A Beginner’s Guide To Skiing In Finland in 2025

Although known for its beautiful national parks, sauna culture, and as the official home of Santa Claus, Finland is also a fantastic European skiing destination.

With its freezing temperatures, heavy snowfall, and selection of slopes, Finland is ideal for beginner skiers, and I’ve been lucky enough to ski there many times.

Finland has various slopes and cross-country trails for all ski levels, quieter ski areas, and ski resorts. There are also plenty of thrilling winter activities and wellness opportunities after you’ve hit the slopes.

Finland offers several fantastic ski resorts, but the main ski areas are Ylläs, Levi, Ruka, Pyhä, and Salla.

This Beginner’s Guide To Skiing In Finland covers everything you need to know before hitting the slopes. It includes information about the skiing season, necessary equipment, an overview of the slopes, and some top tips for planning your visit. 

Beginner’s Guide To Skiing In Finland

Finland’s resorts offer a variety of terrain suitable for skiers of all abilities, from gentle green runs to challenging black diamonds. Take your time to explore different trails and find ones that match your skill level and preferences.

My husband Luke, also the producer of my travel podcast Travel Goals, learnt to ski in Finland. He also tried cross-country skiing for the first time. We found the gentle slopes and expert instruction made his beginner ski journey really special.

My Beginner’s Guide To Skiing In Finland lists several of my favourite resorts where you can learn to ski on well-maintained slopes in beautiful snowy settings.

The best ski resorts in Finland

• Levi
  • Location: Finnish Lapland, near Kittilä.
  • Slopes: Varied terrain catering to all skill levels, including gentle slopes for beginners and challenging runs for experts.
  • Facilities: Modern ski infrastructure, including lifts, rental shops, ski schools, and a vibrant après-ski scene with restaurants and bars.
• Ruka
  • Location: Kuusamo region, in northeastern Finland.
  • Slopes: There is an extensive network of slopes and trails, with plenty of options for skiers and snowboarders of all abilities.
  • Facilities: Well-equipped ski resort with modern amenities, ski-in/ski-out accommodations, ski schools, and various restaurants and shops.
• Pyhä
  • Location: Pyhätunturi fell in Finnish Lapland, near the town of Kemijärvi.
  • Slopes: Diverse terrain with long runs, off-piste opportunities, and a dedicated area for beginners.
  • Facilities: This family-friendly resort offers ski rental services, ski lessons, cosy lodges, and access to nearby national parks for additional outdoor activities.

Where to ski in Finland

• Ylläs
  • Location: Finnish Lapland, near the village of Äkäslompolo.
  • Slopes: This is the largest ski resort in Finland, featuring over 60 slopes and a vast network of cross-country skiing trails.
  • Facilities: There is an extensive range of accommodations, ski-in/ski-out lodging options, ski schools, equipment rental shops, and restaurants and après-ski venues.
• Iso-Syöte
  • Location: Southern Lapland, near the town of Pudasjärvi.
  • Slopes: Family-friendly resort with gentle slopes and stunning panoramic views of the surrounding wilderness.
  • Facilities: Cozy cabins and hotels, ski rental services, ski schools, snowmobile tours, and opportunities for husky sledging and reindeer safaris.
• Tahko
  • Location: Eastern Finland, near the town of Kuopio.
  • Slopes: Varied terrain with slopes suitable for skiers of all levels and a terrain park for snowboarders.
  • Facilities: This is a full-service resort with ski-in/ski-out accommodations, ski rental shops, restaurants, bars, and a lively après-ski scene.
• Vuokatti
  • Location: Northern Finland, near the town of Sotkamo.
  • Slopes: Compact ski resort with well-groomed slopes, ideal for beginners and families.
  • Facilities: Accommodations range from hotels to holiday apartments, ski rental shops, ski schools, and additional activities such as snowshoeing and ice fishing.

best time to go skiing in Finland

If you’re eyeing Finland for your next skiing adventure, timing is key to making the most of your trip. Finland’s ski season typically kicks off in November and stretches through to May and there are plenty of Easter Ski Deals to choose from.

Mid- to late winter, specifically January and February, is prime time for those craving pristine powder and crisp, sunny days.

During these months, Finland experiences its peak snowfall, blanketing the slopes in fluffy, powdery snow, creating the perfect conditions for carving fresh tracks.

when to go skiing in Finland

Consider skiing in Finland in early December or early March to early April to avoid the crowds and enjoy quieter slopes.

