Downhill Skiing

Skiing on the slopes of Saariselkä is great fun as you glide through perfect snow with the whole wilderness of Northern Lapland around you. The resort opens in November every year with runs for all levels from complete beginners to experienced skiers and boarders. They have snow cannons on every slope but they are not really needed! The ski centre is just a short bus ride from the resort of Saariselkä and there are bus stops at the Hotel Riekonlinna, the Holiday Club (opposite the Kieppi) and at the Hotels Tunturi and Gielas.

Ski Centre Facilities

At the ski centre, everything you need is on hand. There is a ski shop with an excellent range of skis and ski boots plus snowboards and boots for hire. Even telemark skis can be rented. The shop also sells goggles, gloves and ski helmets are readily available. There are 11 runs of which 5 are illuminated for some floodlit skiing in to the evenings. For snowboarders there is a Freestyle Park with half pipe to try out tricks and jumps and there is a Kid’s Park in the centre especially for children. If you need a drink or a snack then there is a Ski Bar at the bottom of the slopes and a restaurant at the top of Kaunispää fell.

Skiing in the wilderness

Skiing in Saariselkä is a beautiful experience as you are surrounded by the stunning Arctic wilderness and snow laden spruce trees. The uncrowded pistes of Saariselkä really make it a perfect place for anybody putting on skis for the first time. Tuition is available locally and the instructors speak excellent English. The immaculately groomed pistes allow intermediate skiers plenty of scope to work on technique with beautiful tree- lined runs and no lift queues. Saariselkä offers a unique skiing adventure with a distinctive Lappish flavour.

Prices for a two hour session including equipment-hire and lift-pass are as follows:-
Adults £44 / Children 7-12 years £35 / Children under 7 £25
Tuition – 90 minutes with private instructor
1 person £39 / 2 persons £25pp / 3+ persons £19pp

(Note: Only available on my Santa Spectacular 4-day breaks.)