Review of the best according to the editorial board. On the selection criteria. This material is subjective and does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.
In total, there are about a hundred different ski resorts in Finland, among them dozens are large resorts with a wide selection of slopes, snow cannons, a high level of service in hotels and everything else necessary for a comfortable stay. The skiing season starts from the end of October and lasts until the end of May. The Finnish mountains are not as high as the Alps, so they are most popular with beginners, intermediate skiers and those who come with a family. Although, there are several places that can be of interest to real extreme lovers. Every slope here is professionally built and kept in excellent condition.
An additional advantage is the ability to combine trail conquest with winter fishing and dog or reindeer sledding. And that's not to mention the northern lights and the Santa Claus village. Finnish resorts are especially popular with tourists from Russia due to their proximity (you can fly from Moscow to Helsinki in just a couple of hours), and also because of the democratic pricing policy. At the same time, the resorts in terms of equipment and amenities for vacationers are often not inferior to Western European ones. In this selection, we present you with ten of the best Finnish ski resorts.
Rating of the best ski resorts in Finland
| Nomination | a place | Ski resort | rating |
| The best ski resorts in Finland | 10 | Saariselka | 5.0 |
| 9 | Vuokatti | 4.9 | |
| 8 | Tahko | 4.8 | |
| 7 | Himos | 4.7 | |
| 6 | Salla | 4.6 | |
| 5 | Messilä | 4.5 | |
| 4 | Pyhya | 4.4 | |
| 3 | Arm | 4.3 | |
| 2 | Ylläs | 4.2 | |
| 1 | Levy | 4.1 |
Saariselka
Rating: 4.1
Saariselkä is an ideal place for those who want to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. The ski resort is located in the central part of Lapland, not far from the Arctic Circle. 15 ski slopes are laid on the slopes of the Iisakispaa and Kaunispaa mountains; skiers have 6 ski lifts at their disposal, capable of transporting up to 6500 people per hour. In addition, 250 kilometers of walking trails have been laid, of which 40 kilometers are equipped with lighting. There are also snowmobile trails and the longest toboggan slide in Finland. Saariselkä is perfect for families with children as there is a special children's ski slope and a snow amusement park. And if the children get cold, they can be taken to the Holiday Club Saariselka water park.
Outside the mountain slopes, the resort also has plenty to do. The hotel infrastructure includes bars, restaurants and spa centers. You can visit local attractions: the village of gold diggers, the gold museum, the Sami ethnographic museum. And those who prefer active types of recreation will surely enjoy dog sledding and ice go-karting. It is possible to spend the night on Saariselkä not only in a hotel, but also in a real Finnish igloo house.
Vuokatti
Rating: 4.2
The Vuokatti resort is one of the most popular due to its favorable geographical location between Lapland and the Lake District, as well as the availability of slopes of various difficulty levels. There are 13 slopes for skis and snowboards, most of them allow skiing not only during the day, but also at night. A unique feature of Vuokatti is the presence of a special ski tunnel, 100 meters long, in which the most suitable temperature is maintained. It is primarily intended for athletes from national teams who come to train at the Vuokatti Sport Olympic Training Center. This tunnel is great for beginners who have just gotten on skis, as well as easy trails, which by the way are free. There are also separate slopes for younger children.
Also, guests of the resort have the opportunity to ride snowmobiles, reindeer sleds, or visit one of the two professionally equipped ice skating areas. On the territory of the hotels, which can accommodate a total of 8 thousand guests, there is a water park, a spa complex, indoor tennis courts, fitness centers, nightclubs and much more.
Tahko
Rating: 4.3
Tahko is located in the Finnish Lake District and is a major ski resort known for its versatility. Both beginners and high-level skiers will find a slope suitable for their skill level here. In total, the resort has 24 slopes served by 15 lifts. The maximum height difference between the slopes is 200 meters. In addition to mountain tracks, there are also running tracks, as well as a snow park with trampolines, where you can learn to perform spectacular tricks on a snowboard.
For those who have only recently started skiing, there is a ski school, where both group and individual lessons are held. Outside the slopes, tourists will not be bored either: you can rent snowmobiles, ride a hovercraft or visit an ice rink. The resort has a large spa, massage rooms and a variety of entertainment for every taste.
Himos
Rating: 4.4
Himos is considered one of the best ski resorts in central Finland. On its territory there are slopes of varying degrees of difficulty, there are 21 of them. Skiers are brought upstairs by 15 modern lifts, on the slopes for beginners there are free lifts. All trails are equipped with snow cannons, which maintain an optimal amount of snow cover throughout the season. Himos is very popular with both tourists and locals due to its convenient location, as well as the Himoset Ski School, whose instructors are famous for their professionalism.
The guests of the resort are accommodated in hotels where service is provided on the principle of “all inclusive”, or in self-service cottages. You can spend your free time from skiing in a restaurant, a nightclub, a Finnish sauna. There is also a large public swimming pool nearby with a wide range of relaxing treatments.
Salla
Rating: 4.5
Salla has been voted Finland's best ski resort for families on several occasions. The complex can offer vacationers 15 beautifully groomed slopes, equipped with six elevating roads. 11 of them allow you to ride in the dark thanks to the presence of artificial lighting. For beginners and children there is a “family” slope, while more experienced skiers can try their hand at the more difficult slopes certified by the International Ski Federation. There is also a special ski slide where young children are taught to ski.
