Akäs (Snow Elf) Alp Apartments

  • Lapland/Finland, Santa Breaks in Yllas

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The Äkäs Alp Apartments are the perfect choice for an atmospheric and family-friendly stay in the heart of Äkäslompolo - an unspoilt Lappish gem.

Excellent quality Apartments

Discover our highly recommended and well-equipped apartments in Ylläs, located in a peaceful and scenic setting. Each apartment has its own fully equipped kitchen, wood-burning fire and sauna, which is ideal for warming up after a day of adventures, making these apartments an excellent choice for your Lapland visit.

Village centre at your fingertips

With a convenient 5-10 minute walk (500 meters), you'll find yourself in the village centre. Immerse yourself in the local culture and explore the hidden treasures of Äkäslompolo. The apartments are available self-catered or with an optional half board upgrade. They're all well-equipped with kitchen facilities and there's a well-stocked supermarket in the village centre, along with cafes, shops and restaurants. You'll also have the choice to upgrade to half board, where you can enjoy hearty buffet style breakfasts and dinners in the Akas Hotel restaurant. 

Santa programme and excursions

Get ready for a memorable Santa experience and exciting excursions in Ylläs! Lapland is one of the best places in the world to witness the Northern Lights and staying in the Ylläs during the winter months provides an excellent opportunity to witness this natural phenomenon. The apartments are a great base to enjoy our optional extra activities such as snowmobiling, reindeer and husky rides and snow shoeing. Plus after a day of exploring, you can unwind in your apartments private sauna or by the fireplace.

Santa Breaks in Yllas

  • Located in the Arctic Circle 
  • Traditional Lappish cabins and cosy apartments
  • Pre-booked activities and excursions
  • 3 or 4 night holidays 

Ylläs is an idyllic unspoiled area of Lapland with marvellous scenery and high-quality cosy log cabins dotted around the woods. This resort really allows you to appreciate the true beauty of nature that Lapland has to offer - the skies here are especially clear, ideal for witnessing the magical Northern Lights and you may even spot wild reindeer roaming around. Our Ylläs Santa Break trips allow you to enjoy an unforgettable short break in December to get the whole family well and truly into the festive spirit in the run up to Christmas!

A true taste of the Arctic wilderness

Ylläs is situated in the western part of Lapland, approximately 150 kilometres above the Arctic Circle. It encompasses three villages, Äkäslompolo, Ylläsrinne and Ylläsjärvi, which are surrounded by pristine natural beauty. The landscape is dominated by vast forests, crystal-clear lakes, and rolling fells (their equivalent to mountains) making this resort a haven for nature lovers. The region also has a rich indigenous Samí heritage, and you'll have the chance to learn about Samí culture, traditions, and history during your stay.

Meet Santa

All of our three and four night Santa Breaks include a visit to Santa's Elves Hideaway, which is a short drive from resort. Santa's Elves Hideaway is tucked away in a whimsical, snow-covered forest, adorned with twinkling candlelight. It's a magical place where the whole family can immerse themselves in an enchanting atmosphere. Join the fun at one of Santa's magical workshops and make delicious gingerbread with Santa's friendly elves, or make join in the crafts and make a souvenir which will last a lifetime, you can even meet Santa's reindeer. There will also be plenty of exciting snow games for you to enjoy including tobogganing. The highlight of the day is meeting Santa in his cosy grotto - each family will have a private meeting with Santa and children will receive a present during the visit.

Arctic Activities 

Your Lapland holiday wouldn't be complete without some exciting winter excursions. We have a range of activities available to pre-book which allow you to engage in the unique Lappish culture and traditions of the region. You can race across frozen lakes and snowy landscapes on a husky sleigh ride, cosy up under a blanket and enjoy a reindeer sleigh ride through the scenic forests or whiz your way through the fells on an exhilarating snowmobile safari. Aspiring skiers and boarders are also in luck as you can add on a 'Ski Taster' package on our four night stays, which include lift passes, equipment and lessons. Ylläs is a great ski resort offering pistes for all abilities, with some fantastic beginner slopes, small classes and friendly English-speaking ski instructors. 

What's included in an Inghams Santa Break to Ylläs 

On an Ingham's Santa Breaks holiday you'll have your flights, transfers and accommodation, a farewell feast and a visit to Santa's Elves Hideaway including private meeting with Santa, included within your package. All you'll need to do is decide which arctic activities you want to add on and there are plenty of options. We also include arctic thermal suits and warm snow boots for all adults and children (3 years and over - as these breaks are not recommended for infants), meaning you can 'come as you are' with your normal winter outdoor clothing, and we'll do the rest, so you can relax and enjoy snowy Lapland. Our Inghams representatives based in Ylläs are also on hand to ensure you make the most of your Lapland holiday - if you need any advice, tips or assistance while you're away, they're more than happy help. 

Where to stay in Ylläs

Ylläs is centred around a large fell and we have accommodation situated on both sides. The main village is Äkäslompolo where you will find the majority of our accommodation including log cabins like the Villa Armas Cabins and Ylläs Log Cabins, as well as cosy apartments like our Akäs Apartments. Throughout Äkäslompolo there are also a handful of shops, colourful local bars, restaurants and an excellent, large supermarket.

