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About YllasImagine relaxing in a sauna as you travel high above the ground, a snow-covered Lappish paradise spreading out below you. You can now do this at Ylläs resort in Finland, where they have installed a new sauna gondola - wood-clad inside and out - which can be rented for private use. That's just one of the innovations that Ylläs has introduced as part of a massive upgrade and investment in facilities. It is now a top-class modern resort set in un-paralleled unique beauty. Sitting at the southern base of the region's highest fell, Ylläs also boasts Finland's longest ski runs and amazing Arctic polar blue skies. The uncrowded slopes here are perfect for beginners and intermediates, the wide open gentle runs can be tackled without feeling crowded by too many wiz kids zooming past you. The black pistes are rather limited here, and while there's a great snow park and some good off piste, experts skiers may want to look elsewhere if staying more than a few days. Cross-country skiing is massive here, and with 330 km of prepared trails, you won't be left wanting. There are countless alternatives, and many tracks take you inside the Pallas- Ylläs National Park, where the breathtaking nature is carefully preserved. Yllas is a great resort for families, with good ski schools crèches and countless activities for kids. The resort itself consists of several fells and two original Lappish villages, with cosy log cabins scattered throughout. You can view the legendary Northern lights from the comfort of the resort. For beginners
This is an ideal resort to learn to ski at. There are gentle nursery slopes, wide uncrowded slopes and confidence-boosting blue runs. The ski school has good, patient, English speaking instructors. Many of the slopes are floodlit, so you can practice into the night.
For intermediates
Great for intermediates, who can practice on the long wide blue runs before moving on to the masses and masses of different red runs. These will serve you well and help you develop the confidence to try blacks on your next trip. Really get going on the longest run in Finland.
For the advanced
There are limited black runs here, of which advanced skiers will probably tire of within a couple of days. However the standard of tuition on the uncrowded slopes is excellent, so take advantage of the great ski service and let one of the experienced guides show you the most challenging terrain that the mountain has to offer. Yllas is also home to a Super G slope and a good terrain park. Ski school
The Ylläs Ski School operates in the lap of the seven surrounding fells on the Ylläs Äkäslompolo slope side. The 63 active ski instructors provide quality tuition and aim to give you a real sense of achievement whatever level you are at. Iso-Ylläs Ski School, Ylläsjärvi, Après Ski
Ylläs has a selection of lively bars scattered throughout the village, there's no real resort centre, but venues are dotted around the two resort bases. The après-ski is fun and friendly, although don't expect the cranking atmosphere of the big French Alp resorts. Two good choices are Julli's Bar and Kaivohuone, good for live music and dancing. The Akäs Hotel has a large dance floor, bar and night club. Grab a pizza from Julli's, or head to the Yllaken Kaivohuone restaurant in Akaslompolo village for traditional Finnish meat and game dishes including ptarmigan and arctic char, and also vegetarian specialities. Don't miss a Lappish night with traditional music and buffet-style meals made from local ingredients including reindeer meat, salmon, mushrooms and loganberries.
Off the Mountain
There is so much to do here, with many of the activities revolving around exploring some of the unforgettable natural beauty. The 300 km of snowmobile tracks offer a good view of the snow-covered nature in Ylläs at high speed. There are many kinds of safaris, ranging from just one hour to several days including husky safaris. There are long-held reindeer herding traditions here, and you can see reindeer walking next to the roads everywhere. Reindeer babies are born in May, and in September you'll see the reindeer in their prime, when their horns have grown to their largest size. During early winter after mating time, the horns fall off, just to grow back again the next year. In both villages there's lake in the middle of the village that's good for ice-fishing. Outside the villages there are plenty of lakes full of fish in the wilderness. The most typical catches are perch, white fish, grayling, brown trout, arctic char and rainbow trout. If you love animals, try a ride on Icelandic horse! These small, sturdy and good natured horses are ideal for experiencing the unique nature of Lapland. Whether a sunny winter day, when you can move effortlessly in the snow or a trip in the beginning of the summer, when the sun hardly goes down at all - nature will provide exciting and unforgettable memories all year round. If you're lucky you may get to experience the truly spectacular sight of the northern lights twinkling in the sky.
Getting there
Ylläs is located north of Arctic Circle in Finnish Lapland, in Scandinavia, Northern Europe. The resort area is made up of two original Lappish villages. Äkäslompolo village is located on the northern side of the Ylläs fell and Ylläsjärvi village on the southern side. Scenery road (Maisematie) connects the villages. The distance between the villages is 15 kilometres.
By air
You can reach Ylläs either by air from Helsinki to Kittilä (about 1:30 hours) Airport transfers
At Kittilä Airport you'll find all the major car rental companies, e.g. Scandia Rent and Ylläs Express. By train
You can catch the train from Helsinki to Kolari (about 13 hours). You can also board the train in several places around the route. By car
Resort rating and reviews
Resort ratings out of 10
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Skiing Holidays in YllasPhoto
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