Mr Leeding says...
We enjoyed the opportunity to visit a new country and experience a new activity. The Yllas region of Finland is very beautiful and quiet and the snow and ...
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Perfectly picturesque and surrounded by the 7 softly rounded, snow-capped fells of the Pallas-Yllastunturi National Park, the village of Akaslompolo makes for superb cross-country skiing exploration whatever your ski ability. With over 300km of designated tracks - the most in Finland - trails vary from flat and easy to more demanding routes into the fells. There are even about 40km of trails that are illuminated at night for superb skiing even in the atmospheric twilight of the Polar Night in December and into January. The intricate network of signposted trails crisscross and intercept each other, so your route can even be changed halfway through, giving countless alternatives through the beautifully preserved Lappish landscape. There are even so-called 'warm tracks' on the upper fells where it might be as much as 15 degrees warmer than in the village!
Using cross-country trails directly from the hotel, follow the freshly prepared ski tracks to the frozen lake of Akaslomopojarvi, through peaceful ancient forest and pristine white and unspoilt nature. The trails are dotted with traditional Finnish kotas - small wigwam shaped huts where you can take a break from skiing to marvel at the silent snow covered landscapes - or enjoy Finnish hospitality in a skiers' cafe where you can try the local energy booster of a pulla (sweet sticky bun), munkki (the doughnut equivalent) and a hot blueberry juice.
Just 200km north of the Arctic Circle, this far north there are good opportunities to glimpse the celebrated Northern Lights. Street lights here are turned off at 10pm to showcase this extraordinary natural phenomenon. Admire from the hotel or take to your snowshoes as night falls in a guided search (payable locally) over the snow for the Aurora.
When you fancy a day off from skiing, a convenient ski bus connects Akaslompolo with the impressive Snow Village - constructed as the first snows come down in November, artists from around the globe come here to design and sculpt this intricately chiselled ice hotel. Or take the chair lift to the summit of 719m high Yllastunturi Fell - which gives the Yllas region its name - to savour the views at the highest restaurant in Finland.
The base for your 7-night stay is the Yllashumina Hotel, set near the shores of Akaslomopojarvi lake and a home away from home run by the Qvist family for over 70 years. With just 32 rooms, housed in 8 separate traditional wooden cabins, it makes for wonderfully cosy and intimate accommodation. Dinners here, served in a separate log building, where you'll also find the welcoming lounge and Humina pub, are buffet style with hearty Lappish fayre based on locally sourced game, fish, cheese and berries. All guests can take advantage of the hotel's sauna, a must for any Finnish accommodation!, as well as the Arctic Spa: an outdoor hot tub for the ultimate in relaxation.
Climate in Yllas / Akaslompolo
Akaslompolo and Yllas are located in Finnish Lapland, 150km above the Arctic circle. This northerly location gives Yllas long winter and summer seasons with a short spring and autumn in between.
The Winter ski season runs from November to May. The temperature in the winter months stays well below zero and it can often get below -20°C or even -30°C especially during January. These temperatures may sound extreme, however the dry air in the Arctic means that they are not a problem, providing adequate clothing is worn. When the temperatures are very low, it is essential to have thermal base layers. Hats and face masks are advisable too, especially if dog sledding or snowmobiling. Some visitors to Yllas also find that hand and foot warmers are a good thing to have when heading out on to the slopes for the day.
Daylight hours during the ski season in Yllas range from 0-6 hours in November, December and January up to 16 hours in April. For the short days in December and January flood lighting is provided on the slopes and the darkness is more like a blue twilight, aided by the reflection of light from the snow, than a pitch black. The long nights of winter are the best opportunity for viewing the northern lights in Yllas so it is considered by some people as the best time to go.
We meet you at Kittila airport and take you to the Lappish village of Akaslompolo (45 mins) and the Yllashumina Hotel.
The hotel's convenient ski service will help you to get kitted out with your skis, boots and poles on your first morning before discovering what this beautiful area has to offer. With easy access to the cross-country skiing trails around Akaslompolo, you can choose which trail to follow depending on your ski ability and local weather conditions for leisurely independent exploration.
For those wishing to try cross-country skiing for the first time, improve their technique, or master the art of skating, ski tuition can be arranged locally, as can guided group excursions (supplements payable locally). If you fancy a change from cross-country, downhill skiing, snowmobiling, husky sledding and snow shoeing are all available (payable locally).
We take you back to Kittila airport for your flight home.
This single-centre holiday is based at the following hotel. If you'd like to extend your stay here, or upgrade your room, just let us know at the time of booking.
To find out more call our sales team on 0044 1606 720199 or email sales@headwater.com
Read customer reviews on Tripadvisor.
Room upgrades: Superior Rooms and Suites
For a touch of luxury, upgrade to one of the superior rooms. These are much larger than the standard rooms and come with a cosy sitting area - complete with fireplace, television, DVD and blu-ray, a separate bedroom (double bed only) and a kitchenette, as well as a bathroom with 2 showers.
