Ylläs offers exceptional winter activities, from Finland’s largest ski resort with seven fells to the innovative new hissikelkkailu (lift-assisted sledding) experience. With extensive trail networks, year-round outdoor adventures, and recognition as the best Nordic outdoor destination in 2020, you’ll find everything from traditional skiing to unique lift-assisted sledding across this stunning Lapland destination.

What makes Ylläs special for winter activities?

Ylläs stands out as Finland’s largest ski resort, featuring seven magnificent fells and the country’s most extensive trail network. The resort was recognised as the best Nordic outdoor destination in 2020, offering reliable snow conditions and world-class facilities for winter sports enthusiasts of all skill levels.

The skiing season typically begins in late October, when snow machines prepare the first trails for eager winter sports fans. Additional trails open steadily throughout the winter, with the official season lasting until May Day. This extended season provides thousands of kilometres of skiable terrain across varied landscapes, from sheltered forest routes to stunning fell vistas.

You can easily access well-maintained trail networks, with the most comprehensive and varied routes available directly from Ylläs. The resort’s elevation differences allow comfortable skiing on the upper slopes even during harsh winter conditions, while the extensive trail system caters to both cross-country skiing and alpine adventures.

What is hissikelkkailu and how does it work in Ylläs?

Hissikelkkailu is a lift-assisted sledding activity available on the Äkäslompolo side of Ylläs, featuring a dedicated 480-metre track designed exclusively for specialised sledding equipment. The unique sleds include steering mechanisms and brakes, as well as a special attachment system that allows them to connect to the ski lift for uphill transport.

You begin your hissikelkkailu experience at the main base station’s Y1 rental facility on the Äkäslompolo side, located at Tunturintie 56. Here, you purchase your sledding rental ticket and receive a helmet and the necessary safety instructions from experienced staff.

The specially designed sleds feature sophisticated steering and braking systems, making them significantly different from traditional sleds. Their unique construction allows secure attachment to the family lift (Perhehissi), which transports you effortlessly to the top of the dedicated sledding slope. Once at the summit, you detach and enjoy the thrilling descent down the purpose-built 480-metre track.

How much does hissikelkkailu cost and what are the requirements?

Hissikelkkailu costs €17 for 1 hour or €27 for 2 hours, with pricing remaining the same regardless of whether you own equipment or have valid lift tickets. The price includes sled rental, a helmet, and lift access during your rental period. It operates daily from 10:00 to 18:00.

Safety requirements mandate that participants must be at least 140 cm tall or 12 years old. The specialised sleds are relatively heavy and require proper control during descent, braking, and lift transitions, making these restrictions necessary for safe operation. Each sled accommodates only one person; tandem riding with children or adults is not permitted.

Your existing lift tickets cannot be used for hissikelkkailu, as the activity requires a specific sledding rental ticket that includes equipment and designated lift access. The rental ticket works exclusively with the Perhehissi (Family Lift) and only for the designated sledding track. You must use the provided rental sleds; personal steering sleds are not allowed on the track for safety reasons.

You can check track availability through the interactive slope map, as hissikelkkailu operates when Slope 53 (Hissikelkkailurinne) is open during the posted operating hours.

Where can you enjoy other winter activities around Ylläs?

Beyond hissikelkkailu, Ylläs offers diverse winter activities, including a general sledding area near the Tenavahissi base station, where families can enjoy traditional sledding with their own equipment. This area provides safe, supervised sledding for all ages without the height restrictions of lift-assisted sledding.

The broader Ylläs and Äkäslompolo region, located in Western Lapland near the over 1,000 km² Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park, provides year-round outdoor experiences in beautiful Lapland nature. The area is renowned for having some of Europe’s cleanest air, with the Sammaltunturi weather station measuring exceptionally pure air quality. Winter activities extend beyond sledding to include extensive cross-country skiing networks, snowshoeing adventures, and a variety of guided winter excursions at Ylläs. The area’s reliable snow conditions and well-maintained facilities ensure consistent access to winter activities throughout the extended season.

Ylläs serves as an ideal base for exploring Lapland’s winter wilderness, offering both organised activities and opportunities for independent exploration. The combination of professional facilities, natural beauty, and diverse activity options makes this destination particularly appealing for winter holidays across different skill levels and interests.

Whether you’re seeking adrenaline-filled hissikelkkailu adventures or peaceful family sledding, Ylläs provides the perfect winter playground. When planning your Lapland winter holiday, we at AuroraCottage offer quality cottage accommodation in prime Ylläs locations, ensuring you’re perfectly positioned to enjoy all these incredible winter activities.