Ski holidays in Saariselka

Finland

  • Family Holidays
  • Northern Lights
  • Beginner Skiers

Ski in our northernmost Finnish resort, offering incredible snow conditions and unforgettable Arctic scenery

  • Located 260km north of the Arctic Circle
  • Skiing beneath the Northern Lights
  • Unbeatable Arctic excursions and activities
  • Saariselka Finland tobogganing and skiing
    Skiing and tobogganing in Saariselka
  • Saariselka Cross Country Skiing
    Cross country skiing
  • Saariselka Cross Country Skiing
    Cross Country Skiing
  • Saariselka Finland Northern Lights
    Northern lights
  • Saariselka Finland Skiing
    Arctic skiing in Saariselka
  • Saariselka Finland Snowmobile
    Snowmobile safaris
  • Saariselka Finland Star Arctic Husky Sledding
    Husky sledding
  • Saariselka Finland Star Arctic Aerial Image
    Saariselka aerial view
  • Saariselka Finland Star Arctic Sunset Snowmobiling
    Sunset snowmobiling

Best for

Beginner

Intermediate

Advanced

Cross-country

Snowboard

More ski & snowboarding info

Saariselka at a glance

  • Finnish
  • Euro (EUR)
  • London Gatwick (LGW), Bristol (BRS), Manchester Int. (MAN)
More about Saariselka

Travel included to Saariselka

Depart on: Sundays & Wednesdays

Fly into: Kittilä or Ivalo 

Transfer time: approx. 3 hours from Kittilä or 30 minutes - 1 hour from Ivalo by coach

More about travel & transfers

Included in your ski holiday to Saariselkä

  • Arctic thermal suits and snow boots included for all adults & children (age 3 years +)
  • Option to add extra Arctic experiences 
  • On holiday support and tailored advice from our Destination Expert based in Saariselkä
  • Access to Inghams Digital Travel Guide with useful information to enhance your holiday
  • Flights from the UK, transfers and accommodation
Save up to £75pp on ski equipment when you buy a lift pass

Discount automatically applied once skis/boards and boots have been added via the Extras section at checkout. T&Cs apply

Ski & snowboarding information

Best for

Beginner

Intermediate

Advanced

Cross-country

Snowboard

Saariselkä offers Arctic skiing, fanatstic snow conditions, Northern Lights, Sámi culture, unforgettable activities, cross-country skiing, and stunning wilderness experiences.

Runs

Blue: 10km
Red: 6km
Ski area:
19km
Snow park:
Yes
Resort altitude:
265m
Ski Altitude:
265m - 440m
Ski Lifts:
6
Lift Ski Lockers:
No

  • As it falls

    We know our snow. Here's how the fluffy stuff is looking at this resort.
  • Snow depth:
    Mountain: 35 cm | Resort: 30 cm
    On piste snow conditions:
    Gripping
    Ski operations:
    Ski resort open
    Lift / cable cars:
    6 of 6 open
    Run / slopes:
    16 of 18 km slopes open

Beginner skiing and snowboarding in Saariselkä

Saariselkä is a great area for beginner skiers, there's a range of gentle blue and red slopes dotted on the two sides of the fell. If you are new to skiing and boarding, there's a great ski school with English-speaking instructors who will help you find your feet. Once you have learnt the basics put your skills to practice on the long blue runs down from either side of the fell.

Intermediate skiing and snowboarding in Saariselkä

Intermediate skiers and boarders will enjoy the scenic slopes, there's a range of blue and red slopes with a few more challenging runs on the Kaunispää side. The views are incredibly rewarding, you can look over towards the Urho Kekkonen and the glowing lights of Saariselkä below.

Advanced skiing and snowboarding in Saariselkä

Although Saariselkä does not have the widest range of slopes, there is a good variety of runs to keep advanced skiers engaged. The well-groomed blue runs are ideal for confident cruising, while the red slopes provide a great opportunity to refine technique and enjoy longer, more challenging descents. You'll also find a couple of black slopes you can try. The resort is also known for its peaceful setting and scenic skiing, allowing experienced skiers to focus on carving and control while taking in the stunning Lappish landscape.

Cross-country in Saariselkä

Saariselkä is one of Finnish Lapland’s top cross-country ski destinations - perfect for anyone wanting to experience the magic of the Arctic on skis. With 230 kilometres of expertly prepared trails for both classic and skating styles, and 34 kilometres illuminated for evening adventures, it’s ideal for all levels. Trails begin right in the village and lead into the stunning Urho Kekkonen National Park. Inghams offers excellent-value Learn to Cross-Country Ski packages for beginners. Expect scenic routes past husky farms, reindeer, and historic gold rush sites, plus warm cafés and wilderness shelters like Laanihovi, famous for its salmon soup and friendly atmosphere.

