Rovaniemi

Skiing in Finland

Finland is a perfect destination for many winter athletes. The Finns are proverbially born with skis for cross-country skiing on feet. Locomotion on thin planks is sports number one in the northern country. You will find endless kilometers of cross-country trails to explore that go through forests and frozen lakes. Groomed cross-country trails can be found in the ski areas of Southern Finland as well as in the far North of the country. Although Finland is not well-known yet for its peaks but it is really a number one country for its alpine ski areas. Who does not attend World Cup Level can find that downhill slopes in Finland excellent for skiing and snowboarding. The best-known ski resorts in Finland are located in Lapland and Karelia. Besides, a ski vacation in Finland can be a really excellent alternative to ski vacation in the Alps when there is lack of snow there. Ski resorts in central Finland and that to the North of the Arctic Circle will sure have snow always. Skiing in Finland is always possible until spring comes there.

The infrastructure of ski resorts is generally very well developed. Because of the short daylight phases in winter the majority of ski pistes is usually illuminated. Many cross-country trails are also illuminated. Skiing at night is also possible in Finland. While the slopes of a ski pass must be purchased, the cross-country trails can be used free of charge. Cross-country skiing is considered to be the cultural property of people of Finland that’s why nobody in Finland will come up with the idea to ask for money.

Holiday-makers who have not brought their ski gear with them, can easily borrow it on the spot. Ski courses, both alpine and cross-country ski courses, can be booked in advance. All the teachers are English-speaking. A wide range of accommodation is also available for the tourists. The offer ranges from cheap youth hostels, vacation homes on the block hut style to luxury hotels and famous ice-hotels. A sauna can also be varied from the simplest systems to the standard.

Skiing is not the only activity in winter Finland. Walks on snow shoes and riding in dogs or reindeer sleigh is also very popular here. The most convenient way to get to Finland is by plane directly to Helsinki or Rovaniemi. Besides, Finland has got a well-developed rail and bus network. Package tours to skiing in Finland can be found in any travel agency or be booked through the internet.