Where’s Best to See the Northern Lights on Ski Holiday? Norway v Finland!
Astrotourism has surged in popularity in the past decade, as more travellers seek celestial events like meteor showers, solar eclipses, and – of course – the spectacular northern lights. Winter sports enthusiasts are no exception to this trend and are even flocking to more northern resorts to boost their odds of sighting the aurora borealis during a getaway.
In light of this, Finland and Norway have been spotlighted as some of the best countries to see the northern lights for skiers and snowboarders. While they’ve always been popular spots for their snow-sure conditions and prime skiing landscapes, they’ve worked their way up travellers’ lists even more so now for those who seek a memorable ski holiday and the best chance to see the aurora in all of its glory.
So, if you’re eyeing up a winter sports getaway in either Norway or Finland, with the hopes of seeing the northern lights, but don’t know which is better for you, we’ve saved you the time and done the leg work. In this guide, our team at SNO has broken down what you can expect from a winter sports holiday to see the northern lights in Norway and Finland, as well as each country’s climate, best resorts, and incredible winter activities beyond aurora spotting.
Weather and Climate on Ski Holiday in Norway and Finland
Norway and Finland have famously chilly climates, but don’t let these frostier temperatures put you off! With incredible skiing and increased chances of sighting the northern lights dancing through their skies, both countries are well worth your while for a winter getaway. Here’s what you can expect from each country’s climate.
Norway Weather and Climate
Norway experiences average daily temperatures of anywhere between -3.3°C in destinations like Tromso and Oslo, to -11°C in northern locations like Longyearbyen. Snowfall is common too (unsurprisingly!), with an average total annual snowfall of 178cm.
Norway’s snowy conditions are desirable compared to other European destinations, with an extended winter sports season lasting from November to April in many of its northern resorts, which are often marked as ‘snow-sure’.
Finland Weather and Climate
Finland’s climate is comparable to Norway’s, with frosty temperatures to be expected throughout its landscapes, particularly in winter. These temperatures range from anywhere between -17°C to -45°C, so be sure to pack plenty of insulated gear with you for a snow sports getaway here!
Much like Norway, Finland is known to be a snow-sure destination during its extended winter sports season from December to April, with many of its resorts sitting within the Arctic Circle. There’s an average of 200 days of snowfall every year too.
One thing to bear in mind, whether you visit Norway or Finland on a winter sports getaway, is that more northern resorts have reduced daylight hours during winter, with as little as 5 hours of daylight in December!
Is Finland or Norway Better for the Northern Lights?
It’s difficult to weigh up whether Finland or Norway is better for sighting the northern lights, as both countries offer fantastic chances of spotting the phenomenon, particularly in their more northern resorts.
Norway edges ahead in offering more frequent displays of the aurora borealis. This is because many of its destinations sit within or near the “aurora oval”, which offers prime conditions for seeing the lights thanks to the country’s minimal light pollution.
The northern lights in Norway are visible between September and March, coinciding with the winter sports season. But, the best time to spot them is between November and January when daylight hours are at their lowest.
On the other hand, you still have fantastic chances of seeing the northern lights in Finland, especially in Finnish Lapland, which also sits within the aurora oval. However, compared to Norway, the intensity of the aurora borealis in Finland is lower, though this doesn’t mean that you won’t see them! Visiting during the winter sports season – particularly between September and October or February and March – will increase your chance of sightings!
Best Places to See the Northern Lights in Norway and Finland on a Ski Trip
Finding the perfect winter sports destination means great runs, exciting activities, memorable experiences, and – in this case – great chances of spotting the northern lights! We’ve selected the best resorts in Norway and Finland that not only offer prime aurora spotting conditions but also epic skiing and snowboarding opportunities:
The Best Ski Resorts in Norway
Geilo
Nestled in Eastern Norway, Geilo is one of the country’s top ski resorts, with some of the longest-established ski areas that travellers have been enjoying for over a century!
Geilo is one of five national park villages in the district of Hol, enveloped by mountains that create a dramatic backdrop for winter sports getaways. The resort is simple to navigate and is home to great eateries to fuel you on the slopes. Ski orienteering and ice-climbing are popular pastimes when visitors are not on the slopes, as well as wilderness camping to experience real mountain life.
Beitostølen
The beautiful resort of Beitostølen is one of seven in the South of Norway’s Valdres Region, offering soaring peaks and exceptional views of the Norwegian wilderness. Despite its small size, it packs a punch when it comes to ski experiences, and oozes Scandinavian charm in its handful of cabins, shops, and bars with a laid-back atmosphere.
The resort is best known for its cross-country skiing, with exceptional park trails. Snow rafting and winter horse riding are alternative activities you can get stuck into in Beitostølen, which is also only 45 minutes from the airport of Fagernes.
Trysil Trysilfjellet
As Norway’s biggest ski resort, you need to visit Trysi Trysilfjellet if you want a true taste of Scandinavian winter sports. Located 2.5 hours away from Oslo, the resort has a fascinating history as its local ski club is the world’s oldest.
With gentle runs and excellent winter activities, the resort offers a brilliant mix of options to keep visitors entertained. It is also very family-friendly, with two children’s areas and plenty of beginner trails.
The Best Ski Resorts in Finland
Levi
Levi is now regarded as Finland’s most popular ski resort and is the country’s largest. It is not only a firm favourite among mountain-sport enthusiasts, but also visitors hoping to live out their fairytale winter experiences, from meeting Santa to seeing the northern lights.
The resort’s position in the Arctic Circle makes it perfect to spot the aurora borealis in Finland, and also make the most of the country’s snowy wilderness. Popular activities beyond skiing include ice fishing, husky sledding, and reindeer-drawn sleigh rides.
