And action! Winter holidays in Ylläs
Welcome to the winter wonderland of Ylläs
Ylläs is not only the largest ski resort in Finland, but a true paradise for winter activities. There really is everything here - from thrilling descents on steep slopes to magical moments on a horseback ride through the tranquil landscape. We give you nine tips for the perfect snow holiday.
The longest slopes in Finland
No other Finnish ski resort offers such long runs or differences in altitude as the wonderful slopes of Ylläs. The 63 groomed slopes run from the Ylläs fell towards the villages of Äkäslompolo or Ylläsjärvi, and the view from the 700 metre high summit of the Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park and the other six fells is spectacular. Fjells are plateaus above the tree line. In the Ylläs ski area, beginners and advanced skiers can let off steam from November to the beginning of May.
Cycling through the Ylläs fells
There are many ways to explore the snow-covered fells of Ylläs - one of them is by bike. The best way to get a firm grip on the snow-covered trails in winter is to hire a so-called fatbike with oversized tyres, which can also be electrified if desired. There are several expert hire centres in the area that even offer guided tours. This way you can get some exercise and at the same time discover the enchanting forest trails with views of the ancient, glistening white fells.
On horseback through the silence of Lapland
On horseback, you can experience the unspoilt nature of Lapland in a unique way. The animals stride evenly through the deep snow, and only the soft, steaming breathing of the horses breaks the silence of the idyllic landscape. With a bit of luck, you may spot tracks of reindeer, moose or hares - or even catch a glimpse of one of these shy animals. Ylläs also offers various guided rides, for which some riding experience is an advantage.
Cross-country skiing dreams and cosy breaks
Of course, there is also a large network of cross-country ski trails in Ylläs, where you can glide through the enchanted landscape of Lapland. Of the total of 300 kilometres of trails, 30 are floodlit, which is particularly pleasant in the darker months of the year in Finland. There are several cosy cafés along the trails where you can recharge your batteries for the next stage with delicious donuts and hot coffee.
Snowmobile action all the way to Kolari
If you prefer something a little more adrenaline-fuelled, a snowmobile ride might be just the thing for you. The humming engine will carry you over frozen lakes and past spruce forests until the rolling hills and fells of Ylläs rise up into the blue sky in the distance. A popular tour is the 40-kilometre Ylläsjärvi-Hannukainen-Kuertunturi-Ylläsjärvi route, while a shorter tour to the impressive Lapland Hotels SnowVillage in Lainio (only open in winter) is a great option for beginners. Those seeking peace and quiet are more likely to head south to the authentic lakeside villages of Kolari.
Frosty hikes through a winter wonderland
Strap on your snowshoes and off you go! If you want to explore the landscape in Finnish Lapland in winter, you can hire suitable shoes and poles from some providers in Ylläs. Snowshoes provide grip in the soft snow where you would sink in with normal shoes, possibly up to your hips. The marked trails show you the way and you set your own pace. If you feel like it, you can also take part in guided hiking tours, which often include a delicious packed lunch or Lappish dinner.
Winter fun for children in Ylläs
In the Ylläs ski area, most winter sports programmes include special courses for children of all ages. The programmes and lessons are tailored to the needs and abilities of younger guests, and professional instructors ensure that children can learn winter activities safely and with lots of fun. For the younger guests, there are long sledging hills in Äkäslompolo and Ylläsjärvi. Afterwards, you can warm up with sausages from the barbecue in small huts.
Freshly caught adventures: Ice fishing
Ice fishing is a combination of action, nature and relaxation - and an unforgettable experience for the whole family. Together with an experienced guide, you head out onto the frozen lake to the right spot to make a hole in the ice. The ice can be up to one metre thick, so a lot of physical strength is required. While you wait patiently for your catch, sit back and watch the sun on the glistening ice. This works particularly well if you are holding a steaming mug of hot drink in your hand ...
Aurora Floating: Relaxation under the Northern Lights
Let your body and mind drift and feel how the crystal-clear water of the Finnish lakes carries you. A rescue suit will keep you warm and dry, and with professional guidance you can enjoy the magical atmosphere and the clear sky above you without a care in the world. Ice floating is a special experience, especially in the evening when the Aurora Borealis appear in the sky. There are various providers offering aurora floating on Lake Äkäslompolo or Lake Ylläsjärvi.
Photo Credits
- Header - Photo by Christer Ådahl on Visit Ylläs
- Paragraph 1 - Photo by Visit Ylläs
- Paragraph 2 - Photo by been.there.recently on Shutterstock
- Paragraph 2 - Photo by Visit Ylläs
- Paragraph 3 - Photo by ronstik on Adobe Stock
- Paragraph 3 - Photo by Neil Julian on Adobe Stock
- Paragraph 4 - Photo by citikka on Adobe Stock
- Paragraph 4 - Photo by Andreas Gradin on Adobe Stock
- Paragraph 5 - Photo by Visit Ylläs
- Paragraph 5 - Photo by FRIMU EUGENIU on Adobe Stock
- Paragraph 6 - Photo by Visit Finland
- Paragraph 6 - Photo by Styve Reineck on Shutterstock
- Paragraph 7 - Photo by citikka on Adobe Stock
- Paragraph 8 - Photo by Denis on Adobe Stock
- Paragraph 8 - Photo by Katharina Schwerber on Adobe Stock
- Paragraph 9 – Photos by Visit Finland