There are always many travelers who dream of a winter vacation, but not in the usual resorts of hospitable Karelia, but somewhere abroad, and in conditions similar to the best ski resorts in Austria, but with more reasonable prices for services. Neighboring Finland is best suited to these requirements, where both experienced Western European skiers and beginners in this exciting business have long enjoyed their favorite pastime. Often, fans of active and varied pastime are sent to one of the most famous and advertised by experts rating ski resorts in Finland... The best ones will be discussed below.
Himos
For St. Petersburg skiers, there is no question of where they can find a worthy place for winter holidays abroad. They rush to the quiet and cozy Himos, located near Tampere. On its 15 lighted trails, you can enjoy skiing and not notice the fast approaching evening. The town is considered the unofficial capital of cross-country skiers. There are always many more fans of this popular type of winter entertainment here than in other places.
Here is one of the most famous dog farms in the country. Huskies living in it have won many international competitions, and now they are happy to ride tourists of different ages.
Hand
Quite a lot of Russians have long chosen the best ski resort in Finland, the cozy Ruka. Being among coniferous forests, it will surprise those who are here for the first time with crowds of tourists. Most of its 34 slopes are suitable for both beginners and intermediate skiers. There are many among gambling amateur athletes and snowboarders.
In the gigantic by local standards Tellu Night - a famous nightclub - young people have fun in the evenings. You can delight yourself with Finnish dishes in the "Rukahovi" - an excellent restaurant located near the ski slope. For those who value their time and dream to immediately find themselves in a cozy cafe, fitness center, inexpensive store or stylish bar, the halls of Kumpare, a gigantic shopping and entertainment complex, are open.
Levy
All travelers who want to know how everyday life works above the Arctic Circle should go to Levi. This small village has become one of the most popular ski resort areas, famous for the hard frosts of Lapland - as the northern territories of Finland are usually called. With 43 slopes, it is considered a winter paradise for young skiers. There are 10 excellent tracks specially equipped for them. Thanks to the bright lighting, vacationers do not have problems due to the long polar night.
In and around the village, guests can enjoy local treats and other specialties in over 40 restaurants, bars and cafes. They will definitely strive to visit the famous Tuikku - an unusual institution located on a snow-covered slope, famous for its observation deck. Here, on sunny days, travelers in light clothes enjoy sunbathing on the spacious terrace, and during the polar night they admire the colorful colors of the northern lights.
Ylläs
Most of the vacationers in quiet Ylläs are those who are just beginning to try their hand at the development of the mountain slopes. For them, the doors of two excellent ski schools are open here. Almost all local bars are located next to the ski slopes for the convenience of guests of the ski resort of Finland.
Fans of gourmet dishes will find several restaurants in the local hotels. Among them are Saaga, which offers Lappish dishes, and Sport & Safari, where you can not only have a hearty lunch, but also watch sports on large TV screens. In picturesque Ylläs, you will also find perky skiing on 63 magnificent tracks. The longest of them stretches almost 3 thousand meters. Young skiers, for whom a separate slope is equipped, will not be left out. And those who dream of admiring the northern lights will be able to do it one of the happy evenings.
Vuokatti
While Finland cannot please skiing aficionados with high mountain ranges like the best ski resorts in the world, nevertheless, in Vuokatti every vacationer, even an experienced athlete, will be able to find suitable slopes. Among the 13 magnificent local trails, those that will suit tourists who feel confident on the snowy slopes prevail. There is a special tunnel for snowboarders, where they can train even in summer. The doors of the Ice Arena are open to skating fans. You can go cross-country skiing not only along the snow-covered track, but also through a special tunnel.
There is even a small farm with a pack of smart sled dogs. If you wish, you can ride both on a fast dog sled and on easily controlled snowmobiles, especially since the area, known for dense forests and lakes, is fabulous. As many as 10 restaurants await ski-tired skiers. Outstanding of these are Amarillo, which serves excellent Mexican food, and A la Katti, which offers sandwiches and simple Finnish food. In the evening Vuokatti, it is easy to unwind with discos at Night Cat, Naapuriuvaaren and other local bars and clubs.
Not all of the best ski resorts in Finland have been considered above, but it is with them that this country is usually associated. The advantage of winter recreation here is considered to be a rather long duration of the season practically throughout the entire territory of the state. You can come here already in the last weeks of October, and the resort complexes are closed not earlier than April. It is also interesting that the season in places located above the Arctic Circle does not end even in summer. Consequently, skiers come here throughout the entire calendar year.