The one bedroom suite has the same facilities as the superior rooms, but also comes with bath tub in the bathroom.
Transfers can be arranged at a supplement from Kittila airport at 14:30 (transfer 45 minutes) and back to Kittila airport in time for a flight leaving at 06.35.
Call now to speak to our specialist team at 0044 1606 720199 or email us at sales@headwater.com for enquiries or to book your trip.
Everyone who goes on a Headwater holiday will be emailed a link to our post-holiday questionnaire where they can give us an honest assessment of all aspects of their holiday - everything from how quickly we answer the phone to how clean the hotels were - plus an overall rating and comments about their holiday.
Any feedback collected is posted to our website, so that people can make an informed decision based on past experiences before heading off on holiday. We don’t edit the reviews, the only thing we do is proofread them and alter any typos, where necessary, to ensure they are easy to read for everyone. All reviews will be published (except in certain extreme circumstances), and a member of the Headwater team will respond to any constructive criticisms/comments under the reviews, at their discretion. So, for the real tales, twists and turns of our holidays, look no further than the reviews from our previous travellers.
We enjoyed the opportunity to visit a new country and experience a new activity. The Yllas region of Finland is very beautiful and quiet and the snow and cold added to that. The hotel was excellent and staff very professional. We found the cross country skiing challenging. We were complete beginners so in that respect we felt our expectations of what we could achieve in terms of ability were not met. We had hoped to be able to ski around the area more easily than we could and instead we switched to doing a bit of skiing on the lake (nice and flat) and then walking around the park on the cycle trails. I would suggest that beginners should book more lessons and to know that they may not be able to ski for many kilometres after 2-3 days of practice so to be prepared to ski for some of the holiday but also enjoy other outdoor activities on offer. The northern lights were lovely and the people of Finland very welcoming and friendly.
We enjoyed the holiday a lot. Cross country skiing is very energetic (in a different league from hill walking or downhill skiing) and you need to be very fit to enjoy it.
Hotel was excellent in all respects. Äkäslompolo was truly beautiful. There were many skiing and walking trails on the doorstep. Travel was fine.
Booking process however was very poor. After realising the direct flights as advertised on the website weren't available, I booked and paid a deposit. I was later informed hotel was full, no others available. Days later, I was informed there was a deluxe room at the hotel for an extra payment.
Furthermore, having booked a 6 day cross country skiing holiday as beginners, we'd also booked a 90 minute lesson which we'd assumed would be on day 1. It was on day 2 and the hotel were unable to change this, which meant we spent day 1 falling over. If these booking issues can be improved, I can thoroughly recommend this trip for the fit!
Our cross country ski trip to Yllas,, Finland exceeded our expectations. The accommodations were fantastic, and the wide variety of trails accessible from our resort were extraordinary. Seeing the Northern Lights was truly a highlight of the trip.
I would highly recommend a stay at Yllashumina. The food was delicious and there’s excellent access to all the ski trails. If you’re lucky you’ll see the northern lights.
All aspects of the holiday were excellent. Skiing on loipes directly from the hotel; exceptionally comfortable hire boots; very good skis; well maintained loipes; lovely cafes en route; excellent food at the hotel with good choices; very helpful staff; wonderful saunas & great outdoor hot tub. Our hotel location was quiet & peaceful with Akaslompolo a half an hour's walk away for shops etc. Lots of snow. We were even lucky enough to see some Northern Lights one evening. A very enjoyable holiday.
I found Akaslompolo a top class destination for cross-country skiing. Snow conditions were excellent, which I consider essential. I will never again book a trip outside Scandinavia, because of unreliable snow conditions nowadays in central Europe. The network of ski trails is immense and it is easy to find trails with few other skiers. An unexpected pleasure was to find several cafes for skiers at strategic points. In late January, day length was not a problem, at 7 hours. Daytime temperature varied hugely, from -3C to -24C, so you need clothing for very cold conditions. Use local forecasts, not the BBC. The hotel was very comfortable with excellent food. There were many other activities that could be booked - I went to a reindeer farm only 1 km from the hotel. The only aspect people might find difficult is that that there was absolutely no "group dynamic" of Headwater customers. You need to be prepared to dine and ski just by yourself or in your own party.
A magical place for Christmas with an excellent family run hotel and plenty of good food. The snow was good, you could ski virtually out of the chalet and tracks well maintained. Ski instructors were excellent. There were other options if you did not want to ski all week such as snow shoeing, fat biking, downhill skiing, dog sledding and reindeer rides. Most of these were in another area not far from the hotel so the immediate vicinity of the hotel was not touristy and felt authentic and remote. This is not a group holiday and probably not for single travellers. Probably better if you've done cross country skiing before to get the most out of the week as you are not with a group unless you pay for lessons.
