Lapland is a place that instantly evokes the idea of a winter wonderland. Lapland is in a region of Finland and actually only covers just under a third of the country and offers a skiing or snowboarding experience quite unlike any other.
With an average of 200 days of fresh snowfall each year between November and May, Finland ski holidays have some of the best snow-sure resorts due to their location in the Arctic Circle.
What is skiing in Lapland like:
You can gently cruise down the slope whilst taking in the billion stars above and, if you’re lucky, the most amazing swirls of greens and purples of the Northern Lights sweeping across the sky.
Due to the location of Lapland, during the winter months, sunlight only reaches the area for a few hours each day - a unique way to live for a week, but don’t worry - all the resorts here have plenty of floodlit runs so you can still enjoy a full day's skiing.
Not many ski resorts can offer such a connection with the local wildlife, meaning Lapland showcases nature at its finest and all part of the downhill tour.
There is something very unique about saying you are about to go and ski or snowboard in the Arctic circle, it almost doesn’t sound possible, but luckily in Lapland you will find well groomed slopes catered for all ski abilities.
Where to ski in Lapland, Finland:
There are so many reasons why you should book your next skiing or snowboarding adventure to Lapland. Inghams offers 3 great resorts for you to choose from when booking your Lapland ski holiday - All the resorts are welcoming places, with plenty of bars, restaurants and cafes as well as other amenities, all with their own individual feel.
Levi
On-piste:
- 47 runs, half open (floodlit) December to February for excellent night time skiing
- There is a ‘Kids land’ with ski lift, toboggan slope and daily games
- A vast terrain for cross-country skiing with 230km of trails
- For snowboarders, there is "snowboard alley" and a snow-park
- Well equipped with snow cannons to ensure good skiing throughout the season
- Festive periods and half-term offers après skiing with live bands
Off-piste:
- ‘Kids Land’ also offers a play hut and you take marshmallows & sausages to roast on the firepit in the 'kota' (picnic hut).
- Stunning frozen lakes
- Samiland Exhibition which explores the culture of the indigenous Sami people
- Resort offers minigolf, bowling, cinema and waterworld
Yllas
On-piste:
- 60 runs, 20-30 of which are covered by snow cannons for good December to February coverage
- 30 floodlit runs so you can ski during Lapland's peak winter time
- Great for beginners, with small ski schools
- Popular with snowboarders due to having 2 snowparks, including jumps and a super-pipe
- With 330km of trails, this is a great destination for cross-country skiing
Off-piste:
- Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park
- Authentic food across the ski cafes (popular to walk or winter cycle to these)
- Lakeside saunas and ice-swimming are popular here
- Great for families as there is a bowling complex
- Akaslompolo is a traditional artic village overlooking a stunning frozen lake
Saariselka
On-piste:
- The smaller of all 3 resorts for skiing, however the quietest so there aren’t queues for the ski lifts or too many other people around you on the slopes
- 23 runs in total, just under half of which are floodlit
- The most popular destination for cross-country skiing, with the largest and well designed terrains
- There is 1 snowpark for those who like to test their snowboarding skills
Off-piste:
- Popular panorama theatre is a planetarium dedicated the Northern Lights
- Walk 10-20mins from the village into the National Park to the "Aurora Hut" which overlooks the village. From here you can search for the Northern Lights and also bring your own marshmallows to roast over one of the 3 open fireplaces
- An area famous for gold - visit the Tankavaara Gold Museum to discover more
Skiing in Lapland - Good to know:
Is Finland good for skiing? - Absolutely, it offers great skiing across resorts for all levels as well as being popular for cross-country ski excursions. You will usually find quieter slopes and smaller lift queues here as well.
Can you ski in Finland? - Yes, though Lapland is within the Arctic Circle, there are still plenty of ski resorts to accommodate this winter activity. Inghams can host you at one of our 3 resorts: Levi, Yllas and Saariselka.
When can you ski in Lapland? - Usually there is snowfall between November and May, however Inghams would advise between December and February for the best of the snow and runs.
What to wear skiing in Finland? - Lots of layers are the best choice for Finland. The temperature can vary quite a bit, but overall it is very cold so it is best to wrap up warm. See our What to Wear page.
There's more than just skiing in Lapland:
Most ski resorts across the world often have additional activities you can enjoy throughout your stay, from ice skating to snowshoeing. Lapland also ensures there are plenty of these extra activities to also enjoy, however they aren’t your everyday winter related activities you would expect to find.
Further Finland Inspiration:
Insider's Guide - Lapland Fact file
Insider's Guide - What to pack for Lapland
Travel with confidence
When you choose an Inghams holiday, you can travel with confidence. We’re here to take the stress out of travelling. We’ve put extra measures in place for your peace of mind. We’ll help keep both you and your money safe.
How to book your holiday
Travel, accommodation and transfers? We’ve got you covered. Book your holiday online or give us a call.