While the snow may be deeper than during peak season, you’ll still find decent conditions for skiing, coupled with fewer fellow skiers jostling for space on the runs.

For adrenaline junkies seeking the thrill of skiing under the midnight sun, head to Finland in late March or April.

As spring sets in, the days lengthen, allowing for exhilarating late-night skiing sessions under the sun’s soft glow, a truly unique experience you won’t find elsewhere.

Getting Started as a Beginner Skier In Finland

The skiing season in Finland runs from November until April when the slopes open. The peak time to visit is between December and February, as snow cover will likely be much higher at this time of year. 

When it comes to choosing a ski resort in Finland, you’ll want to make sure it’s suited to you. Ylläs, Levi, Ruka, and Pyhä are the most popular resorts, known for their fantastic slopes, tourist facilities, and sustainability. 

How to decide what ski resort in Finland

When deciding between resorts, it’s essential to research the various slopes, as some are more suited to beginners than others. Levi is a great example, as you can enjoy easy runs at Leevilandia (on the South slopes).

For those just starting out, hiring equipment from the resorts is your best bet. This option is more affordable than buying skis and ski sop staff can help you rent the right gear for your ski level.

In terms of must-have skiing equipment, you’ll require winter clothing, ski boots, skis, poles, bindings, and a helmet. 

Learning to Ski in Finland

There are plenty of fantastic beginner ski lessons in Finland, so it doesn’t matter if you have no experience. You’ll always have a qualified instructor in these lessons who will help develop your skills. 

Many ski resorts in Finland offer both private and group lessons. Private lessons are better for beginners, as the instructor tailors the lessons to your age and skill level. You can book one for yourself or enjoy them as a family or friend group. 

Finland ski lessons

When choosing a ski instructor or ski school in Finland, there are a couple of things to consider. Where you base yourself is one of the most important, as you’ll want an instructor/ski school nearby.

Next is your budget, as private lessons are much more costly than group lessons. Your timeframe will also have a big impact, as many ski schools and instructors sell out quickly, especially if you’re travelling during the peak skiing season in Finland.

Exploring Finland’s Ski Slopes

When planning a beginner’s ski trip to Finland, you’ll want to consider the types of slopes available. Many are geared towards more experienced skiers, but there are plenty of opportunities for beginners. 

Each Finnish ski resort has various slopes tailored to different ski levels. The colour of the resort’s symbol determines the difficulty of these slopes.

In Europe, blue is for beginners, red is for intermediate skiers, and black is for experts. 

Learn to ski in Levi Finland

Levi is one of the best resorts for ski beginners. Nearly the entire area can be explored using blue slopes, with the South Slopes being a popular area for newbie skiers.

Levi is a fantastic option for those with children, too, as this place offers family-friendly slopes; Utsuvaara and Sammu are two popular choices.

There’s also Kid’s Land, where tobogganing is popular, and the Leevilandia area, where families can enjoy sledging and snow tubing.

Ruka is another excellent ski resort for families as it’s home to Rosa & Rudolf Family Park, the largest ski area in Finland for beginners (and little ones).

Beyond the Slopes

Skiing in Finland is super popular, yet there are also some fantastic apres-ski activities. For those who don’t know, apres-ski translates to ‘after ski’, so it’s anything you do after you’ve finished skiing for the day. 

Popular apres-ski activities in Finland include relaxing in the sauna, dipping in a freezing ice hole, and watching the Northern Lights.

Winter activities Finland

You could also go reindeer sleighing or horseback riding. However, the activities on offer at each resort will differ.

Aside from skiing, Finland has plenty of other awesome winter activities to enjoy. Popular winter activities include snowmobiling, snowshoeing, ice fishing, and snowmobiling, for which many ski resorts will offer northern lights excursions. 

Some Finnish ski resorts (including Ruka) offer excellent family-friendly activities, including husky safaris and reindeer sleigh rides. Alternatively, other resorts (such as Levi) provide cultural experiences and Ice Hotel visits.

Budgeting for a ski vacation in Finland

Planning a ski vacation in Finland can be pricey, but there are a few ways to keep costs down and not overspend.

To make the most of your trip without overspending, it’s essential to set a realistic budget and stick to it. Start by researching affordable accommodations, such as cosy cabins, guesthouses, or hostels, which often offer comfortable lodging at a fraction of the cost of luxury resorts.

Regarding ski passes and equipment rental, look for package deals or discounts ski resorts offer to save money.

Finland multi-day lift ski passes

Many ski resorts in Finland offer multi-day lift ticket bundles or early booking discounts, allowing you to enjoy more time on the slopes without blowing your budget.

