Families searching for one of Europe’s lesser-known ski locations should look no further than Finland this February half-term.
From Lapland to Lakeland, Finland’s winter sports season lasts from November all the way through to April. Whether it be beginners or annual slope frequenters, skiers of all levels will find the perfect piste on Finland’s fells and long hills.
From reindeer sleigh rides, traditional saunas and spotting the northern lights – visitors can go off-piste and enjoy all that the world’s happiest country has to offer.
Flying to Finland with Finnair couldn’t be easier either, with services from Heathrow, Manchester, Edinburgh and Dublin direct to Helsinki. Finnair then offers smooth and easy transfers between flights from as little as 35 minutes, allowing you to head north.
Ylläs, Lapland
The biggest ski resort in Finland, Ylläs is home to 500 km of skiing trails for cross-country or trek skiing. For a truly unique experience, visitors can book into the Lapland Hotels SnowVillage to enjoy a magical night in a hotel made from snow and ice.
One of the most intriguing saunas, labelled a world-first, is the sauna gondola offered by Ylläs Ski Resort. In the heart of Lapland, where the spirit of Finland and the thrill of skiing meet, this unique offering promises an extraordinary experience of Finnish sauna culture in style. While ascending the picturesque fells of the Ylläs Ski Resort, guests can rejuvenate amongst the breathtaking scenery of Lapland. The gondola accommodates four individuals at a time, with one sauna tour lasting 20 minutes guaranteeing intimate and immersive relaxation. Upon reaching the summit, access is given to a dedicated sauna with a lounge, shower, heated jacuzzi, and panoramic views of Lapland.
HOW: Snow suites at Lapland Hotels SnowVillage start from €350 per night.
The nearest airport is Kittilä with return Finnair flights from London starting at £255 (including all taxes and charges). The Sauna Gondola and its accompanying facilities are available from €1500 for up to 12 people. The top-of-the-fell sauna can be booked separately starting from €250.
Iso-Syöte, Lapland
Iso-Syöte is just below the Arctic Circle and conveniently located between four airports (Oulu, Kuusamo, Rovaniemi, and Kemi). The resort is surrounded by the breathtaking Syöte National Park and offers many adrenaline-pumping winter activities on each of its 17 slopes.
During their thrill-seeking trip, travellers can stay at the boutique hotel, Iso-Syöte, situated on an arctic hilltop in the southern borders of Lapland next to the peaceful Syöte National Park, one of Finland’s snowiest areas. The hotel offers picturesque views from large floor to ceiling windows, perfect for spotting the northern lights and beautifully designed rooms and authentic log cabins for guests to unwind in. Visitors can explore Finland’s winter wonderland on a reindeer or husky safari, have a go at snowshoeing or hit the slopes for some skiing before relaxing in the hotel’s spa and enjoying the views from the panoramic restaurant.
For those looking for the ultimate room to watch the northern lights from, Iso-Syöte offers the unique Aurora View Suite. The cosy double bed is faced towards the large open windows and the balcony offers admirable views of the sky above and the valley below. Guests can enjoy their private sauna and watch the northern lights from the jacuzzi on the balcony.
HOW: Stay in an Aurora View Suite at Hotel Iso-Syöte from €234.50 a night. This includes breakfast in the Restaurant Hilltop and access to the Spa. The nearest airport is Kuusamo with return Finnair flights from London starting at £243 (including all taxes and charges).
Himos, Lakeland
Just a three-hour drive from the Finnish capital Helsinki, Himos is one of the most popular ski resorts in southern Finland. The resort’s 26 slopes and over 100km of well-groomed ski tracks suit both beginners and advanced skiers.
Whilst enjoying an action-packed skiing holiday, travellers should take the time to visit the Sauna Village at Jämsä which includes about 20 smoke saunas from 1700’s to 1940’s. For those looking to unwind in solitude or catch up with family and friends, the heat of the sauna provides the perfect holistic experience after a long day on the slopes.
HOW: Standard double rooms at Himos Hotel start from €135. The nearest airport is Jyväskylä with return Finnair flights from London starting at £266 (including all taxes and charges).
