THE BEST 11 FINLAND SKI RESORTS FOR THIS WINTER: THE ULTIMATE GUIDE!
LOOKING FOR THE BEST FINLAND SKI RESORTS FOR THIS WINTER?
EDITOR’S TOP PICKS
Don’t have time to read the full article? Check out our top picks:
⭐ Ylläs Ski Resort
(Largest ski resort, North Finland)
⭐ Ruka Ski Resort
(Central Finland, new investments for 2023/24!)
⭐ Luosto Lapland Ski Resort
(Perfect for beginners, family friendly)
FINLAND SKI RESORTS: AN INTRODUCTION
As winter casts its icy spell over the picturesque landscapes of Finland, the country transforms into a snowy wonderland, offering a paradise for ski enthusiasts.
Nestled amidst the breathtaking beauty of forests and glistening frozen lakes, Finland boasts an array of top-notch ski resorts on long sloped hills and fells that promise unforgettable experiences on the slopes for all levels.
So, grab your skis, pack your warmest winter gear, and prepare to embark on a snowy escapade through these 11 Finland ski resorts:
SKI RESORTS IN NORTHERN LAPLAND
Firstly, we will begin exploring the epic Finland ski resorts that can be found in the far north of Finnish Lapland. This is where you will find some of the largest ski resorts and slopes:
FINLAND SKI RESORTS FOR ALL LEVELS:
1. OY LEVI SKI RESORT, SIRKKA, KITTILÄ
🗻 44 SLOPES
🎯 CATERS TO ALL LEVELS
🍻 APRÈS SKI
🛬 FLY INTO KITTILÄ AIRPORT
Enriched with championship hosting history since opening in 1976, Oy Levi Ski Resort is one of the most popular Finland Ski Resorts amongst both domestic and international ski enthusiasts.
Oy Levi Ski Resort is located in Sirkka, a bustling ski village with buzzing after-ski nightlife, restaurants and bars.
With a remarkable selection of 44 slopes catering to all skill levels, skiing enthusiasts are in for an exhilarating adventure. Beyond the slopes, Levi offers a lively après-ski scene in Sirkka village, the chance to see the Northern Lights, and an array of family-friendly activities including husky sledding.
Accommodation options range from cozy cabins to luxurious hotels, all conveniently nestled near the slopes. Expert ski instruction ensures a memorable experience for beginners and experts alike. With easy access via Kittilä Airport, Oy Levi Ski Resort promises an enchanting winter holiday.
FINLAND SKI RESORTS FOR ALL LEVELS:
2. YLLÄS SKI RESORT
🗻 63 SLOPES (33 EASY, 24 INTERMEDIATE, 6 DIFFICULT)
🎯 CATERS TO ALL LEVELS
🍻 APRÈS SKI
🛬 FLY INTO KITTILÄ AIRPORT
🏆 LONGEST SLOPE IN FINLAND
Ylläs Ski Resort is a firm favourite amongst ski enthusiasts for being the largest ski resort in Finland, hosting a skiers dream of 63 slopes, some of which are the longest slopes in Finland at over 3km!
The slopes are perfectly nestled in between two Finnish villages, Äkäslompolo and Ylläsjärvi, giving guests even more choice of which direction to take (and where to enjoy après-ski!).
Ylläsjärvi has the convenient and fast gondola lift back up, whereas the Äkäslompolo side has epic views of distant Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park.
FINLAND SKI RESORTS FOR ALL LEVELS:
3. SAARISELKÄ SKI & SPORT RESORT
🗻 15 SLOPES (7 ARE ILLUMINATED)
🎯 CATERS TO ALL LEVELS
🍻❌ NO TRADITIONAL APRÈS SKI
🛬 FLY INTO IVALO AIRPORT (20 MINUTES DRIVE AWAY)
🏆 LONGEST SLOPE IS 2KM
Saariselkä is Europe’s northernmost ski resort, nestled far north of Finnish Lapland. While slightly smaller in size with 15 slopes, this enchanting ski resort is renowned for its idyllic cross-country skiing. 7 of the 15 slopes are illuminated, the longest being 2km.
