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Yllas Ski Holidays

At a glance

  • Short transfers
  • Northern Lights
  • Finland’s biggest ski area
  • Winter wonderland

Great for

  • Families
  • Groups
  • Non-skiers
  • Cross-country skiing

Ski Holidays in Yllas

This magical resort is perfect for beginners and families, cross-country lovers and those looking for as much fun off the slopes as on them. Whether rendered speechless by the Northern Lights, popping in to see Santa Claus or spending a night in an Ice Hotel, this once-in-a-lifetime resort will give you an unforgettable experience.

  • Flight Time
  • 3.5 hours
  • From London
  • Nearest Airports
  • Kittilä, Kuusamo
  • Rovaniemi
  • Time zone
  • GMT + 2 hour
  • Language
  • Finnish
  • Currency
  • Euros
  • Ski Season
  • Dec - April

Yllas Stats

Top Altitude
718m
Bottom Altitude
255m
Resort Altitude
255m
Total Piste
53km
Longest Run
3km
Slope Orientation
N,E,S,W
Vertical Drop
463m
Skiable Vertical
463m
Night Skiing
Yes
Glacier Skiing
No

This gorgeous Lapland resort (pronounced “U-las”) has welcomed skiers since the 1930s and is the biggest of the 35 ski areas in Finland, home to the country’s longest slope, the 3km Jättipitkä run (which translates to ‘enormously long’!).

The resort is split into two villages on either side of the region’s highest “fell” - a smooth mountain rising above the treeline. Both villages have remained true to their roots - Ylläsjärvi in the south and Äkäslompolo in the north – and both are authentic, beautiful and unpretentious places to visit. The cosy log cabins are set in spectacular natural scenery in an area that is one of the last, untouched wildernesses in the world, with more reindeer than people...

The slopes are a short bus ride from the village centres, although you can usually ski all the way back or cross-country ski straight from your doorstep.

Finnish resorts are vastly different to the southern European ones that many might be familiar with, from landscape and climate to infrastructure. They’re much lower - at 718m, Ylläs’ peak has the highest skiing in the country but being so much further north means that the snow cover is even more reliable. The temperatures rarely reach 0°C so the snow conditions are perfect as the lack of melting means that ice is not a problem, although you’ll have to make sure to wrap up warm!

If you’re getting a bit cold, head to one of the big fire pits marked on the piste map at the bottom of some of the slopes (eg. Jättipitkä and Harrinrinne), where locals and tourists meet to warm up and toast something tasty.

Though it’s a world away from home, the resort is easily accessible, you can fly to Kittilä which is just a half an hour transfer to Ylläsjärvi and a further 15 minutes to Äkäslompolo, or catch the overnight train from Helsinki to Kolari which is only 35km away.

Winter Sports Ratings

Beginners

Intermediate

Advanced

Snowboarding

Yllas Transfer Times

Kittila35 mins

The nearest airport to Yllas is Kittila at 45 km or about ? by car

What's the ski area like in Yllas?

The skiing in Yllas,with its 63km of downhill slopes, is fairly compact although with over 300km of designated tracks make this one of the best cross-country destinations in the world.

Which other ski resorts are near to Yllas?

The nearest ski resorts to Yllas include Levi.

Ski Area Facts

LocationLapland, Finland
Established1957
Downhill53km
Lift Pass207€ (adult high season 6 days pass)

Beginner Slopes

30km57%

Intermediate Skiing

20km38%

Advance & Expert Terrain

3km5%

Snowboarding Trails

53km100%

What is Yllas like for Beginner skiers?

The uncrowded, perfectly groomed slopes are a beginner’s dream and make learning to ski a fun and relaxing experience. The ski schools meet on both sides of the mountain and speak excellent English with group lessons normally having small class sizes to give a personal feel.

What is Yllas like for Intermediate skiers?

