Whether you like downhill skiing or cross-country skiing, you’ll enjoy a Finland ski resort vacation. Skiing in Finland is ideal for both beginners and advanced skiers, and while the mountains here don’t nearly rise as high as the Alps, the overall experience is a good one. There are numerous ski resorts in Finland, and they can be found in the northern part of the country on down to the southern reaches. There are even more cross-country trails where you can enjoy the scenery while you test your endurance. Ski in Finland, and you’ll see for yourself just why the sport is only gaining in popularity here.

As for downhill Finland skiing, you’ll find many resorts or ski areas in the northern, central, and southern parts of the country. In other words, there are a bunch of places where the best skiing in Finland is possible. The highest mountains and hills in Finland are found in the northern Lapland region, so for those who want the biggest and longest slopes, it’s ideal. In central Finland, the snow falls more than anywhere else in the land, so you can bank on enjoying a bit more powder. Southern Finland skiing might feature lower hills and a shorter season, but the proximity of the slopes to some of the country’s most established cities makes it a perfect option for those who want to do some city sightseeing on the side. You can’t really go wrong wherever you plan to ski in Finland, and all the main Finland ski resorts here offer equipment rental, so you won’t have to worry about bringing your own if you don’t want to.

Skiing in Lapland is high on many skier’s and snowboarder’s list, if not only because the mountains are highest here, but also because the whole region is a great wintertime destination. In addition to skiing in Lapland, a visit to Santa Claus Village near Rovaniemi is often on the itinerary, as are dogsledding tours and trips to reindeer farms. About the only downside to skiing in Lapland is the fact that come winter, this region is the coldest in the country. Temps can, and often do, go well below zero in Lapland in the wintertime, so be sure to bring the right clothes, including something to protect your face. The longest ski slope in Finland is found at the Yllas ski resort in Lapland, and it extends for some 9,800 feet. As for the ski season in Lapland, it starts up in early November and doesn’t end until late May. Most Finns go skiing in Lapland in the spring, as the light is crisp and clear and the weather at its best.

Finland Map

Finland skiing in the central part of the country is also a rip-roaring good time, as not only will you find some great ski areas here, but also the most snow in the country. Near the city of Oulu, the Isosyote ski resort is one of the best in the region, and it claims the most annual amount of snowfall in the entire country. The average length of the ski runs in central Finland is between 1,950 and 2,600 feet, with the longest run at Karelia reaching some 3,400 feet. If you want to enjoy Finland ski resorts in the central part of the country, the season lasts from the end of November up until early April. As for southern skiing in Finland, the season runs from December to early April, and the longest slope stretches just over 3,000 feet and can be found at Himos. The resorts in this part of the country are the easiest to reach from cities like Helsinki, Turku, and Tampere.

For those looking to enjoy a cross-country Finland ski experience, there are thousands of miles of runs all over the country. Working your way across gentle slopes and through peaceful forests while cross-country skiing in Finland is a wonderful way to relax the mind, and even if you can’t fit in a daytime cross-country run, there are plenty of trails here that are illuminated well into the night, which is also true of many downhill runs as well. Cross-country skiers in Finland will find trails of all levels, and for those who really enjoy the sport, there are Finland tours of the cross-country skiing variety. The best time to go cross-country skiing in Finland is between the months of February and March in the southern and central parts of the country, and March thru April in the northern region. Lessons and equipment rentals are offered at all the main Finland ski resorts, and some Finland hotels will rent you equipment as well.