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Levi Ski Resort
Levi has worked up quite a reputation over the years as Finland's largest and most popular ski resort – drawing in hordes of mountain-sport enthusiasts and fans of all things festive from the world over. Visitors can live out fairy tale experiences including meetings with Santa, sights of the elusive Northern Lights, riding with huskies and not forgetting skiing! The impressive Levitunturi network of expertly-groomed pistes are more often than not dusted with freshly-fallen snow.
Though seemingly remote at 67.8 degrees north in the Arctic Circle (or, 110 miles north of the Arctic Circle) this is far from an isolated resort. It's remarkably accessible (how else could Santa make it around the globe on Christmas Eve). Transfers from Kittilä airport tend to last just 15 minutes – great for families and anyone who can't wait to hit the slopes and get acquainted with the Lappish way of life.
Don't fret if you're a little baffled by the maps; the village's actual name is Sirkka, but most people know it as Levi after the name of the fell (mountain) it rests beneath.
A picture of the winter wonderland you've only ever seen on Christmas cards, Levi is surrounded by dense pine forest, glittering lakes and heaps upon heaps of fresh snow. Due to the season's early sunsets, the slopes are illuminated from about 4 pm whilst twinkling lights adorn some of the trees and streets. The buildings are mostly traditional log cabins or modern constructions with wooden cladding to reflect that all-important rustic appeal. Zero Point (the plaza under the front pistes) even has cosy huts selling warming drinks, hearty food and Lappish souvenirs – you can also leave your equipment here in lockers, just remember spare shoes, so you don't have to trek back in your boots! There's a fantastic selection of restaurants and bars in the resort centre, some excellent après ski facilities and – of course – a vast amount of world-class excursions to make the most of your time in this magical setting.
Stats & FAQ
Location: Lapland, Finland
Established: 1932
Open: November - May
Downhill: 43.6km
View our detailed Levi snow forecast or snow report and see all live webcams, piste maps, road and travel maps and lift pass prices. For a picture of historic snow conditions see the snow depths month by month with our Levi snow history.
| Nearest Airport & Transfer Time: | |
| Kittilä | 16.5 km, 15-20 mins |
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| Top Altitude: | 531m |
| Bottom Altitude: | 200m |
| Resort Altitude: | 200m |
| Longest run: | 2.5km |
| Slope Orientation: | N S E W |
| Vertical Drop: | 325m |
| Skiable Vertical: | 325m |
| Night Skiing: | Yes |
| Glacier: | No |
Snow Report
Web Cam
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| Downhill Runs: | 43.6km |
| Beginner slopes: | 51% |
| Intermediate: | 42% |
| Advanced slopes: | 7% |
| Lift Pass Price: | 208.50€ (Adult 6 day) |
| Nearby resorts: Ylläs | |
Skiing/BoardingSkiing in Levi
Etelärinteet is the name of the area to the south, Itärinteet is its eastern ridge, and there’s north-facing Koillisrinteet. Eturinteet is where you’ll find the front pistes, and the snowparks and Gondoli World Cup run are also on the west ridge.
Lastenmaa Kids’ Land by Zero Point and Tenavatokka is the perfect place to learn; there’s a fantastic wide run amongst the trees. Beginners are best accommodated on the eastern and southern areas of the Levitunturi, where there are some wonderful steady blues to the bottom of the main lifts. 8.4 into Etelärinteet is one of the longest and is a beautiful ride between the snow-capped forest, meeting a tepee with log fire close to the bottom as well as a lovely spacious nursery area.
The intermediate skiing is available on all of the main areas and includes a healthy mix of shorter sprees and lengthy descents. We love 6.1, which starts close to the summit and extends right down Koillisrinteet into Golf. At the bottom, the Draivi restaurant is an ideal spot to warm up with a steaming mug of Glögg before heading back up the Taalo lift. The western ridge has a couple of sheer reds such as 13.1, leading to the Snow Park entrance, and 13.2 which bypasses this through the forest. N.1 meanwhile will probably become very familiar over the course of your break; it’s the floodlit main run into Zero Point and the focal point of the resort.
Black runs aren’t quite so plentiful, but there are some decent opportunities in the woodland around the Snow Park. 13.2 is pretty steep and has splendid views of the frozen lakes and tundra stretching off into the horizon. The resort is also home to the northernmost stop on the FIS World Cup Tour, with G.2 under Gondoli having hosted elite slalom races in recent years.
There are two fantastic terrain parks, with the largest being under the Vesirkka lift. The Snow Park’s wide runs are scattered with a range of rails and boxes and some beastly kickers towards the bottom. The front pistes are home to the Street Park – here you can find a superpipe, roller line, and a few challenging jibs.
Levi Apres Ski
Lapland's ski resorts are iconic for their mammoth scene of winter wonderland activities – with some of the world's most enchanting experiences all close to hand. The area is best known as Father Christmas's home, and there's no shortage of ways to meet the man himself. Levi is just 15 minutes from Santa's cabin and workshop.
With darkness falling so early in the winter season, going into the wilderness is ideal for spotting the phenomenal Northern Lights. Locals refer to the solar display as the Revontulet, or fox fires, after the folk tale of a celestial fox flicking its tail across the sky. Catching sight of them is indeed nothing short of legendary, and there's always the option of walking out to the Sirkkajärvi frozen lake for an unforgettable vantage point or cosying-up in a reindeer-drawn sleigh to look to the stars and hope you're in luck.
Adrenaline-junkies can try their hand at ice karting or husky sledding (you might even get to meet the pups!) or weave between pines and over tundra on a snowmobile adventure. There's also ice fishing available on the frozen lakes, free toboggans at Zero Point, 2 bowling alleys and the 17 pools and Jacuzzis of the Levitunturi swimming complex.