Additionally, consider renting ski equipment from local shops or online rental services, which can be more cost-effective than purchasing gear outright, especially if you’re only skiing for a few days.

To reduce dining expenses, opt for self-catering accommodations with kitchen facilities, allowing you to prepare your meals and snacks.

Stock up on groceries from supermarkets or local markets to save on dining out costs while enjoying hearty Finnish cuisine.

Alternatively, look for budget-friendly restaurants or food stalls near the ski resorts, where you can grab a quick and affordable meal between runs.

What ski gear you’ll need

Before hitting the slopes, it’s essential to ensure you have the right gear to stay warm and safe as temperatures can drop to -25 Celsius in Finland.

Dress in layers to regulate your body temperature and invest in quality ski equipment, including skis, boots, poles, and a helmet.

Many resorts offer equipment rental services, so you can try skiing without committing to purchasing your own gear.

Here’s what ski equipment you’ll need to hire or pack:

• Skis:
  • Choose skis appropriate for your skill level and skiing style, such as all-mountain skis for versatility or powder skis for off-piste adventures.
  • Consider renting skis from local ski shops or resorts if you don’t own a pair.
• Ski Boots:
  • Invest in comfortable, properly fitted ski boots to provide support and control while skiing.
  • Ensure your boots are compatible with your bindings and are adjusted to your skill level and weight.
• Ski Poles:
  • Select ski poles of the correct length based on your height and skiing ability.
  • Look for lightweight, durable poles with comfortable grips for optimal performance.
• Ski Bindings:
  • Ensure your ski bindings are properly adjusted and securely attached to your skis.
  • Adjust bindings according to your skiing ability, weight, and boot size to minimize the risk of injury.
• Ski Helmet:
  • Always wear a ski helmet to protect your head from potential falls or collisions.
  • Choose a snug helmet that meets safety standards for skiing and snowboarding.
• Ski Goggles:
  • Invest in high-quality ski goggles to protect your eyes from snow glare, wind, and UV rays.
  • Opt for goggles with anti-fog lenses and adjustable straps for a comfortable fit.

How to get to ski resorts in Finland

Getting to Finland’s main ski resorts is easier than you might think, thanks to the country’s well-developed transportation network and accessibility from major cities and international airports.

The primary gateway to Finnish ski destinations is typically through Helsinki, the capital city with excellent flight connections.

Getting to ski resorts from Helsinki

From Helsinki, you can choose from several transportation options to reach the main ski resorts.

One of the most convenient methods is to take a domestic flight to regional airports near popular ski areas. Airports such as Kittilä, Rovaniemi, Kuusamo, and Ivalo serve as gateways to renowned ski resorts like Levi, Ruka, Pyhä, and Ylläs, respectively.

For those preferring a scenic journey, Finland’s efficient train and bus networks offer comfortable and affordable transportation to ski resorts.

Trains run from Helsinki to cities like Rovaniemi and Oulu, with bus connections to ski destinations further north.

Rental cars are also popular, providing flexibility and freedom to explore the Finnish countryside at your own pace.

Additionally, many ski resorts offer shuttle services or private transfers from nearby airports or transportation hubs, making it easy to reach your chosen destination without the hassle of navigating public transportation.

Tips for planning a skiing trip to Finland

• If visiting during peak season (December to February), you must book at least six months in advance as accommodation sells out quickly.
• Finland has some fantastic family-friendly ski resorts. Some offer more beginner-friendly slopes and runs than others, so research first. 
• Try to avoid visiting at the start or end of the skiing season, as snow conditions tend to be more unpredictable at this time, which may affect your lessons.
• Allow an extra couple of days for activities outside of skiing, as Finnish ski resorts often offer a range of fantastic excursions and day trips. 

Recommended travel resources

Flights: To find flight deals, check out sites such as Skyscanner and Google Flights to compare flight costs and book.

Accommodation: I use Booking.com for hotel bookings as they have fantastic flexibility and cancellation.

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Travel Insurance: I highly recommend you always get travel insurance – I use the Post Office Travel Insurance for single trip coverage and Safety Wing for comprehensive travel medical insurance.

Car Hire: I use Discover Cars to hire cars abroad as they have free cancellation, free mileage and no card fees.

Travel Money: I recommend Post Office Travel Money as you can get competitive rates and 0% commission for your holiday cash.

E-sim Cards: Use Airalo’s eSIM app to buy an eSIM for 200+ countries and stay connected when you travel abroad.

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