Finland ski holidays let you enjoy a true winter wonderland.
Northern lights, reindeer, huskies, and those famous outdoor saunas – there’s much more to Finland than just skiing.
Where skiing perfectly groomed pistes is just one way to enjoy the frozen north.
A Finland ski holiday offers more than just skiing, it's an Arctic experience, complete with Northern Lights and outdoor saunas. It often begins astride a skidoo, jetting across the snowy plains before stopping for a bowl of warming salmon soup in a remote log cabin in the forest. Take an ice driving course with a rally driving legend – Finland is full of them – or learn the art of dog mushing. For little ones, there’s also reindeer safaris and Lapland’s most reclusive resident. Skiing in Finland is perfect for beginners and intermediates, small, cruisy and nothing on the scale – or steepness – of the Alps.
KEY INFORMATION
Good to Know
Currency
Euro
Language
Finnish
Travel Time (APPROX)
3 hours 45 mins
Gatwick
Timezone
GMT+3
Finland ski holidays Your questions answered by our Finland ski holiday expert
Alexander Blunt (Co-Founder)
Is Finland good for skiing?
Yes, Finland’s an excellent option for a ski holiday, especially for any cross-country lovers or families. Slopes here might not be as steep as the Alps, but with its long, snowy winters making for some seriously snow-sure slopes and a unique arctic atmosphere that can have you skiing beneath the Northern Lights, this is a ski holiday that truly stands out as something special.
How many ski resorts are there in Finland?
Finland has around 75 ski resorts ranging from small local hills to popular, well-known resorts like Levi, Ylläs, and Ruka.
Where is the best skiing in Finland?
Lapland is home to some of Finland’s best ski holidays, including the popular resorts of Levi, Ylläs, and Ruka. Here, snow reliability is at its highest, and with a whole host of magical family non-ski activities, including reindeer rides, trips to see Father Christmas, and even the opportunity to spot the Northern Lights.
When to go skiing in Finland?
March and April are the most popular months to ski in Finland, thanks to the warmer temperatures and longer days. However, the ski season typically runs from November to April, depending on the resort and ski area.
Lapland resorts like Levi, Ylläs, and Ruka offer families the chance to visit the country's most famous Crimbo resident (no, not Moomins - Santa!) Spend your mornings learning to ski, then enjoy afternoons of reindeer rides, winter hikes, and spotting the Northern Lights overhead.
Ruka is also home to the largest of Finland’s beginner areas, boasting a kids’ ski and play area, an Angry Birds activity park and off the slopes, a bowling alley.
What are the best beginner ski holidays in Finland?
Levi’s 44km ski area is the ideal home for beginners, with wide, quiet slopes and excellent ski schools for kids and parents alike.
In fact, all of Finland’s resorts are suitable for beginners, being home to much smaller ski areas than in the Alps. There’s less vertical drops, and it’s not as steep either.Think wide open slopes above the tree-line before they drop through pine forests.
What’s the largest ski resort in Finland?
Ylläs is Finland’s largest ski resort, offering 63 slopes, Finland’s biggest vertical ski descent, and the country’s longest runs. It’s not only where you’ll find the most tourists flocking to, but also the most locals.
January and February are great times for a ski holiday in Finland, combining the country’s best snow totals with the chance to spot the Northern Lights overhead.
March and April bring warmer temperatures and longer days, perfect for those who want to spend every second out on the slopes.
What is the best skiing food and drink in Finland?
Cuisine is designed to beat the cold. Think fresh, smoked and pickled fish, creamy salmon and potato soups and if you can pronounce it, poronkäristys. It’s a stew of sautéed reindeer served with mash, pickles and lingonberry jam. Finland is also famous for its rye breads and berries – which not only go in their sweet pastries but local liqueurs too.
Where's the best après in Finland?
You’ll find the liveliest bars in Levi and Ruka; elsewhere, it tends to be quieter and more restaurant-focused.
Après is done slightly differently in Finland. It usually begins with a sauna, which has an almost mythical place in the hearts of everyday Finns. It can also involve rounds of vodka (if it’s a private sauna) and a mandatory plunge into the freezing waters of a freshwater lakeor dive into snow. After that, you’re ready for anything!
What are the best off-piste ski holidays in Finland?
Yllas is your best bet for freeride and off-piste terrain. It's one of Finland’s highest resorts and home to an off-piste area to the side of the groomed slopes. Skiers and snowboarders can also enjoy the powder on several unmanaged areas across the resort after a recent snowfall.
What are the best ski weekends in Finland?
Ruka and Levi are the best Finland ski resorts for ski weekends. Getting to Finland’s Arctic north involves a three hour flight to Helsinki and then taking a connecting one hour 20 minute flight to either Kuusamo or Kittilä. However, from there, it’s just a 20-minute transfer, so very doable for a weekend or short break if you're flexible.
Can I ski in Lapland?
Yes, you can. Lapland is actually Finland’s main skiing area, with well-developed resorts like Levi, Ylläs, and Ruka all allowing you to enjoy unique Arctic activities alongside some great beginner and intermediate-level slopes.
Most popular ski resorts in Finland
Here are just some of our top ski resorts. To find the perfect one for you, speak to one of our specialists.
Yllas
Located in the immediate vicinity of the beautiful Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park, Yllas is the perfect resort for viewing the northern lights. Additionally, the resort is committed to becoming a carbon-neutral destination by 2025, emphasizing its dedication to preserving the tranquil environment.
Levi, in the heart of Lapland, offers a one-of-a-kind experience with friendly locals and excellent skiing. With over 40 slopes and 230 km of cross-country ski trails, it's a winter paradise. Off the slopes, enjoy reindeer sleigh rides, local specialities, and the rejuvenating Finnish sauna.
Pyha is a magical winter destination with stunning mountain views, a variety of ski runs, and a friendly atmosphere, making it a popular choice for skiers seeking something different from the typical hot-spots.
Immerse yourself in the magical winter wonderland of Ruka, located in the heart of Finnish Lapland. With abundant snowfall and the possibility of encountering Santa Claus on a reindeer-led journey, Ruka is a must-visit destination for skiing families seeking unforgettable experiences.
Perfect for beginners, Salla's uncrowded slopes provide an ideal environment for improving skiing skills. But there's more than just skiing! With activities like husky and reindeer safaris, snowmobiling, and ice fishing, there's something for everyone.