Gielas Hotel

• Located in the Arctic Circle
• Europe's most northern ski resort 
• 18.5 kilometres of slopes available for skiing and snowboarding 
• Unbeatable snow coverage all season

Located in the wild mystical north of Lapland, Saariselkä is an exceptionally friendly, uncommercialised resort with a unique frontier atmosphere. 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 laden with snow, and being so far north there is a good possibility of seeing the Northern Lights too. In Saariselkä, you're deep in Sámi country, where many people from the indigenous community of Lapland live and work today.

Arctic skiing and activity holidays in Saariselkä

Saariselkä is Europe's most northern ski resort and is renowned for its 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. The general ski area is spread across the Iisakkipää 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.

Apart from skiing, Saariselkä offers a range of winter excursions that'll make you Lapland holiday complete. There'll be plenty of opportunities for reindeer and husky sleigh safaris as well as snowmobiling, snow shoeing and many more exciting activities! On holidays during November and December you'll even have the chance to meet Santa. 

Northern lights adventures

Staying in Saariselkä, you can experience one of our unique Northern lights adventures. Book a '7 Night Adventure' at the Muotka Wilderness Lodge where you'll receive a set itinerary filled with fun winter excursions like husky sledding, snowshoeing and cross country skiing. Alternatively if you can't decide where you want to stay, combine the northern lights adventure with a visit to Saariselkä resort centre with our 'Muotka 2-Centre Adventure' for the best of both worlds. We also offer single night excursions if you would prefer - for a really memorable experience sleep under the magical night sky in a cosy Aurora Cabin.

Where to stay in Saariselkä

We offer a range of hotels and apartments in Saariselkä, all located in the centre of resort so you'll have easy access to everything you'll need during your stay. The Holiday Club Spa Hotel has some great spa facilities including an indoor heated swimming pool. 

New for winter 2023/2024, the Kuukkeli Log Cabins will help you achieve that magical Lapland feel on your ski holiday. These cosy cabins are the ideal for a trip in the arctic circle and are also located close to the centre of resort.

Feel like adding a touch of luxury to your trip? We'd recommend staying in the Star Arctic Hotel or the Top Star Glass Cubes. Both of these stylish accommodations are located on top of the fell so are the perfect choice if you're hoping to catch a glimpse of the Northern lights. 

What's included in an Inghams holiday to Saariselkä

On an Ingham's Lapland holiday you'll have your flights, transfers and accommodation, plus thermal suits and boots included. All you'll need to do is decide which activities you want to add on. Skiiers and boarders can add on lift passes, equipment and lessons with us too. Our Ingham's Representatives based in Saariselkä are also on hand to help you make the most of your Lapland holiday - if you need any advice, tips or assistance while you're away, they will be there to help. 

Did you know that if you book a 7 night holiday to Lapland in December you can also visit Santa in his home?

Simply pick up and purchase the Visit Santa's Home excursion at the time of booking and the whole family can enjoy a group meeting with Santa, a gift for children, feed and pet Santa's reindeer and see how Elf Smith sends presents around the world! Warm up inside with hot drinks and ginger biscuits.

Every 7 night holiday to Lapland departing before Christmas includes a magical festive feast! For even more festive fun, why not indulge yourself in a reindeer sleigh ride or dash through enchanting snow-laden forests on a snowmobile or husky safari!