Early intermediates will love the wide, cruising runs which are perfect for building confidence. One of Ylläs’ best features is the lack of queues and piste congestion - you can really get used to the feeling of having the big pistes all to yourself! The many long slopes are great for picking up a bit of speed, especially the Jättipitkä red which is the longest in the country and a definite must for anyone visiting.

What is Yllas like for Advanced skiers?

There isn’t a great deal of demanding on-piste for advanced skiers, although the World Cup and Super G slopes are both very pacey and should get anyone’s pulses racing.

What is Yllas like for snowboarding?

For freestyle enthusiasts, Ylläs is home to 4 snow parks on both sides of the mountain, 2 for beginners and children and 2 bigger parks for advanced riders with jumps, boxes and rails.

29 of the slopes are floodlit to accommodate the lack of daylight in the winter months, and 2 of the 4 snow parks are also lit up so you can throw some shapes no matter what time of year it is.

What is Yllas like for off-piste skiing?

The off-piste is best for more experienced skiers, as the low temperatures keep the snow in great condition and powder remains powder for much longer.

What is Yllas like for cross country skiing?

Whether you’re an experienced cross-country pro or looking to give it a go for the first time, this is the place to do it. 330km of endless tracks, 38k of those illuminated, makeup Finland’s biggest network and let you take a different route each day. R

Yllas Restaurants

Ylläs offers a diverse range of restaurants during both the winter and summer seasons. Menu options include traditional home cooked food with a local touch such as pizza, burgers and Lappish sautéed reindeer as well as beautifully presented five-course meals. Jolie Lounge & Café is relaxed and cozy with a lovely terrace where you can enjoy a glass of sparkling drink or a slice of cake.

Where to eat in Yllas and on the mountain

Restaurant Poro The Poro – or ‘Reindeer’ – restaurant in Yllas’ Lapp Village specialises in traditionally-prepared, authentic Lapp Meals. The Saami people’s unique methods of cooking are still honoured here today and you’ll be sure to find classic reindeer, berry and fish dishes on the menu.

Yllas Après Ski

Both villages are sleepy and traditional so while there are nice places to go for a drink, those looking for a European party scene might be somewhat disappointed. The focus is more on relaxation and entertainment away from the slopes of which there’s more than enough to keep all ages very happy. The Akäs hotel is most popular for a few drinks with a dance floor and club inside, while the restaurants in the resort serve all kinds of local delicacies – reindeer and freshly caught fish are both highly recommended!

Bars Late Night Clubs and Cafes in Yllas

Bar Off-Piste Dancing on tables is encouraged…no, EXPECTED at this cool ski-in bar, which is open ‘til 3am every day. DJs and live bands often keep audiences bopping all night long, and there’s a great outdoor seating area with patio heaters, too. To top it all off, it’s only a 20 metre walk to the nearest ski lift.

Yllas Activites for Non-skiers

This is said to be Santa’s original hometown so you can’t come here without paying him a visit. Take a snowmobile to a remote log cabin where Father Christmas himself is waiting with his trusty elves to meet the children and give out presents and hot chocolate.A stand-out highlight is undoubtedly the opportunity to see the Northern Lights. Street lights are turned off at 10 pm every evening between October and February in order to see the phenomena even more clearly. Unfortunately, this incredible experience is by no means guaranteed so if you do manage to see the Northern Lights count yourself as particularly lucky!There are plenty of other ways to explore the beautiful Finnish scenery including seemingly endless snowmobile rides through forests and over frozen lakes. Alternatively, take a reindeer or husky safari and be pulled through the landscape in the same way as the Sami people have done for hundreds of years. Having a pack of excitable huskies at your disposables may seem intimidating, but soon the thrill of controlling your very own dogsled will have you hooked.A visit to the magical Snow Village is also a must – over 1.8 million kgs of snow and ice are used to construct a huge village with a unique theme every year. Stay for a night, have dinner in the restaurant, party in the disco or even get married in the chapel if it takes your fancy! Whatever you choose, this enchanted palace will leave you with some unforgettable memories. Known as the land of extremes, one of the customary traditions is to sit in the roasting sauna, then cut a hole in a frozen lake and jump in the ice-cold water. Then return to the sauna and repeat... sounds a bit mad but it’s said to be good for you! Also, check out the first Saunagondola in the world. Yes, a sauna-gondola. 4 people can take a 20 minute round trip from the top of the mountain down to the resort and back again in the first-ever sauna built as a bubble lift. It’s a strange but breath-taking experience to be sat in a traditional Finnish sauna 700m high, looking down on the trees and spectacular landscape.

