Magical Winter Activities

There’s no end to what you can do in Ylläs in winter. Many activities can be enjoyed independently, but the truly unforgettable moments often come from guided tours and experiences. How about a husky safari, reindeer ride, snowmobiling adventure, or a peaceful snowshoeing trip? Our trusted local partners offer a wide range of exciting activities to choose from. You can book your favorites here or simply let us know your interests when making your accommodation reservation.

Looking for a fully tailored holiday – including activities and an AuroraCottage stay? Check out our ready-made tours for an effortless adventure.

Husky

Husky dog sledding is a fast, fun, and unforgettable way to explore the Arctic wilderness. Visiting a husky farm and meeting the dogs is an experience in itself. The excitement is palpable as these energetic, cold-loving dogs bark and howl in anticipation — pulling the sled is their favorite thing to do. But once they take off, the noise fades and all you hear is the soft swish of the sled gliding through snowy forests. Yes, the huskies truly love what they do.

There are many types of safaris to choose from, whether you prefer a short ride as a passenger or want to try driving your own sled with a team of 3–6 dogs. Safari lengths range from a few kilometers to multi-day adventures.

Did you know? Huskies can sleep outside even in extreme cold, thanks to their thick double coat that insulates them against the harsh Arctic weather.

Northern Lights

Witness the magic of the Northern Lights dancing across the Arctic sky – an unforgettable experience for the whole family. On a guided evening tour, you’ll venture into the peaceful wilderness, away from village lights, with the best chance to see this natural wonder.

Enjoy the quiet beauty of Lapland under the stars, gather around a campfire with warm drinks, and learn about the myths and science behind the Aurora Borealis from your guide.

Did you know? The Northern Lights are most often seen on clear, cold nights from September to April – and sometimes even right outside your cabin! Check out our guide to admiring the Northern Lights.

This relaxing and awe-inspiring experience is perfect for families looking to share a magical moment together in the Arctic night.

Cross-Country Skiing

Discover the heart of Lapland on cross-country skis, one of the best winter activities for all ages and skill levels. Ylläs offers over 300 km of well-maintained cross-country skiing trails winding through snowy forests, across frozen lakes, and over gentle fells. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced skier, Ylläs has perfect ski routes tailored just for you.

Did you know? The extensive cross-country ski trail network in Ylläs is free to use for everyone. You can support trail maintenance by purchasing an official Ylläs route map, available in both print and online versions.

Peaceful, scenic, and ideal for both exercise and relaxation, cross-country skiing in Ylläs is one of the most authentic ways to experience the stunning natural beauty of Lapland’s winter landscape.

Fatbike

Fatbiking in Ylläs is a memorable way to explore Lapland’s stunning winter landscapes on two wheels. This exciting winter activity lets you ride through snowy forests, across frozen lakes, and over scenic fells with ease, thanks to fatbikes’ wide tires.

Whether you prefer non-electric fatbike or want an extra boost with an electric fatbike (e-fatbike), there are trails suitable for both beginners and experienced riders.

Did you know? Ylläs offers a well-maintained network of dedicated winter fatbike trails, totaling over 100 km of groomed routes—all free to use.

Experience the thrill of fatbiking in Ylläs and enjoy an active, eco-friendly way to discover the peaceful beauty of Lapland’s winter wilderness.

Snowmobile

Explore the vast winter wilderness of Ylläs on a snowmobile – one of the most thrilling ways to experience Lapland’s snowy landscapes. Ride through silent forests and up to breathtaking fell views along well-marked snowmobile trails.

Whether you’re a first-timer or an experienced rider, guided snowmobile safaris are available for all skill levels. Tours can include visits to scenic viewpoints, wilderness huts, or even a chance to spot wildlife along the way.

Looking for something magical? Many evening safaris focus on aurora hunting, taking you far from artificial lights for the best chance to witness the Northern Lights dancing across the Arctic sky.

Did you know?
Ylläs has direct access to over 400 km of snowmobile routes, connecting to Finland’s extensive trail network.

Snow Village

Step into a world of ice and snow at the Snow Village in Lainio – one of Lapland’s most magical winter attractions. Rebuilt each year with a new theme, this snow castle features intricately carved ice sculptures, illuminated halls, an ice bar, and even an ice hotel.

Perfect for families, couples, and curious explorers, the Snow Village offers a truly unique experience just a short drive from Ylläs. Kids will marvel at the icy artwork, while adults can enjoy the craftsmanship and atmosphere.

Did you know?
Over 20 million kilos of snow and 350,000 kilos of crystal-clear natural ice are used to build the Snow Village every winter.