While there isn’t the traditionally lively après-ski scene here, there is usually activity to enjoy. This includes live music from local bands, a party at Hotel Laaihovi between 2pm-5pm and an opportunity for a drink or two at either the Husky or Lutto bar.
SKI RESORTS IN CENTRAL LAPLAND
Next, see below all of the key places to ski located around central Finnish Lapland. This includes larger resorts for all competitive levels, as well as smaller resorts for a more relaxed vibe.
FINLAND SKI RESORTS FOR ALL LEVELS:
4. PYHÄ SKI RESORT
🗻 15 SLOPES, 9 EFFICIENT SKI LIFTS!
🎯 CATERS TO ALL LEVELS
🍻 APRÈS SKI
🛬 FLY INTO ROVANIEMI AIRPORT (1HR 30 MINUTES DRIVE)
Pyhä Ski Resort is renowned for its idyllic surroundings of frozen waterfalls, snow-capped pine forests and glistening lakes. Translating to ‘Holy Hill’, this area is sacred to the Finnish.
Take your chance to experience its beauty whilst gliding down its 15 available ski slopes! With 9 modern ski lifts dotted across the complex, Pyhä makes it extremely convenient for guests to have a seamless skiing experience.
While Pyhä’s après-sky scene doesn’t qualify as wild, there are a few bars dotted around to enjoy a drink or two after a day on the slopes. The most popular bar is The Carlsberg House, known for its frequent organised music events and chilled out atmosphere.
The closest airport is Rovaniemi, a 1 hour 30 minute drive away from Pyhä. There are frequent SkiBus connections at the airport to take advantage of.
FINLAND SKI RESORTS FOR BEGINNERS, INTERMEDIATE & FAMILIES:
5. LUOSTO SKI RESORT
🗻 10 SLOPES (1 X 900MM COMPETITION SLOPE)
🎯 CATERS TO BEGINNERS, INTERMEDIATE & FAMILIES
🛬 FLY INTO ROVANIEMI AIRPORT (1HR 30 MINUTES DRIVE)
Located just next to Pyhä ski resort is Luosto, a much smaller ski resort whose gentle slopes suit a more relaxed skiing experience, perfect for beginners and family fun.
That being said, there is a 900 metre long competition slope at Luosto for more skilled skiers who want a faster pace and more of a challenge on this rolling hill!
The closest airport is Rovaniemi, a 1 hour 30 minute drive away from Luosto. There are frequent SkiBus connections at the airport to take advantage of.
FINLAND SKI RESORTS FOR BEGINNERS, INTERMEDIATE & FAMILIES:
6. LAPLAND SKY HOTELS OUNASVAARA
(FOR OUNASVAARA SKI RESORT)
🗻 10 SLOPES
🎯 CATERS TO BEGINNERS, INTERMEDIATE & FAMILIES
🛬 FLY INTO ROVANIEMI AIRPORT (15 MINUTES DRIVE)
When we personally stayed at Lapland Sky Hotels Ounasvaara during our 5 days in Rovaniemi travel itinerary, we realised not only was it in the heart of Rovaniemi, Lapland – but also surrounded by gentle ski slopes!
Lapland Sky Hotels Ounasvaara is situated on Ounasvarra Fell, right next to Ounasvaara Ski Resort that uses the fell! For direct access to the slopes, use the rotating chair lifts found just outside Lapland Sky Hotel entrance to the left-hand side.
When at Ounasvaara ski resort, take advantage of activties such as Winter tobogganing, learning to ski and bob sleighing.
When staying at Lapland Sky Hotels Ounasvaara as a base, take advantage of their in-room sauna (select this booking option) and reserve a table at their famous Sky Restaurant.
FINLAND SKI RESORTS FOR BEGINNERS & FAMILIES:
7. SALLA SKI RESORT
🗻 15 SLOPES
🎯 CATERS TO ALL LEVELS
🍻❌ NO APRÈS SKI
🛬 FLY INTO KUUSAMO (110KM AWAY) OR ROVANIEMI AIRPORT(145 KM AWAY)
🏆 LONGEST SLOPE IS 1300 METRES
🏆 SNOWPARK FOR FREESTYLERS & SNOWBOARDERS
Situated in the heart the Finnish wilderness, the small Salla ski resort proudly live by their “In the middle fo Snowhere” mantra by revelling in the peace and quiet.
