Levi

Finland's most rapidly developing and most Alpine-like resort, a purpose-built village of hotels and cabins at the foot of its slopes. It claims Finland's biggest terrain-park. It has 230km of cross-country trails. It's easy to get to - Kittila airport is only 10 minutes away. Levi's convenience is its key appeal for visitors. There are good hotels and plentiful off-slope diversions too. Midwinter can be bleak on the hill, though. Levi is a small, purpose-built village of hotels, apartments and cabins at the foot of its slopes. The runs are mostly intermediate (only two green runs and one genuine black, plus a couple of fakes). A six-pack takes you up from the village base, but virtually all the lifts are drags. Most rise no more than 200m. The slopes can be bleak and exposed in bad weather, but the area usually has a long season. Many slopes are floodlit. The back side of the hill, which is good for beginners, got some investment last year, including a 1.7km six-pack rising almost 300m. The main terrain park, up the hill, is 'large and varied' with 'several jumps and lots of rails'. There is also a super-pipe and snow park on the slopes at the base, with big jumps. Cross-country trails total 230km, with lots floodlit. Vilpuri Kids' Land has lifts and tobogganing areas, plus day care. Levi's biggest hotel is the Spa Levitunturi, with a bowling alley and huge spa/pool facility. The hotel Levi Panorama is at altitude, reached by gondola. The Sokos hotel and the Levilehto apartments are tipped by readers. There are dozens of restaurants to choose from. The Hullu Poro (Crazy Reindeer) hotel complex has several places including the 'very good and reliable' Pihvipirtti steakhouse. Panimo ('brewery') does have a brewery on one floor and a 'quite good' restaurant doing good reindeer meat among many other options. At close of play Vinkkari at the base gets 'busy and very loud'. For a quiet drink our regular reporter favours the 'relaxed' Kota in the Holiday Club hotel. Nightlife is 'very lively', especially at holiday times - there are several nightspots. Off-slope activities include snowmobiling, reindeer and husky safaris, snowshoeing, ice fishing and skating on the frozen lake.