Arktikum Rovaniemi’s fantastic arctic science centre and museum can be reached in about 2 hours by road from Ylläs resort. Arktikum has loads of exhibits to teach you all about Lapland’s cultural and geological history – focusing on its people and architecture, animals and natural environment.

Joulukka Joulukka specialise in festive excursions, where they’ll pick you up from Rovaniemi centre (about 160km from Ylläs) and transport you to Santa’s woodland hideaway. Visitors have an impressive range of programs to choose from, including having a meeting with Santa, becoming a ‘Guardian of Lapland’, and making traditional Lappish Christmas decorations.

Lanio Snow Village Lanio’s Snow Village is within easy reach of Ylläs, at just 15 minutes down the road. The village is home to the IceBar (where even the glasses are made of ice!) and the legendary SnowHotel with its magnificent snow-carved rooms and suites. There’s also some stunning outdoor sculptures, a very slippery slide and a lovely restaurant on site.

Santa Park Visitors to Santa Park have the chance to graduate from Elf School, meet Santa and make gingerbread with the elves! Located in Rovaniemi – about 2 hours from Ylläs by car – the park has an ice gallery, sleigh ride, and an Angry Birds play area. You can even walk the world’s only underground crossing of the Arctic Circle.

Metsäkyly Forest Retreat Nestled in forest at the shore of Lake Sieri is the Metsäkyly sauna complex. Visitors to Yllas can usually reach the centre in around 2 hours, and have an impressive range of health programs to choose from. The classic sauna and Jacuzzi is a particular favourite, but there’s also walks in the forest and beauty treatments – or a splash in the ice pool if you’re feeling adventurous!

Kylmamaa Tours Whatever it is you’re visiting Lapland for, you can be sure that Kylmamaa Tours will be happy to help organise it. They’ve got loads of activities to offer, like snowshoe treks and rides on snowmobiles. Visit the reindeer farm or book onto a sleigh ride with reindeer or huskies if animals are more your thing. If you’re visiting in the summer months, you can even pit yourself against nature by chancing your hand at salmon fishing.

Clothing Food & Souvenir Shops

Local shops make sure that everything that the visitor needs is provided in the two villages.

Mailan Putiikki in the centre of Akaslompolo is the largest souvenir shop in the resort, established 35 years ago by Mailas Alatolo. It features a vast array of products including items made from reindeer antlers and bones, local wood and knitwear.

Sportia Yllas Sportia Yllas is located in the village of Akaslompolo, and has been providing its customers with top quality snowsports equipment since it opened in 2008. Here you can find a wide range of well-maintained rental equipment for skiing, snowboarding and cross-country, as well as an extensive retail shop.

Yllas Package Skiing Holidays

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Best Time to Visit Yllas

Northern Finland has a unique climate that changes massively depending on the time of year. In mid-winter, the sun barely rises above the horizon at all with an eerie, shadowy glow throughout the day. Floodlit pistes and snowparks mean that you’re still able to enjoy the skiing even without the sunlight. Around late January as the sun starts to appear once again, you’re treated to gorgeous, day-long sunsets which reflect off the snow. Days start to become longer than in the Alps around March and by the end of the season are approaching almost 24 hours of sunshine.