Ruka
Nicknamed the ‘gateway to Lapland’, Ruka is a wintery paradise nestled in the Finnish hills. It has flourished as a winter sports destination in recent decades and is more than convenient to get to via a 30-minute road transfer from Kuusamo Airport.
While the resort has a smaller downhill ski area, it still offers plenty of slopes for beginners and intermediates alike, and a bucketload of activities to keep everyone entertained, from snowmobiling to a vibrant après ski scene.
Yllas
The biggest of Finland’s 35 ski areas, Yllas is home to the country’s longest ski slope, which travellers can tackle during their stays in this winter wonderland. Split into two villages, the resort offers an authentic and unpretentious ski experience, with gorgeous natural scenery to boot.
Yllas is more than easy to reach from its nearest airport Kittilä in just half an hour. It’s known for being a spectacular cross-country destination, and its uncrowded slopes are perfect for those seeking a chilled-out ski getaway where they can explore 330km of tracks to put their skills to the test!
Norway or Finland Better for Experiences Beyond the Northern Lights?
When you’re not on the slopes, or spotting the aurora borealis, in Norway or Finland, you’ll no doubt want to try your hand at other exhilarating activities in each country’s wintery landscapes. So, what kind of activities do Norway and Finland have on the cards in their resorts?
You can make the most of both countries’ snowy and largely remote landscapes, venturing out into the wilderness to discover untouched snowy territory. Whether this is on snowmobiles, husky sleds, or even reindeer-drawn sleighs, there’s no better way to connect with Norway and Finland’s wintery landscapes.
For those with an adventurous streak, activities like ice fishing or even ice floating – floating in a suit in the middle of an ice lake – are unique experiences that can’t be had in just any winter sports destination. Other exhilarating pastimes include snowshoeing, ice climbing, or ice karting, and more festive experiences include visiting Santa, which can be done in several resorts in Finland or Norway.
How to Reach Norway and Finland for a Winter Sports Getaways
If you’re still deliberating whether Norway or Finland is the winter sports destination for you, you’ll no doubt want to know how easy it is to reach each country and its ski resorts.
In Norway, Tromsø is the ski touring capital of the country (as well as being one of the best places to see the northern lights in Norway) and is well connected to its ski resorts. As the gateway to the Arctic, it is surrounded by ski mountains and is only a short drive to destinations like Ringvassøy and Kvaløva.
Alternatively, southern resorts like Trysil Trysilfjellet can be reached from an airport near the border of Sweden, only 45 minutes away by car. In short, wherever you go in Norway, there’s often a convenient airport you can fly to that offers short transfer times to begin your winter holiday, and you’ll always be in great aurora-viewing landscapes. In some cases, you will need to transfer flights if you’re travelling from the UK and other European airports to reach your desired Norwegian ski resort.
In comparison, Finland’s ski resorts – especially those within Finnish Lapland – have conveniently located airports offering quick transfer times and direct flights from many European airports. In fact, they’re probably even more convenient to reach than Norwegian resorts, and you can expect to never be far from exceptional aurora viewing territory.
With SNO, you don’t have to worry about securing your flights and transportation separately, as our winter holiday packages more often than not offer flights, accommodation, and transfers in hundreds of ski resorts across Europe, including Finland and Norway.
The Price of a Winter Holiday in Norway and Finland
If affordability is at the forefront of your mind, you’ll want to know whether Norway or Finland will offer you more bang for your buck during a winter getaway. While both destinations are in a similar ballpark, as Nordic countries tend to be more pricey compared to other destinations in Europe, Finland often has the edge with slightly lower prices.
However, you can find affordable holidays in Finland or Norway throughout the winter sports season each year, but it’s just worth being flexible with your dates if you want to bag the best deal. Try to avoid school holidays and festive seasons, and you’ll likely find the most affordable winter sports getaways to Norway or Finland.
Tips For a Skiing Holiday to See the Northern Lights in Norway or Finland
If you want to maximise your chances of seeing the northern lights in Finland or Norway, here are a few tips to help you on your way:
For one, make sure you visit during the peak viewing season, which – for both destinations – lies between September and March. However, visiting in January or February likely offers the best chances of sighting the aurora borealis in Finland or Norway, should the weather permit it.
Along a similar vein, choose a resort that is known for having frequent northern lights sightings. Typically, the further north the resort, the better. So, start researching! But, there is a balance.
There’s never a 100% chance of seeing the aurora borealis in Norway or Finland, so don’t hinge your whole holiday on this possibility! Instead, find a resort with good odds that also offers fun-filled winter experiences like those mentioned in this article, so you can fill your days with exciting activities that will leave you with lasting memories. If you can, book these experiences in advance too to avoid any disappointment, especially during peak months.
So Which Ski Destination Should you Choose for the Northern Lights?
Norway and Finland continue to steal the show as destinations that combine prime aurora borealis sightings with fantastic winter sports experiences. While Norway has a milder climate, its aurora-viewing opportunities in its Arctic Circle are phenomenal, and its resorts offer winter wonderland experiences for all the family to enjoy. Finland, with its colder climate, also offers aurora-rich sightings with easy-to-access ski resorts in abundance and memorable arctic experiences far and wide.
While we can’t make the decision for you, we hope this breakdown of whether Norway or Finland is better for northern lights sightings and winter sports getaways has brought you one step closer to choosing where you want to go on your next Nordic adventure.
Ready to choose your next winter sports holiday destination with a chance to see the Northern Lights? Contact a member of our dedicated team at SNO today, who will help you find the best package getaway for you.