Après wouldn't be complete without some fantastic food and drink. We love Tuikku, which is the bar right on top of the fell; it's a great spot to begin the night before you head back into town via the floodlit slopes at Eturinteet. IHKU is most akin to the après you might be used to from previous European holidays, a very intimate, lively venue that stays open till late with some pumping music. Hullu Poro Areena is the largest drinking-hole with an incredible 10 bars, massive dancefloor and a number of VIP booths. Pub Hölmölä meanwhile is very quirky and a seriously fun place to hit as a group – the seating area looks like a train and there's even a sauna inside, though you can always play billiards or table football if you prefer!
The food here is fantastic with many dishes loyal to the local delicacies of reindeer, fish and berries. For a traditional Lappish meal we highly recommend Kammi – a Sami hut complete with open fire, hanging reindeer pelts and sometimes even authentic joik singers. The Rock Café at Hullo Poro also tends to be very popular, playing a mix of rock, metal and indie classics while diners feast on hearty American grills and Lappish recipes. If you're after something lighter, Pannukakkutalo does incredible sweet and savoury pancakes.
Best time to go
Best time to ski Levi
Best time to visit & ski Levi
Levi’s situation in Northern Finland means it’s got quite an extreme climate; in the depths of winter barely any sunlight breaks the horizon, so prepare to wrap up warm for intensely cold days followed by very dark nights (you can usually hire snowsuits locally). Not to worry though – the area’s actually very picturesque with its fairy lights and illuminated slopes. Your best chance of seeing the Northern Lights is between December and February when the temperature is sub-zero. Arctic summers on the other hand are known for the Midnight Sun and 24-hour daylight, which means that around the later season you’ll find days becoming longer and brighter. Snow-wise, the chilly weather tends to ensure generous and regular top-ups of fresh powder. The lack of warmth and sun glare also helps prevent ice forming whilst slush is a very rare sight on the Levitunturi.
Peak Dates
With trips to see Santa and reindeer sleigh rides on the agenda, it doesn’t take long to see why we think Christmas in Levi is the best thing since sliced bread. Levi Christmas ski holidays ‣
Start the year with a tick on the bucket list by spending New Year in Levi - Christmas still in full flow, the chance to see the Northern Lights and heaps to do are the recipe for an awesome start to January. Levi New Year ski holidays ‣
Half term in Levi is magical if you have children – everything is planned with kids in mind and you can all experience a Christmassy wonderland even though December feels like years ago... Levi Half Term ski holidays ‣
There’s usually still tons of snow at Easter in Levi and the days are longer too, meaning top conditions for a super winter break. Levi Easter ski holidays ‣
Families in Levi
As one of the main spots to see Santa and the northern lights, not to mention having some glorious, Narnia-like scenery, resorts like Levi should be on every family bucket list – and many families return year after year. For a taste of Lappish culture and some awesome memories, the whole family’s sure to be enchanted by experiences such as meeting the real Santa Claus, visiting a reindeer farm and riding a sled pulled by huskies.
The Levitunturi is ideal for a spot of family skiing, with an area of long, gentle beginners’ slopes in the south and the fantastic Kids’ Land on the front pistes. Adults are welcome in Kids’ Land – whether they’re helping little ones get to grips with their ski legs, or finding their own! The fact that the skiing’s all on the one fell also makes it easier to meet when lessons finish, and going for hot chocolates at Sivakka or sledging at Zero Point tend to be pretty popular ways to round off the day.
There’s no shortage of places to eat in the village, either. We love Restaurant Ammila which has a friendly atmosphere and dishes up some lovely Finnish food. The pancakes at Pannukakkutalo meanwhile have accomplished local celebrity status. There are children’s portions available and, whether you prefer warm-smoked reindeer or apple and white chocolate, there should be something to keep the whole clan happy.
GroupsGroup Holidays Levi
Whether you’re all coming for the wonderland experience, days on the slopes or a bit of both, this is a super place for group holidays.
Snowmobiling through the forest can be great fun when there’s a few of you, and you might even get to see the Northern Lights! There’s usually a Sami evening where you can all learn about Lappish culture and sample traditional delicacies. The swimming pool and spa at Levitunturi is worth a visit too and, being open all day, it’s ideal for any non-skiers in your party.
Levi’s ski area is centred around one fell, making it a great choice for mixed-ability groups who might want to ski separately then regroup for lunch later on. The Gondoli Ravintolat tends to be one of the fell’s most popular spots for group lunches – probably down to its large restaurant and accessibility from both the black and blue G slopes.
When your ski legs can take no more, head to Tuikku at the summit to relax with a round of drinks before making your way back towards Zero Point. On clear days, the view of the surrounding Lappish wilderness is truly impressive and the bar itself has a wonderfully warm and cosy atmosphere. Pub Holmola’s a good shout if you’re after a fun, relaxed vibe to your evening, or you can hit the Areena club if you feel like a party!
Food-wise, groups are in for a real treat in Levi, with some fantastic venues for social meals. We love the fondues at Niliporo, while Asia Brasserie has some large tables and whips up an incredible blend of Chinese and Lappish cuisine.
Which are the best ski holidays in Levi?
| Accommodation | Number of nights | Price (per person) from |
|---|---|---|
| Design Hotel Levi | 3 | £ 1649 |
| Design Hotel Levi | 7 | £ 2049 |
| Levi Hotel Spa | 7 | £ 699 |
| Levi Hotel Spa | 4 | £ 1179 |
| Levi Log Cabins | 7 | £ 609 |
| Levi Black Apartments | 7 | £ 649 |
| Sirius and Orion Apartments | 7 | £ 704 |
| K5 Cabins | 7 | £ 929 |
| Panorama Hotel and Apartments | 7 | £ 989 |
| Break Sokos Hotel | 7 | £ 1299 |
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