Being so far north means that whatever time of year you go, it is sure to be extremely cold so make sure to wrap up warm (it’s a good idea to hire snowsuits). However, the air is dry so that once you are wrapped up warm, it is relatively comfortable. This also leads to fantastic snow conditions that don’t melt or get icy and tend to stay around far later into the season than much higher European resorts.

A trip between December and February will give you the best chance of seeing the Northern Lights.

What's Yllas like at Christmas?

There is little more festive than Christmas in Ylläs, Santa’s original hometown. Take a husky sled-ride, visit Father Christmas and his elves or take a ride with Rudolph himself for an experience that all the family will love.
Christmas Ski Holidays

What's Yllas like in the New Year?

New Year in Ylläs is usually a special experience, with lake-side fireworks, lively restaurants and the opportunity to see the Northern Lights – nature’s fireworks.
New Year Ski Holidays

What's Yllas like in Half-Term?

Families will absolutely love February Half Term in Ylläs with great, affordable skiing away from the crowds and all kinds of activities off the slopes.
Half Term Ski Holidays

What's Yllas like at Easter?

Spend a magical Easter in Ylläs with some awesome late-season snow conditions and entertainment for families of all ages away from the usual holiday congestion.

Yllas Snow Conditions

Snow Report, History & Forecast

View our detailed Yllas snow report to see skiing confitions now. Our Yllas snow history shows you what snow depths have been in recent years month-by-month. If you're visiting soon, use the Yllas snow forecast to see predicted snowfall over the coming days.

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Ski Accommodation in Yllas

We have 414 ski holidays in Yllas. Search all Yllas ski deals or pick your preferred accommodation type below:

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With great beginners’ facilities, childcare and babysitting services and all kinds of fun activities on and off the slopes, this winter wonderland resort gives family members of all ages a dream holiday.

Ski schools on either side of the mountain, magic carpets and plenty of gentle, easy-going blue runs provide an ideal setting for young learners. Older kids with a bit more experience can enjoy the long reds from the top of the mountain and the two Junior Parks, where they can get to grips with the jumps and rails. In the past few years, kids under 6 have gone free on the slopes (as long as they’re wearing a helmet!), which can be a great added bonus!

A visit to Santa in his very own hometown is a stand-out, unforgettable Ylläs experience that the kids will be raving about for years. There’s usually the chance to meet Santa and his reindeer in his remote log cabin where the little ones get presents and get to play with the elves – see if we can add a Santa experience to your booking. Add on reindeer and husky safaris through the beautiful Lapland scenery, and the chance to see the Northern Lights and it’s clear to see why this resort has such a magical reputation.

Keep wrapped up in lots of warm layers as the temperatures really are low out here, especially in December, January and February – ask us about thermal suit and boot hire which can be a godsend when it comes to keeping kids warm and happy. Hiring the bulky stuff will also save precious suitcase space not to mention money, leaving you some spare pennies to spend on a mug or two of warming Finnish glögi while the kids are enjoying the snow...

Ylläs is a superb, bucket list resort and there’s no better way to enjoy it than with a group of your nearest and dearest.

With a great ski school set-up and learners’ areas, beginners are really well looked after while plenty of wide, cruising blues and reds are perfect for those looking for an easy-going, relaxing ski. The more advanced of the group will get excited by the off-piste options – which boast great powder throughout the year due to the low temperatures. Speed-demons have two World Cup and Super G slopes to keep them happy, as well as the longest run in Finland – Jättipitkä.

Ylläs is much more than just a ski resort, with just as much entertainment off the slopes as on them. Enjoy thrilling snowmobile rides through the snowy scenery, or take a reindeer or husky safari where you can even get to take the reins for yourself! For something weird but wonderful, give winter windsurfing a go, and if you’re thinking about trying cross-country skiing, there’s no place better than here. For something a little less active, relaxing in the many saunas is a traditional pastime, as is going in search of the Northern Lights which can be a truly unforgettable experience.

