Lapland holidays in Saariselkä

Frontier atmosphere and Sámi heritage in our most northerly resort

  • 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.

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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!

Added value

3 for 2 on Husky, Reindeer & Snowmobile Safaris (subject to availability)

Arctic thermal suits and snow boots included for all adults & children (3yrs +)

  • from£1529pp
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Superior Suite Exterior

A trip to Lapland isn't complete without a cosy wooden cabin and these traditional Kuukkeli Log Cabins are the perfect option. They'll create a comfortable space for you and your family to sit back and relax, spend quality time together or explore the snowy wilderness that's only a few steps from your door. These cabins are offered on a self catering board basis with the option to upgrade to half board.

  • from£1079pp
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  • 139 rooms
finland_lapland_saariselka_holiday_club_spa_hotel_exterior.jpg

Located right in the heart of Saariselkä, this popular spa hotel offers a high standard of accommodation and an impressive range of facilities, including a fabulous indoor pool complex. You'll enjoy breakfast and dinner included with the hotels half board basis. This hotel can also be booked as part of our 'Muotka 2-Centre Adventure'.

  • from£992pp
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  • Sleeps 6
Lapland_Saariselka_Holiday_Club_Apartments_Lounge

The brand new Holiday Club Apartments are in a fantastic resort location and are part of the Holiday Club Spa Hotel. These apartments are offered on a self catering board basis with the option to upgrade to half board. 

  • from£1832pp
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  • 8 Cabins
Cabin And Northern Lights

Experience the wilderness and beauty of untouched Lappish landscape whilst sleeping under the stars in one of these unique Top Star Arctic Glass Cubes. Thoughtfully placed away from light pollution and each having their own heated panoramic glass wall and ceiling, these cabins provide some of the best views of the snowy fell as well as some unmissable opportunities to see the Northern Lights. You'll also enjoy half board meals at the Star Arctic Hotel.

  • from£1840pp
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  • 40 rooms
Finland_Saariselka_StarArctic_Exterior.jpg

Welcome to the Star Arctic! A modern and stylish hotel boasting spacious Lappish-style suites and Aurora cabins. A great choice for those looking for an intimate and exclusive feel stay, it is located at the top of Kaunispaä fell, away from the light pollution of the village centre and an excellent spot from which to view the Northern Lights. You'll enjoy breakfast and dinner included with your stay on the hotels half board basis.

  • from£1159pp
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    3 Rating

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  • 96 rooms
finland_lapland_saariselka_tunturi-hotel-gielas-hotel_exterior2.jpg

A wonderfully atmospheric hotel with cosy wood-panelled public areas, good cuisine on a half board basis and comfortable rooms. The property enjoys a peaceful setting 250m from the village centre and next to the cross-country ski tracks. 

  • from£1199pp
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  • 96 rooms
Lapland_Saariselka_Gielas_Exterior.jpg

The deluxe wing of the Tunturi hotel, the luxury Gielas building offers highly recommended deluxe rooms. The whole property enjoys a peaceful setting, just 250m from the village centre and a few steps to the cross-country ski tracks. This hotel is offered on a half board basis and can also be booked as part of our 'Muotka 2-Centre Adventure'.

  • from£872pp
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    3 Rating

    We rate all of our accommodation based on their facilities, service level, character and customer feedback. Our ratings may vary from the official star rating.

  • 96 rooms
finland_lapland_saariselka_tunturi-hotel-gielas-hotel_exterior2.jpg

Tunturi Hotel Suites are part of the charming Tunturi Hotel complex with its cosy wood-panelled public areas and popular restaurants. These suites and offered on either a bed and breakfast or half board basis.

  • from£2479pp
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    3.5 Rating

    We rate all of our accommodation based on their facilities, service level, character and customer feedback. Our ratings may vary from the official star rating.

  • 36 rooms
Muotka Wilderness Lodge Main Building (1)

This can be booked as part of our 'Muotka 7 Night Adventure', which is the price shown. You can also book this as part of our 'Muotka 2-Centre Adventure'.

Wilderness Hotel Muotka is a lovingly renovated family-run property, offered on a full board basis and set in a secluded snow-laden winter wonderland, 15km from Saariselkä village. Its idyllic location, on the edge of the pristine Urho-Kekkonen National Park, guarantees minimal light pollution and an increased potential for seeing the Northern Lights, simply by stepping outside the Lodge's front door. We have included a full range of daytime arctic activities plus evening aurora hunts with Muotka's expert Guides!

