Ylläs Saaga Spa Hotel (Santa Breaks), Yllas, Finland / Lapland

The Ylläs Saaga Hotel is a stylish and modern retreat set right beside the snowy Lappish fells – a perfect base for a magical Christmas holiday to meet Santa in Lapland. Located in the heart of Ylläsjärvi, just steps from the ski lifts, ski school, and equipment hire, it offers cosy, high-standard rooms, many with stunning views across the fell. Those looking for more space can also choose the Ylläs Saaga Apartments, which include self-catering facilities and the option to upgrade to half board, with meals served in the hotel.

The ultimate Santa Break – ski, explore & meet Santa in Ylläs

Set on the magical Ylläsjärvi side of the fell, the Ylläs Saaga Hotel offers the perfect base for a Christmas family holiday filled with festive cheer, snowy adventures, and the unforgettable chance to meet Santa in his true homeland. Just moments from the ski lifts, it’s an ideal spot for first-time skiers and families looking to try out gentle slopes in a peaceful, uncrowded setting.

With ski school, equipment hire, and beginner-friendly pistes right on your doorstep, it’s easy to mix Arctic activities with enchanting Santa experiences. Spend your days skiing through snow-covered landscapes, then enjoy husky rides, reindeer safaris, and magical encounters with Santa himself – all within reachof this cosy, slopeside hotel. It’s the ultimate festive escape for snow lovers and Santa seekers alike.

Festive spa & wellness for the whole family

After a day of snowy fun and festive excitement, there's no better place to unwind than the hotel’s cosy wellness centre. Whether you've spent the day skiing, dashing through the snow on a husky sled, or visiting Santa in his woodland hideaway, a little relaxation goes a long way. Warm up with a soothing sauna, enjoy a dip in the indoor pool, or relax tired muscles in the hot tub. Younger guests will love the children's splash pool, giving everyone a chance to recharge after a magical day. For a special treat, parents can indulge in a massage or spa treatment (payable locally).

Fireside comforts & festive family feasts

head to the inviting Fireplace Bar to warm up with a mug of hot chocolate or festive mulled wine. The cosy atmosphere is perfect for sharing stories from your day's adventures, whether it was your child’s first ski lesson or that unforgettable visit to Santa’s cabin. Come evening, gather for a delicious three-course buffet at the Biegga Restaurant, offering beautiful views of the snow-covered fells. For an extra special Christmas dining experience, treat the family to a meal at the Tsohka à la carte restaurant, where local Lappish ingredients and festive flavours shine. Guests enjoy a discount here – simply let reception know by 6pm the evening before. It’s the perfect way to end a magical day in the heart of Lapland.

Added value

Private meeting with Santa included for every family, with a gift for each child

Festive Feast - an evening for festive food, music & games included

Thermal suits & boots included (aged 3+ years)

Excursions

Add even more magic to your 3, 4, or 7-night holiday! Along with your included visit to Santa, Festive Feast, and thermal clothing, you can personalise your Santa Break with exciting optional excursions and pre-bookable activities. We now allocate a date and time of day for any excursions booked. So, there's no more wondering when your activities will take place.

Combined 2km Husky & 1km Reindeer Safari (excludes Ylläsrinne)

An animal lover’s dream and a great value excursion that makes the most of your valuable holiday time. Meet some of Santa's reindeer deep in their silent forest hideaway. Learn about their way of life from colourful local Sámi herders and enjoy a romantic reindeer sleigh ride for 1km across the snowy landscape. Warm up in the Kota with hot berry juice and biscuits. Next it’s time to visit the huskies in their nearby cosy wilderness home. Learn about their way of life while huddled around a campfire inside a traditional Lappish Kota hut. Visit the huskies and enjoy a 2km dog-sled ride through the sparkling winter landscape.

Total excursion duration approx. 2½hrs.

Husky Safari (Ylläsrinne only)

Take a 5km husky safari through the beautiful snow covered woodland. You’ll have the chance to learn all about the dogs and how to drive the sleds yourself. A great experience for the whole family! Warm up after around the crackling fire with hot berry juice and biscuits.

Total excursion duration approx. 2½hrs

Snowmobile Safari

Experience an exhilarating 25km ride through beautiful scenery, snow-laden forests and frozen lakes. Snowmobiles are fun and easy to ride on your own or sharing with a passenger. Children either share with an adult (over 11 years and 140cm only) or are towed in a sleigh or pod behind the guide.

Total excursion duration approx 2½hrs.

Ski Taster Package

(For 4 & 7 night complete beginner guests only)

An opportunity for guests who have never skied before to try the wonderful world of skiing. Conditions are ideal for learning to ski with empty slopes and friendly English speaking instructors.

