Ylläs

The Finnish resort of Ylläs is home to the country’s largest ski area and 55km of snowsure pistes, as well as a huge variety of winter activities away from the ski slopes.

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10%Easy

44%Beginner

38%Intermediate

8%Advanced

Vertical drop

Pistes

Runs

Lifts

Terrain by difficulty

The network of pistes at Ylläs is unrivalled in Finland, both in terms of variety and vertical drop

The latter may only be 463m, but in the context of Lapland this is big and it means the runs here are longer and more rewarding than at the country’s other ski areas. Most are rated blue and red, but there are also two fantastic beginner areas at both of the resort’s bases, as well as some challenging slopes further up.

Away from the pistes and the range of winter activities is particularly impressive – for example there is an incredible 330km of marked cross country trails within reach of the resort. Ylläs is also very easy to get to via Kittilä airport, located less than an hour to the north.

Beginner
Fast lifts
Intermediate
Resort Activities
Advanced
Aprés
Snow
Value

Pros and cons

Unique ski experience in the winter wonderland of Lapland
Limitless options for off slope activities
Very good network of pistes and great variety for the region

Can be dark and bitterly cold in the middle of winter
Limited challenges away from terrain parks for advanced skiers and riders
Most accommodation a bus ride or a short drive away from town

On the Slopes

The slopes are located on the northern and southern flanks of the 718m summit. On the northern side, the runs are slightly shorter and the principal lifts are draglifts. A good beginner is located at the base, with nice progression to longer blues possible, whilst there is also a big terrain park for freestyle skiers and boarders.

On the south side, the famous Ylläs gondola (it has a sauna cabin for hire should you wish to have a completely unique après ski experience) gives access to every run on that side of the hill. Our top pick would be the long red down from the summit to the base of the Lansiraja t-bar.

Total Pistes: 55km
Green: 5%
Blue: 33%
Red: 28%
Black: 6%
Lifts: 26
Altitude: 200m – 718m

In the Resort

There are now three bases to choose from as the new Sport Resort Ylläs takes shape at the foot of the gondola. Most people still stay however in the small towns of Ylläsjärvi to the south or Äkäslompolo to the north. Both of these are home to family friendly hotels as well as many scenic cabins located in the woods, but note that if you’re staying in the latter it may be worth renting a car to make shopping and getting to the slopes easier.
Off the slopes, Ylläs is home to a plethora of winter activities. Cross country skiing or snowmobiling over the numerous frozen lakes in the region are extremely popular and you can even try your hand at ice fishing. Tours to view the northern lights and reindeer are very popular, as are trips to visit Santa around Christmas time.