Backcountry skiing

Ylläs is the most versatile backcountry area in Finland: an endless amount of skiing and riding adventures are available both close to the ski resort as well as a bit further away, all in the Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park.

Ylläs is also a frontrunner in avalanche safety and offers a local avalanche report. Always consider safety when riding off-piste. There’s no avalanche danger on groomed slopes.

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Spring

As the spring progresses, the snow melts and flows in small streams down the fell sides towards lakes and rivers that are freed of their ice cover. The reindeer calve and migrating birds return to Lapland from their winter travels.

Hiking in the fresh conditions of May-June one can almost detect with the naked eye as nature awakens from winter’s slumber to summer’s bloom.

SEASON’S ACTIVITIES

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In the spring, days are long. Nature awakes to reveal the beauty covered by winter. Go with an open mind as you never know what you might find under the snow. Ylläs Swing, Äkäslompolo

Animals liven up the villages in spring

Reindeer follow an ancient natural cycle and head down to the villages when spring comes, as roaming the fells gets difficult on melting snow. Both Ylläsjärvi and Äkäslompolo have birdwatching towers for spotting returning migrators in beautiful landscapes.

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Top tip:

Go ski touring on Lainiotunturi fell in Midsummer

On the north-western face of Lainiotunturi fell lies Lumikuru (“Snow Gorge”), that provides a bit of skiing terrain even in Midsummer at the end of June. Close to the gorge, more than a hundred meltwater channels from the Ice Age mark the fell slope.

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Top tip:

Visit the Varkaankuru Gorge

The Varkaankuru nature trail is one of the most popular hikes in Ylläs. The trail starts from Yllästunturi Visitor Centre Kellokas. Boardwalk and steps have been installed to make it easily accessed for the whole family. There’s a campfire site and a “kota” day trip hut along the way – please note that the Varkaanlampi pond is a sanctuary.

yllas.fi/hiking

Fishing

Only half an hour’s drive from Ylläs lies one of Finland’s premier salmon fishing destinations, the Tornion-Muonionjoki river. Rich in fish, the river is known for big salmon and for being the border between Finland and Sweden – one permit allows fishing not only in Finland, but in most parts of the Swedish side, too. More information on the joint permit can be found online on www.torneriversalmon.com.

Lakes and rivers in the Ylläs area are also favourable for fishing. Fishing trips, guiding and equipment are available from activity companies. Permits are sold by Parks & Wildlife Finland - the www.eraluvat.fi online service is also available in English.

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Nightless Night

JUNE-JULY

The most symbolic phenomenon of the summer in Lapland is the Nightless Night, also known as the Midnight Sun, during which time is not to be spent sleeping but exploring nature.

Summer nights are nice and cool and nature is bustling with life. The fell tops are unbeaten spots for admiring the Midnight Sun and the vast, endless scenery.

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Swing your legs over a bike and pedal into the white night for a swim for example in Lake Pyhäjärvi.

Ylläs Outdoor Week again in July 2024

During the Ylläs Outdoor Week, you get to try out various activities accessible for all skill levels. Throughout the week, there’s a program for the whole family. In addition to workshops, you can participate in events such as the NUTS Ylläs-Pallas Trail Run, Ylläs-Levi MTB, gravel cycling, fishing, and children’s activities.

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Ylläs Soikoon! invites all to dance

This legendary schlager music event is a summer highlight in Ylläs, where thousands of revellers gather to enjoy good music and Lapland summer magic. Performers include top Finnish artists every year.

yllas.fi/events

Biking

Ylläs became Finland’s most versatile year-round biking destination in summer 2017, when the trails in Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park were opened for bikers.

The network of biking trails that starts from Ylläs offers terrain for bikers of all ages and skill levels. Electric mountain bikes present a whole new set of possibilities for exploring the unique nature of Ylläs. E-bikes are available for rent in several locations.

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