You’ll find no après-ski scene here, there is a pool and on-site spa with available treatments to indulge in after a day on the slopes. This is the perfect choice for beginners and families, looking for a less lively atmosphere.
You can also enjoy additional activities such as a husky tour or visiting the reindeer farm. 10km from the resort you’ll find Salla village for all your food shop, bank and post office needs.
The closest airports to Salla Ski Resort are Kuusamo airport (110km away) or Rovaniemi airport (145km away), both of which offers good transportation services directly to Salla. Check out all transport options here.
FINLAND SKI RESORTS FOR ALL LEVELS:
8. RUKA SKI RESORT
🗻 39 SLOPES
🎯 CATERS TO ALL LEVELS
🍻 LIVELY APRÈS SKI
🛬 FLY INTO KUUSAMO AIRPORT (26 MINUTE DRIVE)
Ruka is absolutely the largest, bustling ski resort you’ll find in central Lapland.
They have grown the complex even more ready for this Winter, expanding the east side Masto slopes and ski area. This includes Finland’s first 8 person high-speed chair lift and four new ski slopes to enjoy!
For those looking for a lively après-ski scene – Ruka is renowned for its long parties buzzing with live music and DJ’s!
FINLAND SKI RESORTS FOR ALL LEVELS:
9. SYÖTE SKI RESORT (Hiihtokeskus Iso-Syöte Oy)
🗻 17 SLOPES
🎯 CATERS TO ALL LEVELS
🍻 APRÈS SKI
🛬 FLY INTO KUUSAMO AIRPORT (2 HOUR DRIVE)
🏆 AWARDED WORLD SKI AWARDS WINNER OF ‘BEST SKI RESORT IN FINLAND’ FOR 2017, 2018, 2019 AND 2022
Located on the southernmost fell of Finland, the awarding-winning Syöte Ski Resort offers 17 epic slopes for all levels, whether you are a keen beginner or advancer skier!
As well as the slopes, the on-site SnowPark is a great base of freestyling. You can also do a husky or reindeer safari, snowshoeing, snowboarding, snowmobiling and more.
It is situated in the idyllic Syöte National Park, which receives the most amount of snowfall in all of Finland!
Syöte is very popular amongst young adults due to its great après-ski scene! There are frequent live performances at Hotel Syötekeskus, as well as music and dancing at least two to five times a week (season dependant).
FINLAND SKI RESORTS FOR ALL LEVELS:
10. VUOKATTI SKI RESORT
🗻 13 SLOPES
🎯 CATERS TO ALL LEVELS
🍻 CHILLED APRÈS SKI
🛬 FLY INTO KAJAANI AIRPORT (40 MINUTE DRIVE)
Vuokatti is certainly one of Finland’s most active ski resorts, bustling with outdoor activities all year round! It’s 13 slopes provide the perfect setting for beginners, plus some exciting competition standard slopes for more advanced skiers!
Vuokatti prides itself on its Ski School, helping beginners learn, intermediates improve their technique and crucially specialise in trainings for disabled people.
Vuokatti is the only Finland ski resort with a ski tunnel on-site too, meaning you can ski here throughout the entire year even when the slopes are closed!
There are four different type of ski restaurants, meaning you certainly won’t get hungry. Guests usually gather in these on-site cafés and restaurants to enjoy a chilled après-ski experience.
SKI RESORTS NEAR HELSINKI
FINLAND SKI RESORT GREAT FOR FAMILIES:
11. HIMOS SKI RESORT
🗻 26 ILLUMINATED SLOPES, 16 SKI LIFTS
🎯 CATERS TO ALL LEVELS
🍻 APRÈS SKI
🛬 FLY INTO HELSINKI AIRPORT (2 HOUR 50 MINUTE DRIVE)
Himos is the closest ski resort to Helsinki, making it a very popular ski destination in Finland. While it does cater for all levels, it is most renowned for being kid and family-friendly, particularly with the extra activities of snow tubing and sledding available on-site.
All 26 of their ski slopes are illuminated, with 16 convenient ski lifts dotted around the complex. Himos has a brilliant Ski School where beginners of all ages can learn how to ski both privately and in group lessons.