Ski Bus

A regular ski bus (pay locally) operates from outside all the hotels and runs to Laanila, Kakslauttanen Igloo Village and Kiilopää ski area, making it easy to do one-way trips as well as the many varied circular routes.

The ski lifts are 2 kilometres away from the village. The bus costs approximately €5 per day. Children under 6 years old travel free with an adult.

Learn to Ski (for complete beginners)

7 days 

Child

Adult 

17 years +
Learn to Ski £198 (6-16 years) £235

Included for 7 days:

  • 7 days lift pass
  • 7 days 'Blue' ski & boot hire
  • 5 days tuition (1½ hrs per day)

 

Ski Saver Package

3 days

Child 

Adult

17 years +
Ski saver £208 (6-16 years) £245

Included for 7 days:

  • 7 day lift pass
  • 7 days 'Red' ski/board & boot hire for adults, 'Blue' skis and boots for children
  • 3 days tuition (1½ per day) ski or snowboard
Ski pack information

All Saver Packs must be pre-booked in UK and are not bookable locally.

Learn To Ski is for complete beginners only (guests who have never skied). Any guests booking this package who have skied before will be charged an upgrade cost locally.

Group tuition needs a minimum number of guests to take place. There may be times where these numbers aren’t reached. If you have pre-booked tuition and this happens, the ski-school will do their best to offer private tuition to the value of what you had originally booked. Therefore, the amount of lessons received on all of our ski packs may vary due to tuition group size:

  • Four+ guests - three 90 minute lessons
  • Three guests - two 90 minute lessons 
  • Two guests - one 90 minute and one 45 minute lesson
  • One guest - one 90 minute lesson

 

Prices and supplements are correct at time of publishing but may vary up or down. Correct prices will be advised at the time of booking.

4 Day Lift Pass (can be used on any 4 days within 5)

4 days

(out of 5 days)

Season

Child
7 - 16 years

Adult 
17 - 64 years

Senior
65 + years

Local Area Pass 

Low

£88

£135

£88

High

£102

£158

£102

 

6 Day Lift Pass (can be used on any 6 days within 8)

6 days

(out of 8 days)

Season

Child
7 - 16 years

Adult 
17 - 64 years

Senior
65 + years

Local Area Pass 

Low

£109

£169

£109

High

£127

£197

£127

Children under 7 wearing a helmet ski free when accompanied by a paying adult. 

 

Lift pass information 

The local area pass covers the ski area in Saariselkä, best suited for beginners and just turned intermediates.  

The rope lift in the beginners area does not require a lift pass. 

Ski bus payable locally (approx. 20€ per week)

Season dates

Low season: 30 Nov - 06 Dec 26

High season: 07 Dec 26- 22 Feb 27

 

Prices and supplements are correct at time of publishing. Up-to-date prices are confirmed at time of booking.

6 days Category

Child

7 - 16 years

Adults

17 years +
Skis Blue - £92
Red - £125
Skis & boots Blue £119 £119
Red £152 £152

White category skis, boots and helmet are available for children aged 3 – 6

 

6 days Category

Child

7 - 16 years

Adults

17 years +
Snowboard Red £125 £125
Snowboard & boots Red £152 £152

 

Levels of Equipment

  • Blue: ideal for beginners to early intermediates – softer and easier to turn
  • Red: suit confident intermediates – more rigid for better stability and control, usually new or one season old

 

Prices and supplements are correct at time of publishing. Up-to-date prices are confirmed at time of booking.

Ski Tuition

Child 7 - 16 years

Adult 17 years +

3 days 

90 minute intermediate lessons

£108

£108

5 days 

90 minute beginner lessons

£181

£181

 

Tuition information

5 days lessons are only available for absolute beginners.

3 days lessons are only available for intermediates. 

Group tuition needs a minimum number of guests to take place. There may be times where these numbers aren’t reached. If you have pre-booked tuition and this happens, the ski-school will do their best to offer private tuition to the value of what you had originally booked.

Private snowboard lessons are available to book locally. 

 

Prices and supplements are correct at time of publishing but may vary up or down. Correct prices will be advised at the time of booking.

Where to stay in Saariselkä 

Finding the right hotel or apartment in Saariselkä is the first step to your perfect Arctic getaway. Whether you’re here for the thrill of the slopes or the quiet magic of the cross-country trails, we offer a range of accommodation that ticks all the boxes. The Holiday Club Hotel and Apartments are located right in the heart of resort and offer a vibrant hub that's ideal for families and groups who value comfort - and the best part is that the ski bus stops right outside your door, making your trip to the slopes easy.