For a fun few drinks, head to the Akäs hotel which one of the most popular haunts with a dance floor. club and local entertainment. However, Ylläs is more about relaxation and enjoying the magical village atmosphere than lively nightlife – if you all like the sound of cosying up around a log fire with a mug of Finnish glögi, this place is spot on.

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Yllas
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4.6
out of 5
Yllas is brilliant, it has everything you need within walking distance from skiing to activities (I’d recommend the huskies and snowmobiling). 10 times better than Rovaniemi! We spent Christmas here in 2015 and will be back for New Year 2016/17! + more
Michelle, Cambridgeshire
5 out of 5
We had a wonderful week in Yllas. We loved the snowmobiles, I shared one with my husband and we had an absolutely brilliant trip. The huskies were great too. The weather was freezing, around -40 some days. The clothing was really good, the first time we went out without snowsuits we regretted it! Everyone there... + more
Mrs Plummer, Essex
5 out of 5
We hadn’t been before and what attracted us was the guarantee of snow for the Christmas period. You also have the chance of seeing the Northern Lights although we didn’t manage to because of the weather. Yllas is probably not for people who want to go hurtling down the black slopes all day every day, but fr... + more
Laura Eddy, Leicestershire
4 out of 5
We hadn’t been to Yllas before and were seeing Finland for the first time – there’s not a lot there but we liked it. We were all new to downhill skiing and it’s great for beginners but it would probably be a bit limited for experienced skiers. We mixed cross country and downhill skiing and hired gear separa... + more
Richard Hampshire, Thornbury
5 out of 5
It’s all quite atmospheric in Finland, it’s nice to do activities like the reindeer safari and snowmobiling as well as skiing, it makes the whole thing an adventure holiday and more than just skiing. + more
Colin, Ealing
4 out of 5
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Ski Extras

How much is a ski pass in Yllas

Maximum and minimum adult Yllas lift pass prices ranged from €172 to €191 for 6 days access to the Yllas ski lift system at the start of the 2025 winter season. Our lift passes are part of a packaged Yllas holiday with accommodation, so prices vary depending on chalet or hotel suppliers. Confirm price for the lift ticket before booking your holiday.

Lift Tickets Child Adult Senior
1 Day Price €26 - €27 €40 - €44 €26 - €27
6 Day Price €102 - €114 €172 - €191 €102 - €114
Age Range 6 - 11 12 - 64 65+
Yllas Packages + Extras

Getting to Yllas

Most of our ski holidays to Yllas packaged with flights include airport transfers. We can also arrange private transfers to Yllas from nearby airports

How long does it take to fly to Yllas from the UK?

Flights from London take about 3.5 hours to Kittilä, Kuusamo, Rovaniemi. This table shows approximate transfer times to Yllas from the nearest airports, smaller airports can be more prone to delays.

Airport Distance to Yllas Transfer Time
Kittila 45 km ?
Packages with Plane Train or Car

How long does it take to drive to Yllas from the UK?

Browse our self-drive ski holidays which include your car channel crossing, or go choose accom-only and book your car ferry or tunnel later.

Self-Drive Ski Holidays
↑ INCL CAR ↑↓ WITHOUT ↓
Accommodation-Only

How long is the transfer from nearest Finland / Lapland train station to Yllas?

The transfer time from alpine train stations are generally shorter than from airports, Call us for details of Yllas transfers.

Station Distance to Yllas Transfer Time
Kolari 35 km 35 minutes
Ski Train Holidays

Yllas Maps

Yllas piste map
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Regional map
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Town Map
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Going to Yllas under your own steam

For independant travel to Finland / Lapland, compare accommodation only with Yllas self-drive packages which include Eurotunnel or ferry.

Accomm-Only & Self-Drive

See driving directions to and from Yllas in Finland / Lapland.

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Yllas Ski Holiday Resources

Need help choose your Yllas ski holiday? Call us on 020 7770 6888 or click Enquire - we love to help!

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