Ski tuition for 1½ hours

Skis & boots hire all day

Free use of beginner lifts all day

Please note:

Ski Taster Package is for guests 6yrs or older. Guests must make their own way to the ski resort for the Ski Taster on the local ski bus (payable locally). We act as at all times as the selling agent for the supplier of excursions and activities. Times and durations are approximate and may vary due to weather conditions. Ylläsrinne guests can book onto the ski taster locally.

Husky and Reindeer Safaris: Exclude Ylläsrinne guests. Times and distances are approximate and may vary due to weather conditions. Safari child age 4-12yrs. Children 0-3yrs free (transport must be pre-booked). In Ylläs customers will drive the husky sled themselves, where as in Levi customers will be driven.

Snowmobile Safaris: Times and distances are approximate and may vary due to weather conditions. Snowmobile Safari child age 4-10yrs and will be towed behind the guide in a sleigh or pod. Children must be aged 11 yrs or above and at least 140cm tall to ride as a passenger on a snowmobile. Snowmobile drivers must be 18yrs and bring a full, photographic driver's licence with them. Single riders who have purchased a sharing snowmobile may need to upgrade locally to a single driving snowmobile, if a sharing snowmobile is not available.

Unless stated otherwise, excursion days and time of day (morning, afternoon, or evening) are as shown on your invoice.

Exact excursion timings will be confirmed upon arrival in resort.

Some excursions may have flexible scheduling. Where this is the case, your invoice will state: "The actual time and day of your excursion will be confirmed locally and may differ from your invoice and voucher." Our resort team will then advise you on arrival.

Excursion days and times are subject to change. While we will do our best to provide advance notice, some adjustments may be necessary. Our Excursion Coordinator and Destination Experts will be available in the resort to assist with any changes.

Times and distances are approximate and may vary due to weather and other conditions. In extremely cold temperatures or bad weather conditions excursions may be cancelled at late notice.

Prices and supplements are correct at time of publishing but may vary up or down. Correct prices will be advised at the time of booking.

Travel insurance is a condition of booking with us, and you should ensure that your chosen policy covers the activities that you plan to take part in during your holiday. Your policy should provide cover for your own personal and medical expenses, however individual policies will not cover damage to snowmobiles or skidoos and a compulsory excess will be payable directly to the supplier of the snowmobile/skidoo excursion.

• Indoor pool with children's area, whirlpool, sauna and steam room included for hotel guests
• Spa treatments (pay locally)
• Fitness room (reservation required, pay locally)
• Two restaurants: Biegga half-board buffet restaurant and à la carte restaurant Tsohka (pay locally)
• Bistro Bar
• Lounge
• Free Wi-Fi
• Fireplace bar
• Lifts
• Located next to the ski lifts, ski school and ski hire shop on the Ylläsjärvi side of the fell

The Ylläs Saaga Hotel is offered on half board. The breakfast is buffet style with a range of hot and cold options, served from 7am - 10am. Dinner is three courses with a choice of main, available from 6pm - 7.30pm.

Guests can receive a 30% discount for the à la carte restaurant. Please inform the reception by 6pm the day before. Please note that the à la carte restaurant is not guaranteed to be open all season.

• No of restaurants: 2

Board basis options available

• Half Board

This property caters for the following special dietary requirements

• Vegetarians

The hotel can cater to special dietary requirements including vegetarian, vegan, gluten free and dairy free meal on request. Please inform us of any dietary restrictions at the time of booking. Allergies and intolerances not listed above cannot be catered for. All allergies and intolerances, even if listed above, are subject to confirmation by the accommodation.

• No. of rooms: 120

• No. of buildings: 1
• No. of floors: 4

Reception

• Check-in: 4pm
• Check-out: 11am

Rooms

Standard Rooms sleep two to four people. These rooms have twin beds and an additional sofa-bed suitable for one adult or two children under 12 years old.

Single Room is sole occupancy of the standard twin room. No single supplement on all dates. These rooms are available on request, please give our Reservations team a call to book.

Superior Rooms sleep two to four people, these rooms have twin beds and an additional double sofa bed - best suited for one adult or two children under 12 years old. Superior rooms also include a small fridge and a kettle. These rooms are available on request, please give our Reservations team a call to book.

Bedroom facilities

• Located in the main building
• Views of the horizon or fells
• Most rooms have a balcony or terrace (not guaranteed)
• Shower
• WC
• Hairdryer
• Bathrobes
• TV
• Drying closet
• Free Wi-Fi
• Most rooms have a balcony or terrace
• Most rooms can take a cot

For apartment options in this area, check out the Yllas Saaga Apartments.

Accessibility

The Yllas Saaga Spa Hotel has some accessible rooms which may be suitable for wheelchair users or those with reduced mobility. Please give our Reservations team a call to discuss booking this hotel.

• Lift accessible: Yes
• Lift serves all floors: Yes
• No. of steps into property: 4
• Access ramp: Yes