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO SKI IN FINLAND?
The best time to ski in Finland is between mid-December and late February, as these are the core Winter months where you can expect lots of snowfall.
Nonetheless, depending how far north you go, the ski season can last as long as early May at some ski resorts – so long as sufficient snow remains on the ground!
WHAT TO PACK FOR SKIING IN FINLAND
Prior to arrival, we would suggest reaching out to your chosen ski resort after booking to discover what rental gear they include as part of your ski package, i.e. thermal suits, snow boots or accessories (gloves and balaclavas for example).
In general, we would suggest the below items are essential when on any packing list for visiting Finland in the Winter:
- A thick, heavy duty and waterproof Winter coat. A waterproof option is a bonus to stop your coat getting sodden if it were to snow.
- Lots and lots of layers of breathable cotton clothing, tank tops and jumpers to use as base layers.
- Waterproof leggings, thermal under layers i.e. long johns.
- Layers of socks, including thick thermal socks. Make sure you have a few pairs in case one gets wet!
- Accessories to keep you warm, especially things like thermal gloves, bobble hats and ear muffs! Pack a few pairs of gloves in case they get wet Ideally your glove ‘top layer’ will be waterproof.
- Balaclavas or snood (neck warmer). If its windy, the icy chill on your face can take your breath away!
- A GoPro / high quality camera to capture amazing Northern Lights footage of your own!
- Powered battery pack (and cable) for your smart phone and GoPro.
- Layers of socks, including a pair of thick thermal socks.
- Layers of breathable cotton clothing, jumpers.
FAQ’S: FINNISH SKI RESORTS
IS SKIING IN FINLAND EXPENSIVE?
Skiing in Finland can be expensive. It’s not just the ski passes or gear rental to think about, but also prices for hotels and flights will be higher as Winter is the peak time to visit Finland for many.
While you may not have control over skiing costs, look to book your accommodation and flights as early as possible for the best deals. You may also want to book self-catering to reduce eating out costs when you are there.
- Reserve a free cancellation hotel with Booking.com.
- Check for the best flight deals with Skyscanner.
WHAT IS FINLAND’S LARGEST SKI RESORT?
Ylläs is the largest ski resort in Finland, with a whopping 63 slopes available – one of which being the longest slope in Finland! A close second is Levi Ski Resort, with 44 slopes.
Both Ylläs and Levi are within relatively close proximity to one another in northern Finland.
WHAT IS SKIING LIKE IN FINLAND?
Skiing in Finland is one of the most picturesque places to ski, with its blanketed landscape and forests wherever you look.
There are also no mountains in Finland, only large hills and fells. This mean skiing in Finland is not necessarily overly challenging, and is the perfect choice for beginners, intermediate and even advanced skiers who want to stretch their legs.
HOW COLD IS SKIING IN FINLAND?
When skiing during the Winter months in Finland, you can expect anything from -20°c to 3°c, particularly during the Winter months of December to February. The farther north you go, usually the colder the temperatures.
While cold, these temperatures are what maintains the wonderfully fresh snow on the slopes all Winter long and even into early Spring.
CONCLUSION: 11 BEST FINLAND SKI RESORTS
In conclusion, Finland stands as a Scandinavian haven for ski enthusiasts, offering a diverse array of ski resorts to cater to every Winter adventurer’s desires.
Among these, Ylläs emerges as the grandeur of the landscape, boasting the title of the largest ski resort and a vast expanse of pristine slopes to explore.
For those seeking a vibrant atmosphere and cutting-edge experiences, Ruka shines with its new additions, promising a lively and modern skiing escapade.
On the other hand, Luosto warmly welcomes families with open arms, carving a niche for itself as the most family-friendly resort, where all generations can partake in the joys of the winter wonderland.
Whether it’s the thrill of the slopes, the lively après-ski scene, or the bond forged through family fun, Finlands ski resorts promise an unforgettable journey into the heart of winter’s cold embrace.
This blog post was written by Jordie Flain!
Founder of TheFlainsTravel.com
A travel-obsessed Sagittarius creating honest, easy-to-follow guides. Powered by tea, chocolate and a slightly concerning amount of tomato ketchup.
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