Ski and Snowboard Information
Skiing levels
Beginner
Intermediates
Advanced
Snowboard
Cross country

Beginner skiing in Saariselkä

Great resort for learning to ski with easy slopes and friendly English speaking instructors.

Intermediate skiing in Saariselkä

This compact ski area offers uncrowded pistes with hardly any queues. Suits early intermediates.

Advanced skiing in Saariselkä

Limited challenges with one black run but the snow is often very light between the trees.

Snowboarding in Saariselkä

Two free style parks and good quality powder between the pistes.

Cross-country in Saariselkä

A cross-country enthusiast's paradise with mile after mile of well-marked trails through scenic Arctic wilderness. Several are lit at night. 

Saariselkä has long been one of the most famous and best-loved cross-country ski areas in Finnish Lapland. It offers 230kms of prepared trails for both classic and skating styles of skiing, 34kms of which are illuminated. Trails start from the village centre and radiate in all directions, including into one of Finland’s loveliest national parks - Urho Kekkonen. 

The area is well-suited to beginners as well as to more advanced nordic skiers and Inghams has arranged special excellent value Learn To Cross-Country Ski packages with our local partners. Soon you will be gliding past scenically located husky and reindeer farms, or abandoned ghost mine buildings from the 1860s gold rush era. Perhaps you will be lucky enough to see moose, reindeer, arctic hare or willow grouse, all of which call the national park home. There is a good network of campfire shelters, wilderness huts and cafés, including Laanihovi where you can expect a particularly warm welcome and excellent local salmon soup.

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 2km away from the village. The bus costs approximately €5 per day. Children under 6yrs old travel free with an adult. Please see this link for the bus timetable, https://skisaariselka.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/ski-bus-time-schedule-2019-2020.pdf


Mountain facts
Area 12 km
Resort Altitude 265m
Ski Alt. From 265m
Ski Alt. To 440m
Runs 6 5 1
Longest run 1 Km
Lifts Chairlifts 1, Draglifts 4
Lift Times

7 of 14 runs are floodlit from Dec to mid-February. 
Full ski are open from mid-February

Lift Ski LockersNo
Local Pass Lifts5
Night Skiing IncludedYes
Snow Cannon Coverage33%
Cross Country Trails

185km (34km floodlit)

Night Skiing

Slopes are open after dark in December and January as 34km are floodlit. Slopes are open until approx.17:00hrs.

Off-piste OptionsYes
Slope DirectionN, E, W
Snowpark Info

1 snowpark.

Excursions

Pre-bookable Excursions details and prices:

There are a number of excursions that are eagerly awaiting you and to make the most of your Lapland adventure. Click here to find out more detailed information about each excursion and what they involved, then see below for the duration and price list for Saariselkä. 

Overnight Experiences:

Having the opportunity to stay in a Glass Igloo or Aurora Cabin for a night under the stars and Northern Lights spotting, is high on most people’s bucket list. There are a number of options for you to take, so click here to have a read. From Saariselkä you have the chance to stay in either a Glass Igloo or Aurora Cabin, and if you really cannot choose then treat yourself to two memorable nights.

Excursion Duration Winter 23/24 prices per person from
Snowmobile Safari 2 hours (from resort)
Approx. 10-15km

Single (1 adult driving alone) Adult: £130

Double (2 sharing a snowmobile, 11 years+ and 140cm+) Adult: £92

Child in a sleigh/pod (4-10 years): £65

Reindeer Discovery 2 hours (1 hour at Wilderness Centre)
Includes talk from reindeer herder
Adult: £115, Child: £75
Husky Safari 5km Safari
2½ hours (1 hour at Wilderness Centre)
Adult: £125
Child: £100
Snowshoe Safari
(daytime or evening)
2 hours Adult: £64
Child: £52
Visit Santa's Home 3 hour excursion
4 Dec – 25 Dec incl.
Adult: £85
Child: £80
Aurora Cabin (overnight stay)

Continental breakfast included

Optional half board upgrade

From: £242

Adult: £28 / Child: £14

Kota Dinner 

3 course meal in a traditional Lappish Kota

Adult: £75
Teen: £40/ Child: £35

 

Notes for all above excursions: Please note that we act at all times as the selling agent for the supplier of these excursions and activities. Times and distances are approximate and may vary due to weather and other conditions. Prices above are to be confirmed at time of booking and are here as an approximate. 