If you prefer Cross-county skiing to downhill skiing, Hotel Tunturi is your perfect match since it’s located directly next to those famous, pristine cross-country tracks. If you are bringing the whole crew and need a bit more space to breathe, the Tunturi Suites offer that same prime location but with plenty of extra room for everyone to stretch out and relax together after a fulfilling day in the snow.

Our accommodation in Saariselka

  • 4.0
    Offers available
    Holiday Club Apartments Saariselka Two Bedroom Apartment Lounge

    Holiday Club Apartments

    Saariselkä, Finland

    Fully equipped apartments On-site amenities Convenient location
    • Self Catering
    • London Gatwick
    • Manchester Int.
    • Bristol
    Save £10 pp
    From £859 pp Base on 7 nights, 6 adults sharing, Self Catering from Manchester Int. on 16th Jan 2028 View details
  • 3.0
    Offers available
    Tunturi Hotel Suites Saariselka Two Bedroom Apartment 69 79M² Lounge Kitchen

    Tunturi Hotel Suites

    Saariselkä, Finland

    Wide range of suites Three on-site restaurants Peaceful location
    • Bed & Breakfast
    • London Gatwick
    • Manchester Int.
    • Bristol
    Save £50 pp
    From £882 pp Base on 7 nights, 6 adults sharing, Bed & Breakfast from London Gatwick on 16th Jan 2028 View details
  • 4.0
    Offers available
    Holiday Club Hotel Saariselka Building Exterior

    Holiday Club Hotel

    Saariselkä, Finland

    On-Site Amenities Central Location Attractive Rooms
    • Half Board
    • London Gatwick
    • Manchester Int.
    • Bristol
    Save £30 pp
    From £1,054 pp Base on 7 nights, 4 adults sharing, Half Board from Manchester Int. on 16th Jan 2028 View details
  • 3.0
    Offers available
    Tunturi Hotel Saariselka Exterior Building (1)

    Tunturi Hotel

    Saariselkä, Finland

    Comfortable rooms Central location Three on-site restaurants
    • Half Board
    • London Gatwick
    • Manchester Int.
    • Bristol
    Save £130 pp
    From £1,286 pp Base on 7 nights, 4 adults sharing, Half Board from Manchester Int. on 16th Jan 2028 View details
  • 4.0
    Offers available
    Gielas Hotel Saariselka Exterior

    Gielas Hotel

    Saariselkä, Finland

    Superior accomm Lots of amenities Family-friendly
    • Half Board
    • London Gatwick
    • Manchester Int.
    • Bristol
    Save £180 pp
    From £1,559 pp Base on 7 nights, 4 adults sharing, Half Board from Manchester Int. on 16th Jan 2028 View details

Discover Saariselka

Located in the wild, mystical north of Lapland, Saariselkä is home to the northernmost ski resort in Europe - one centre, two mountains. With magnificent Arctic wilderness scenery just on the doorstep, it makes an ideal resort for an all-round winter wonderland adventure. The skies are often a deep hue of pink and purple, the pine trees heavily covered with snow, and being so far north, there is a good possibility of skiing under the Northern Lights, too.

The downhill ski and snowboard area is spread across the Lisakkipää and Kaunispää fells and is best suited for beginners and intermediates. The ski schools here speak English, and all of the slopes lead back to the same area in the valley where you'll be able to warm up in the café or by a campfire.

While you're here in Europe's northernmost ski resort, check out the excellent cross-country ski trails in the adjoining National Park. In Saariselkä, there are over 200 kilometres of cross-country ski tracks, 34 of which are illuminated - so you can make the most of these tracks despite the polar nights. 

During your stay in Saariselkä, there'll be opportunities for you to explore the range of restaurants across the resort.

Perched atop the mountain, Kaunispään Huippu is a historic summit experience and has been since 1954. You can choose between the Panorama Restaurant, offering sweeping views of the fells, or the intimate Necktie Lappish Hut, where meals are prepared over an authentic open fire. Specialising in Lappish cuisine, the chefs skilfully prepare locally sourced reindeer, snow grouse, Arctic salmon, and hand-picked cloudberries. Whether you're stopping for a quick coffee or a formal feast, the Huippu offers a taste of the wild, refined by decades of hospitality.

Perfectly positioned by the K1 chairlift and ski rental, Lieggâ Láávu is your cosy mountain refuge. Whether you’re carving through the snow or exploring the fells on foot, pop in to warm up with their selection of traditional Finnish food and drinks. They pride themselves on their welcoming atmosphere.

