Eastie

I am thinking of taking a week's vacation to go cross country skiing in Finland's Lapland. I have been thinking about Yllas, or Saareskella, but haven't settled on an area. The time period would be around the first week in January. Has anyone been skiing in that part of Finland. I would love some feedback. One thing I am a little concerned about is that at present (mid Dec 2004) there seems to be not more than about 30cm of snow on the ground. Yet Yllas claims to have 80kms of trail prepared. It is a long way to travel for me....as I live in the San Francisco area...but I was looking for something different. I usally go to B.C....or sometimes Quebec..both these areas are starting to get some really good snow now.

Any suggestions?

Marz

I went to Levi a couple of years ago, which is just down the road in Feb.

The town was listing low levels of snow (from what I have been used to) but that did not seem to hamper any of the slopes/trials at all.

As I recall, not all lifts were operating as it was not peak season, which suprised me, but then it was explained that peak season comes when it gets a bit warmer and a bit lighter during the day, which I can appreciate as we only once caught a brief glimps of the sun on the horizon, and the temp. was usually a constant -15c day and night.

Still, nice place and nice people.

elina

Peak season in Lapland is mid-March to early May. At that time there is already more daylight up north than anywhere more south. Often glorious sunshine. And often also plus degrees during day, minus during night. Which of course means that you are not tied to man-made trails but can fly over snow where ever you want to go.

You do realize that above the Arctic Circle the sun "went to sleep" over two weeks ago? And doesnīt wake up till the end of January. Which means that in the beginning of January you get only few hours of hazy, pinkish light. There are electrically lit tracks in all skiing centers, but never more than few dozens of kilometres.

Lapland usually gets most of its snow after Christmas. Eastern Finland is always the most snowy place. There is an old skiing center in a national park called Koli, 70 kilometres north of Joensuu (Finnair flies to Joensuu). They now report one metre snow. Check www.koli.fi

That is my favourite, but it depends what you like. It is very peaceful there.

Eastie

Thank you so much for the very useful information. I appreciate hearing from someone who apparently lives there and knows a lot about the country. I have been to Denmark, Norway and Sweden....but never Finland. I think form what I've learned I probably shouldn't go all the way to Yllas at this time. In fact I am thinking of Quebec.....here in North America....lots of cross country ski areas....I think most in all of North America. On the other hand I will check Eastern Finland. I hadn't thought of that....but did come across a hotel, I think it might have been called Bomba in that area that sounded interesting. I think the region is perhaps Kerelian...I am not confident I got the area correct. I will look into Eastern Finland...if you can think of other areas please let me know.

elina

Thinking of the amount of snow Karelia and Kainuu (area in eastern Finland just north of Karelia) are the best areas early January. In Kainuu is Finlandīs biggest and most popular skiing center: www.ruka.fi

But you would have a long flight, so perhaps someplace in America is better for early January. If you want full skiing days and whole track networks in your use you would be better off coming in April, and reserving hotels well in advance.

I know Bomba, I have stayed there. The main building is in old Karelian style.

Eastie

I am glad you responded again.....I started to get excited about Bomba....they came up with a price of about 427 Euros for one week, as an individual staying alone in a double room. This would include breakfast. They claim they have about 50Km of trails....with one going right from the inn. I even looked at the menu, which looked interesting. The negatives are that I would need a car to get to Koli...and also to Vuokatti. Can you tell me a little more about Bomba...and the area it is in. Is the hotel nice? Food good etc.

You are right it is a long flight...but being a psychology professor....I don't have the time for a trip like this later. One other thing.....how could I read the daily ski reports in Finnish? I couldn't find any information about the snow depth in Koli or Vuokatti.

Thanks for all your help...and any further information you can give me.

elina

http://www.fmi.fi/weather/local.html...;kunta=Kajaani

I tried to find a site with explicit snow information, but I am not good at googling, and didnīt really find one. But you can see something from Finnish Meteorology Instituteīs page: http://www.fmi.fi/weather/local.html...;kunta=Kajaani

We stayed only one night in Bomba as we were driving northward. I donīt really remember the room, but if it would have been awful, I would remember. I remember the outdoor pool. It was fun to swim outside when the air was -20C, and the water was +30C. We just had breakfast at the hotel, and it was just like all Finnish hotel breakfasts: a generous buffét table.

Northern Karelia is on the outskirts of what is often called Lakeland. But you would not notice it in winter. Lots of forests and hills, not very many people.

Bomba is in the north end of lake Pielinen, while Koli is on the western shore. So yes, to go there you would need a car. But how about near Vuokatti? I looked at the Holiday Club places, and for example in Katinkulta they have a hotel bus that takes you to Vuokatti. I looked also at the prices, and while the prices for one night are quite high, they all have all kinds of packages (at the end of the PDF-price list). For example at one place there was an offer: studio for one / one week 400 euros.

Try www.holidayclub.fi and on the left side Katinkulta, Kuusamo, and Ruka. They are all more lively that ever so peaceful Bomba, and you would not need a car.

Eastie

Thanks so much....I will look..but for the moment, unless the snows pick up substantially in Finland.....things are looking almost too good in Quebec...and the Upper Great Lakes. I see that the mild weather is still continuing in most of Finland.....I am sure it will end soon, but after it reaches 0......more snow is usually needed to cover icy conditions. I had discovered the FMI page earlier. I do find it very useful. At least based on your information, I should not look at Bomba much further. I found that there were no cars available to rent...except through a private person in Nurmes at 100 Euros per day.

Thank you for all your research.