  • Child age for Husky and Reindeer safari's is 4-12yrs.
  • Children younger than the above are not allowed on the safaris but can be pre-booked onto the transfer to spectate.
  • Snowmobile Safari:
    • All drivers must be 18yrs+ and bring a full, valid photographic driver's licence with them.
    • Children must be aged 11 yrs 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 less than 11 years will be towed in a sled or pod behind the guide - minimum age is 4 years.
    • 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.
  • The overnight stay can be pre-booked but the exact day of the week will only be confirmed after booking, as all reservations are subject to availability.
  • Aurora Cabin child age is 4-14years, 0-3 are only free if sleeping in parents bed.
  • For the Kota dinner, vegetarians can be catered for - please inform us in advance if you have any dietary requirements. Tap water and soft drinks are included, guests may bring their own alcohol.

Travel insurance is a condition of booking with us, and you should ensure that your chosen policy covers the activities that you plan to take part in during your holiday. Your policy should provide cover for your own personal and medical expenses, however individual policies will not cover damage to snowmobiles or skidoos and a compulsory excess will be payable directly to the supplier of the snowmobile/skidoo excursion.

Please note: Times and distances are approximate and may vary due to weather and other conditions. In extremely cold temperatures or bad weather conditions excursions may be cancelled at late notice. 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.

Days and timings of excursions will be confirmed on arrival in resort.

Travel insurance is a condition of booking with us, and you should ensure that your chosen policy covers the activities that you plan to take part in during your holiday. Your policy should provide cover for your own personal and medical expenses, however individual policies will not cover damage to snowmobiles or skidoos and a compulsory excess will be payable directly to the supplier of the snowmobile/skidoo excursion.

Ski Packs

Learn to Ski or Board Package (for complete beginners)

5 days 

Child

Adult 

17 years +

Learn to Ski £198 (6-16 years) £235
Learn to Board  £198 (7-16 years) £235

Included for 7 days

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

 

Ski or Board Saver Package

3 days

Child 

Adult

17 years +

Ski saver £208 (6-16 years) £245
Board saver  £208 (7-16 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

 

3 days 

Child 4 - 6 years

Andre Jr Play Ski School

£

  • 7 days lift pass
  • 7 days equipment hire
  • 3 days tuition and snow play (1½ hrs per day)

 

Ski pack information

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

Learn To Ski & Board 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.

Lift Pass

7 days

(out of 10 days)

Season

Child
7 - 16  years

Adult 
17 - 64 years

Senior
65 +  years

Local Area Pass 

Low

£

£

£

High

£

£

£

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: 26 Nov - 07 Dec 24

High season: 08 Dec 24- 03 Mar 25

 

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

Equipment Hire
6 days Category

Child

7 - 16 years

Adults

17 years +

Skis Blue - £92
Red - £125
Skis & boots Blue £119 £119
Red - £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 £119
Equipment information

Please see here for description of hire categories.

 

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

Tuition

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

 

Snowboard Tuition

Child 7 - 16 years

Adult 17 years +

3 days 

90 minute intermediate lessons

£108

£108

5 days 

90 minute beginner lessons

£181

£181

 

Andre Jr Play Ski School 

4 - 6 years

3 days

90 minute lessons

-

 

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.

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.

Travel and Transportation

Direct exclusive charter flights to Kittilä depart Sundays for 7 or 14 nights 

  • Gatwick 
  • Bristol
  • Manchester

Transfer time: approx. 3 hours by coach.

Good to know

  • In the Arctic Circle
  • Good chance of seeing Northern Lights
  • Superb for cross-country skiing
  • Winter park areas (tobogganing, ice skating and snow tubing)
  • Price match promise – If you're yet to book, and you find your Inghams Lapland holiday cheaper elsewhere, we’ll price match it
Lapland Deals
All Saariselkä Deals from £872 pp
Saariselkä Deals 2025/26 from £895 pp
Lapland Deals 2024/25 from £739 pp
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