Fieno offers a sophisticated fusion of Italian tradition and Lappish soul. Set in an atmospheric space designed for gathering, they serve authentic sourdough pizzas paired with a first-class selection of global wines. Whether you are a party of two or a large group, Fieno provides a refined yet relaxed setting for an unforgettable dinner.

And if you're simply looking for a satisfying, fuss-free meal, ScanBurger serves up hearty kebabs, classic burgers, and golden fries. It’s the perfect pit-stop for a quick fuel-up before heading back out into the Arctic air.

While Saariselkä’s après scene leans more toward the intimate and cosy vibe, there is no shortage of spirit when the sun goes down. Pub Panimo is the heart of the village’s evening life, offering a curated selection of local craft brews and international favourites alongside a hearty pub menu. Whether you’re settling in for a quiet round of cards with friends or joining the high-energy themed parties and bingo nights, Panimo stays lively well into the early hours. And of course, no Finnish holiday is complete without karaoke—whether you’re a seasoned pro or a first-timer finding your courage, you’ll find a welcoming stage waiting for you... after a few drinks of course. 

Exploring Saariselkä is as much about the local culture as it is about the slopes.

The village’s primary hub is K-Market Saariselän Kuukkeli, a well-stocked supermarket just a short, scenic stroll from our hotels. Whether you’re looking to stock up on Finnish snacks, replace forgotten travel essentials, or browse the Alko off-license for a bottle of wine to enjoy by the fire, Kuukkeli has you covered.

As you wander through the resort, you’ll also discover a collection of boutique souvenir shops tucked into the snowy corners of the village. Take a moment to browse their collections of traditional handicrafts and local artwork—the perfect way to remember your Arctic adventure.

Travel to Saariselka

Travel by Air

Direct exclusive charter flights to Kittilä airport departing on Sundays for 7 or 14 nights from:

  • London Gatwick 
  • Bristol
  • Manchester 

Airport Transfer Time - approx. 3 hours by coach

Direct flights to Ivalo airport departing Wednesdays for 4 or 7 nights from:

  • London Gatwick

Airport Transfer Time - approx. 30 mins - 1 hour by coach or minivan 

Please note that there may be a few minutes' walk to your accommodation due to access/regulations on where coaches can stop.

Things to do in Saariselkä

We offer the best range of winter activities you can book for your ski holiday to Saariselkä including husky sledding, snow shoeing, snowmobiling and many more.

From £85 per adult/ £50 per child

Snowshoeing in Saariselkä is a wonderful way to discover the breathtaking scenery of Finnish Lapland. Set out on a guided snowshoe safari through snow-covered forests, immersing yourself in the untouched Arctic wilderness. Along the way, you'll stop for a warm berry juice by the fire, and as you traverse the trails, your guide will share stories about Lappish culture and the surrounding natural environment. 

Duration: 2 hours

Ice Activities

Equipped with snowshoes, you'll venture into the quiet, snow-covered wilderness, far from artificial lights, where the natural beauty of Finnish Lapland unfolds around you. As you hike through the serene landscapes under the Arctic night, your guide will share insights about the area and the mystical phenomenon of the Northern Lights. With luck, you'll witness the sky come alive with dazzling displays of vibrant greens, pinks, and purples. Midway through the journey, you'll pause to enjoy a warm drink by the fire, soaking in the peaceful atmosphere and, hopefully, the magic of the aurora borealis overhead. 

Duration: 2 hours

Ice Activities
From £109 per adult/ £76 per child

Experience the thrill of driving through enchanted Finnish forests and fells on an exciting snowmobile safari. Before setting off on this unforgettable adventure across the pristine Arctic landscape, you’ll learn how to operate the snowmobile, and your guide will go through the trail rules. Children will ride in a sleigh behind the guide, while adults can share a snowmobile or can upgrade to drive solo.

Duration: 2 hours

  • From January onwards, lunch is included in this excursion.
  • All drivers must be 18yrs+ and bring a full, valid photographic driver's licence with them to the excursion.
  • Children must be aged 12 or above and at least 140cm tall to ride as a passenger on a snowmobile, they must be able to touch the foot rest when sat on the snowmobile. Children under this height or aged 5-11yrs will be towed in a sled or pod (unheated) behind the guide. It is not possible for infants (aged 0-4 years) to take part in this excursion. 
  • Single riders who have purchased a sharing snowmobile may need to upgrade locally to a single driving snowmobile, if a sharing snowmobile is not available.
Snowmobiles
From £109 per adult/ £76 per child

Venture out into the remote areas surrounding Saariselkä for an opportunity to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights. As you whizz through the forests and over the fells, the magical Northern Lights may make an appearance, lighting the sky up in hues of purple, pink and green. Children will ride in a sleigh behind the guide, while adults can share a snowmobile or can upgrade to drive solo. Along the way, you'll stop at a traditional Finnish kota to warm up with berry juice before continuing your journey through the magical forests. 