Excellent base for skiing and other winter activities. The ski tracks offer a variety of terrain and challenges, there is no charge for using the tracks which were well maintained throughout the week I was there. I would recommend the half board option because the food in the hotel is excellent and there are no better options that do not require travel by car or taxi. Ski equipment was good and the staff in the hire shop friendly and helpful, I did resent having to pay for my hire skis to be waxed.
A great holiday. Great trails and wonderful food. Yllas is a great location. We strongly recommend half board at the hotel. Room a little disappointing - very cramped. Initial transfer was late and it was a little confusing arriving at the airport but otherwise things went smoothly. Delighted not to have a rep. around. Ski Rental OK but ran out of boots in my size and landed up with some old (but very functional) boots. Would certainly visit again.
You can be confident that our pricing includes all the standard requirements of your holiday and many additional extras. Always ensure that you are comparing like for like when booking your holiday.
This 7 night winter snow holiday holiday includes:
Single-centre accommodation in a hotel
Breakfast and 7 evening meals
Management by local hotelier
Use of the cross country ski trails
Use of the sauna and Arctic Spa
Standard transfers to/from your hotel (if booking inclusive flights)
How to book:
To book this holidays speak to our sales team on 0044 1606 720199 or click on the appropriate 'book now' or 'check availability' button below.
To book this holiday call our sales team on 0044 1606 720199 or click on the appropriate 'Book now' or 'check availability' button below.
Departing | Tour only | Prices ![]() |
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3rd Dec 2023 | US$2049 | US$336 | Tour only: US$2049 Single supp: US$336 |
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10th Dec 2023 | US$2049 | US$336 | Tour only: US$2049 Single supp: US$336 |
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17th Dec 2023 | US$2049 | US$336 | Tour only: US$2049 Single supp: US$336 |
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20th Dec 2023 | US$2749 | US$336 | Tour only: US$2749 Single supp: US$336 |
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24th Dec 2023 | US$2679 | US$455 | Tour only: US$2679 Single supp: US$455 |
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31st Dec 2023 | US$2549 | US$455 | Tour only: US$2549 Single supp: US$455 |
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Departing | Tour only | Prices ![]() |
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7th Jan 2024 | US$2049 | US$336 | Tour only: US$2049 Single supp: US$336 |
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14th Jan 2024 | US$2049 | US$336 | Tour only: US$2049 Single supp: US$336 |
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21st Jan 2024 | US$2049 | US$336 | Tour only: US$2049 Single supp: US$336 |
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28th Jan 2024 | US$2279 | US$455 | Tour only: US$2279 Single supp: US$455 |
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4th Feb 2024 | US$2279 | US$455 | Tour only: US$2279 Single supp: US$455 |
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11th Feb 2024 | US$2279 | US$455 | Tour only: US$2279 Single supp: US$455 |
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18th Feb 2024 | US$2279 | US$455 | Tour only: US$2279 Single supp: US$455 |
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25th Feb 2024 | US$2279 | US$455 | Tour only: US$2279 Single supp: US$455 |
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Departing | Tour only | Prices ![]() |
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3rd Mar 2024 | US$2279 | US$455 | Tour only: US$2279 Single supp: US$455 |
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10th Mar 2024 | US$2279 | US$455 | Tour only: US$2279 Single supp: US$455 |
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17th Mar 2024 | US$2279 | US$455 | Tour only: US$2279 Single supp: US$455 |
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24th Mar 2024 | US$2279 | US$455 | Tour only: US$2279 Single supp: US$455 |
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31st Mar 2024 | US$2279 | US$455 | Tour only: US$2279 Single supp: US$455 |
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Departing | Tour only | Prices ![]() |
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7th Apr 2024 | US$2049 | US$336 | Tour only: US$2049 Single supp: US$336 |
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The prices quoted for each individual departure supercede those published in our current brochures. Air prices are subject to change and we advise early booking to obtain the best prices. Please see our Planning your holiday and What's included in the price? pages for additional information.
Solo travellers
Please call for details and prices
Children
Tour only from £1099. Flight inclusive prices from £1399. Per child when sharing a room with 2 adults.
Holiday type
Cross-country skiing Managed locally by hotelier.
Departures
Selected Sundays from 3rd Dec 2023 to 7th Apr 2024, for 7 nights. All dates are subject to availability, please contact us to check.
Meals
Breakfast and 7 evening meals
Other details
During your stay, ski hire (either classic skis or skating), ski lessons, guided ski excursions and guided snow shoeing excursions, please call for a quote.
Tour only
Transfers can be arranged at a supplement from Kittila airport at 14:30 (transfer 45 minutes) and back to Kittila airport in time for a flight leaving at 06.35.
To book this holidays speak to our sales team on 0044 1606 720199 or click on the appropriate 'book now' button above.
If you need further information before you book simply complete our Holiday Enquiry Form and a member of our sales team will get back to you.
To book this holiday call our sales team on 0044 1606 720199 or click on the appropriate 'Book now' or 'Check availability' button below.