselkä. They're all close to the ski bus stop providing easy access to the downhill ski resort. Saariselkä is also known for its cross-country skiing with tracks starting right from the centre of town. So although our accommodations are not ski in/ski out, you'll be in a great position to access downhill and cross-country skiing during your stay.

What winter sports can I enjoy in Saariselkä?

Saariselkä offers a range of winter activities such as skiing, reindeer and husky sleigh safaris as well as snowmobiling and snow shoeing! On holidays during November and December you'll even have the chance to meet Santa.

Can I visit Santa's workshop in Saariselkä?

Yes, you can pre-book to visit Santa for your chance to meet him in his Arctic home. This is available for everyone travelling before Christmas.

Are there any local cultural experiences to try in Saariselkä?

The local history of Lapland is very interesting and it is worth understanding the Sami Culture in particular. The Sami are the indigenous tribes of Lapland. You can visit museums to hear stories about their legends and tales. Not far from Saariselkä is the Gold Museum.

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