Overview
Stay in Yllas,a cross country skier’s paradise in the heart of Finnish
Lapland.
Perfectly picturesque and surrounded by the 7 softly rounded, snow-capped
fells of the Pallas-Yllastunturi National Park, the village of Akaslompolo
makes for superb cross-country skiing exploration whatever your ski ability.
With over 300km of designated tracks – the most in Finland – trails vary from
flat and easy to more demanding routes into the fells. There are even about
40km of trails that are illuminated at night for superb skiing even in the
atmospheric twilight of the Polar Night in December and into January. The
intricate network of signposted trails crisscross and intercept each other,
so your route can even be changed halfway through, giving countless
alternatives through the beautifully preserved Lappish landscape. There are
even so-called ‘warm tracks’ on the upper fells where it might be as much as
15 degrees warmer than in the village!
Using prepared cross-country trails directly from the hotel, follow the
freshly prepared ski tracks to the frozen lake of Akaslomopojarvi, through
peaceful ancient forest and pristine white and unspoilt nature. The trails
are dotted with traditional Finnish kotas – small wigwam shaped huts where
you can take a break from skiing to marvel at the silent snow covered
landscapes – or enjoy Finnish hospitality in a skiers’ cafe where you can try
the local energy booster of a pulla (sweet sticky bun), munkki (the doughnut
equivalent) and a hot blueberry juice.
Just 200km north of the Arctic Circle, this far north there are good
opportunities to glimpse the celebrated Northern Lights. Street lights here
are turned off at 10pm to showcase this extraordinary natural phenomenon.
Admire from the hotel or take to your snowshoes as night falls in a guided
search (payable locally) over the snow for the Aurora.
When you fancy a day off from skiing, a convenient ski bus connects
Akaslompolo with the impressive Snow Village – constructed as the first snows
come down in November, artists from around the globe come here to design and
sculpt this intricately chiseled ice hotel. Or take the chair lift to the
summit of 719m high Yllastunturi Fell – which gives the Yllas region its name
– to savour the views at the highest restaurant in Finland.
Highlights
* Stay in the resort of Yllas in the heart of Finnish Lapland, a cross
country skier’s paradise
* Pallas-Yllastunturi National Park – officially where the world’s cleanest
air has been measured
* Ski in ski out 3* family run accommodation based in the Lappish village of
Akaslompolo
* Snow sure destination
* Opportunity to see the Northern Lights!
* Plenty of activities to choose from including snowmobiling, husky rides,
snowshoeing, fat biking and nearby, downhill skiing
Itinerary
Day 1
Start Akaslompolo
Make your own way to Akaslompolo (45 mins). Your hotel for the week is the
Yllashumina Hotel where you stay on a B&B basis with the option to upgrade to
half board (pre-bookable at a supplement).
Day 2-7
Suggested Itinerary
The hotel’s convenient ski service will help you to get kitted out with your
skis, boots and poles on your first morning before discovering what this
beautiful area has to offer. With easy access to the cross-country skiing
trails around Akaslompolo, you can choose which trail to follow depending on
your ski ability and local weather conditions for leisurely independent
exploration.
For those wishing to try cross-country skiing for the first time, improve
their technique, or master the art of skating, ski tuition can be arranged
locally, as can guided group excursions (supplements payable locally). If you
fancy a change from cross-country, downhill skiing, snowmobiling, husky
sledding and snow shoeing are all available (payable locally).
Day 8
End Akaslompolo
Make your way back to Kittila airport for your flight home.