If you'd prefer to head further into the remote Lappish wilderness, we'd recommend staying in one of our Ylläsrinne cabins which are located in the area of Ylläsrinne, on the other side of the fell to Äkäslompolo. These cabins are traditional Finnish log cabins and offer unspoiled natural scenery that'll allow you to really experience a winter wonderland like no other.

Still got a question? See our Santa Break FAQs.

For the ultimate trip of festive fun, our 7 night Lapland holidays offer the opportunity to extend your stay. Now with a Santa Experience Activity Bundle to add onto your holiday, which includes Santa's Elves Hideaway, thermal suits and boots, husky safari and a reindeer safari.

Rooms
  • No. of rooms: 72
  • No. of floors: 2

Rooms

One Bedroom Alp Apartments are about 42m² can sleep two to four people. The apartments have one twin bedroom and a double sofa bed in lounge the lounge.

Two Bedroom Alp Apartments are about 56m² and can sleep two to six people. The apartments have two twin bedrooms and a double sofa bed in lounge.

 

Apartment facilities

  • Kitchenette with microwave (no oven), 2 ring hob, fridge, coffee-maker, toaster, dishwasher, table and chairs
  • Wood-burning stove (firewood included)
  • One shower room and separate WC
  • Sauna
  • Iron
  • Hairdryer
  • TV
  • Drying closet
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • One linen and towel set included, per person per week
  • Final clean is included

 

Accessibility

The Akas Alp Apartments are not recommended for guests with mobility issues, as the apartments are not accessible via ramps or lifts. 

  • Lift accessible: No
  • Lift serves all floors: No
  • Access ramp: No

Longitude: 24.171597
Latitude: 67.603780

 

Around 100 metres to the Akäs Hotel where half board meals are taken

500 metres to the centre of Äkäslompolo

800 metres to the supermarket 

Facilities

 

Facilities are located in the Äkäs Hotel (100m away)

  • Indoor swimming pool 
  • All apartments have a private sauna
  • Fitness room
  • Spa treatments (pay locally)
  • Washing machine (pay locally)
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Parking
Meals

Self-catering apartments in the centre of Äkäslompolo within walking distance of the local supermarket. All apartments are equipped with a small kitchenette, giving you the option to dine in or check out the local restaurants in the village.

Optional supplement for half board includes a breakfast buffet and an evening dinner buffet with three courses; the menu features Lappish specialties and locally sourced products. Meals are taken at the Äkäs Hotel which is around 100 metres away from the apartments.

There is an optional credit (approx. €10 adult & €5 child) towards the à la carte menu instead of buffet dinner. Please inform the hotel reception by 6pm the night before.

New Year's Eve gala dinner, live music and dance included for guests pre-booking half board guests.

Board basis options available

  • Half Board
  • Self Catering
Excursions

Combined 2km Husky & 1km Reindeer Safari (excludes Ylläsrinne)

An animal lover’s dream and a great value excursion that makes the most of your valuable holiday time. Meet some of Santa's reindeer deep in their silent forest hideaway. Learn about their way of life from colourful local Sámi herders and enjoy a romantic reindeer sleigh ride for 1km across the snowy landscape. Warm up in the Kota with hot berry juice and biscuits. Next it’s time to visit the huskies in their nearby cosy wilderness home. Learn about their way of life while huddled around a campfire inside a traditional Lappish Kota hut. Visit the huskies and enjoy a 2km dog-sled ride through the sparkling winter landscape.

Total excursion duration approx. 2½hrs.

Husky Safari (Ylläsrinne only)

Take a 5km husky safari through the beautiful snow covered woodland. You’ll have the chance to learn all about the dogs and how to drive the sleds yourself. A great experience for the whole family! Warm up after around the crackling fire with hot berry juice and biscuits. 

Total excursion duration approx. 2½hrs

Snowmobile Safari

Experience an exhilarating 25km ride through beautiful scenery, snow-laden forests and frozen lakes. Snowmobiles are fun and easy to ride on your own or sharing with a passenger. Children either share with an adult (over 11 years and 140cm only) or are towed in a sleigh or pod behind the guide.

Total excursion duration approx 2½hrs.

Ski Taster Package

(For 4 night complete beginner guests only)
An opportunity for guests who have never skied before to try the wonderful world of skiing. Conditions are ideal for learning to ski with empty slopes and friendly English speaking instructors. 

But beware, you may enjoy yourself so much that you will want to return to experience one of our 7 night holidays.

  • Ski tuition for 1½ hours
  • Skis & boots hire all day
  • Free use of beginner lifts all day

Please note:

Ski Taster Package is for guests 6yrs or older. We act as at all times as the selling agent for the supplier of excursions and activities. Times and distances are approximate and may vary due to weather conditions. Ylläsrinne guests can book onto the ski taster locally.

Husky and Reindeer Safaris: Exclude Ylläsrinne guests. Times and distances are approximate and may vary due to weather conditions. Safari child age 4-12yrs. Children 0-3yrs free (transport must be pre-booked). In Ylläs customers will drive the husky sled themselves, where as in Levi customers will be driven.

Snowmobile Safaris: Times and distances are approximate and may vary due to weather conditions. Snowmobile Safari child age 4-10yrs and will be towed behind the guide in a sleigh or pod. Children must be aged 11 yrs or above and at least 140cm tall to ride as a passenger on a snowmobile. Snowmobile drivers must be 18yrs and bring a full, photographic driver's licence with them. 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. 

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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