Resort guests are accommodated in cottages equipped with kitchens and individual saunas. After skiing, you can diversify your vacation with a visit to the water park and spa-salon, or go on a snowmobile safari. Especially popular with families is the Deer Park, where you can meet reindeer in their natural habitat.
Messilä
Rating: 4.6
Another Finnish resort ideal for family skiing is Messilä. It is located in a very picturesque region by the lake. Ski slopes, rental shops and accommodation are very close to each other. There are a total of 14 slopes in the resort, mostly designed for intermediate skiers. Ten trails are illuminated and also operate at night. The tourists are brought upstairs by 13 lifts. Messilä is especially attractive for snowboarders as it has a snow park with a street and halfpipe. Children and those who have not yet mastered skiing will love the toboggan slide. There is also a 70 km cross-country skiing trail.
The guests of the complex are offered a choice of several types of active and passive recreation. Pools, a sports complex, restaurants with European and traditional Finnish cuisine, winter fishing, snowmobiling are available. In the city of Lahti you can visit the Ski Museum.
Pyhya
Rating: 4.7
Pyhä is a real find for those who love steep slopes, this is where the Finnish skiing team comes to train. On one of the tracks, a professional skier managed to reach a speed of 149 kilometers per hour. The resort is located an hour and a half from Rovaniemi International Airport, in the territory of a national park. Among the 14 slopes there are both difficult and rather gentle, where you can learn to ride. Vacationers have access to the services of one of the most reputable Finnish ski schools, moreover, there are Russian-speaking instructors in it. Visitors are brought upstairs by 9 modern lifts.
The resort, in addition to ski and snowboard slopes, can also offer snowmobiling, surrounded by picturesque northern nature. There is a unique amethyst mine nearby, despite the fact that the mine is active, there are guided tours. At the foot of the mountain, guests are greeted by the “Amethyst” health complex, known for its wide selection of massages, saunas and water treatments.
Arm
Rating: 4.8
Ruka Ski Resort in eastern Lapland, called the “Golden Gate of Lapland”, is one of the most popular in Finland. 34 tracks have been laid on the slopes of the mountain, 21 lifts are in operation. Thrill-seekers will appreciate the presence of two jumping jumps. Some slopes are difficult terrain and are more suitable for advanced skiers, while the east side has calm and long slopes ideal for beginners. The resort is proud of its two world-standard tracks, where freestyle and snowboarding competitions are held. In addition, there are about 500 kilometers of cross-country skiing trails, of which 40 kilometers are equipped with lighting.
The Alpine-style resort complex is located in close proximity to the slopes, it offers vacationers a wide variety of accommodation options: from a small northern “hut” to a five-star room in a comfortable villa. On the territory there is an entertainment complex with solariums, massage rooms, yoga clubs and gyms. Guests are offered exciting excursions to Santa Park and Santa Claus Village, snowmobile safaris, dog sledding and even winter diving.
Ylläs
Rating: 4.9
The Ylläs ski resort is located in the western part of Lapland. It is surrounded on all sides by six hills, which gives the place a unique picturesque look. At the disposal of tourists there are 63 tracks, the longest of which stretches for three kilometers. The maximum height difference between the slopes is 463 meters. The slopes are served by 29 lifts, among which there is a sauna lift. The resort attracts tourists with democratic prices and the highest quality of snow cover. It is ideal for those who prefer to ski or snowboard most of their holiday. A unique feature is Finland's only Super-G downhill track. In addition to the paved slopes, there is the possibility of off-piste skiing. For beginners, there are two schools with experienced instructors.
The ski center can accommodate up to eight thousand people at a time. Guests can choose from a wide range of leisure activities: snowcar safari, ice fishing, excursion to the mythical Lapland Hell lake, which was once a place of ritual sacrifices. The resort has bars, restaurants and spa-salons. In addition, Ylläs is considered one of the best places to observe the Northern Lights, which appear here almost every other night.
Levy
Rating: 5.0
One of the largest ski resorts in Finland is located 170 kilometers from the Arctic Circle and is surrounded by picturesque natural landscapes of western Lapland. Levy is world renowned for hosting international competitions for the World Cup as well as the European Cup. For holidaymakers, the resort offers 48 well-groomed slopes, of which four are for high-level skiers. 15 trails are illuminated, which allows skiing in the evening and at night. The longest descent is two and a half kilometers long. The tourists are lifted up by 27 modern, fast lifts. For those who prefer cross-country skiing there is a 230 km long paved track. The skiing season here lasts almost until the beginning of summer
Levi's infrastructure provides for the simultaneous accommodation of 16 thousand guests; hotels (including five-star ones), cozy village houses made of logs or glass igloos are available for accommodation. In terms of the beauty of the surrounding area and the level of service, the resort is in no way inferior to its Alpine competitors. In addition, in winter, vacationers can personally observe the famous polar lights. There is a playground for children, a ski school and an entertainment center with Russian-speaking educators. Levi is also known for an active nightlife – bars, discos and musical performances do not stop almost until the early morning.
Attention! This rating is subjective and does not constitute an advertisement and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.