Duration: 2 hours

  • All drivers must be 18yrs+ and bring a full, valid photographic driver's licence with them to the excursion.
  • Children must be aged 12 or above and at least 140cm tall to ride as a passenger on a snowmobile, they must be able to touch the foot rest when sat on the snowmobile. Children under this height or aged 5-11yrs will be towed in a sled or pod (unheated) behind the guide. It is not possible for infants (aged 0-4 years) to take part in this excursion. 
  • Single riders who have purchased a sharing snowmobile may need to upgrade locally to a single driving snowmobile, if a sharing snowmobile is not available.
Snowmobiles
From £152 per adult/ £107 per child

Experience the excitement of adventure as you set off on a safari through the pristine wilderness of Lapland. You'll learn the fundamentals of driving your own husky sled before venturing onto the trail, surrounded by breathtaking Arctic scenery and guided by a team of huskies. As you glide across the snowy landscape, admire the spectacular views of snow-covered trees and vast tundras, with each bend revealing a picture-perfect sight. After the safari, warm up with hot berry juice by an open fire, while hearing captivating tales about the huskies. 

Please note that guests booked onto this excursion after Christmas will have lunch included on this excursion.

Duration: 2.5 hours (1 hour at Wilderness Centre)

  • This is a self driven excursion. Guests must be 18+ and in good physical fitness to drive the husky sled. 
  • Children must be over the age of 3 to take part in this excursion. Infants 0-2 years are not permitted.
Husky Rides
From £126 per adult/ £88 per child

A quintessential part of your Lapland visit is to experience a reindeer sleigh ride. Visit an authentic reindeer farm and learn all about the reindeer. You will then be taken on a serene sleigh ride through snowy forests, guided by a Sami guide and their reindeer. The visit includes a farm visit where you can learn about the reindeer. 

Duration: 2 hours (1 hour at the Wilderness Centre) including a talk from a reindeer herder

  • From January onwards, lunch is included in this excursion.
  • Children must be over the age of 3 to take part in this excursion. Infants 0-2 years are not permitted.
Reindeer Rides
From £213 per adult

Experience the excitement of adventure as you set off on a safari through the pristine wilderness of Lapland. You'll learn the fundamentals of driving your own husky sled before venturing onto the trail, surrounded by breathtaking Arctic scenery and guided by a team of huskies. As you glide across the snowy landscape, admire the spectacular views of snow-covered trees and vast tundras, with each bend revealing a picture-perfect sight. After the safari, warm up with hot berry juice by an open fire, while hearing captivating tales about the huskies. 

Duration: 2.5 hours (1 hour at Wilderness Centre)

  • Available to guests arriving after Christmas
  • Lunch is included in this excursion.
  • Guests must be 18+ and in good physical fitness to drive the husky sled. 
  • Children must be over the age of 3 to take part in this excursion. Infants 0-2 years are not permitted.
Husky Rides

Popular Insider Guides

More resorts in Finland

  • Offers available
    Levi Finland Levi Ski Resort Snowboarder Joonas Linkola C Levi Ski Resort

    Levi

    Lapland Adventures

    Family friendly resort Floodlit Arctic skiing One of the largest ski areas in Finland
    Cross-Country Skiing Beginner Skiers
    Properties available: 5 From £777 pp View accommodation More info
  • Offers available
    Pyha Ski Slopes

    Pyhä

    Lapland Adventures

    6 day lift pass included with your stay Uncrowded slopes in the arctic circle Modern ski in, ski out accommodation
    Family Holidays Beginner Skiers
    Save £10 pp
    Properties available: 2 From £1,107 pp View accommodation More info
  • Offers available
    Laplandnorthdestinations Tobogganing Saariselka Winter (10)

    Saariselkä

    Lapland Adventures

    Located 260km north of the Arctic Circle Skiing beneath the Northern Lights Unbeatable Arctic excursions and activities
    Family Holidays Northern Lights
    Save £10 pp
    Properties available: 5 From £859 pp View accommodation More info
  • Offers available
    Yllas Finland Skiing (C) Visit Yllas.J

    Ylläs

    Lapland Adventures

    Authentic Finnish charm Pristine ski terrain for all abilities Unique arctic activities
    Family Holidays Cross-Country Skiing
    Properties available: 3 From £775 pp View accommodation More info