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Closed until Nov 21, 2024
Saariselka Ski & Sport Resort
Saariselka Ski & Sport Resort
4.5
Temporarily closedClosed until Nov 21, 2024
About
Saariselkä Ski & Sport Resort is the northernmost Ski Resort in Europe. Its runs on two fells, Iisakkipää and Kaunispää offer multiple choices for skiers and boarders of all levels from beginners to advanced . Saariselkä is located directly to one of the largest National parks of Finland, Urho Kekkonen National Park offering fabulous hiking and outdoor possibilites. Saariselkä is easy to reach by airplane, bus of car along the E4 main road (E75). Ivalo international airport is 20 minutes away from Saariselkä.
Duration: More than 3 hours
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- GarethLondon, United Kingdom98 contributionsSki in LaplandFurthest north ski piste, great bars and log cabins. Skiing was limited but was fun. Finish sauna and Santa groto. Perfect 6 day break for us. Oh yea and the Northern lights were amazing.Visited February 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten November 19, 2023
- AlexBerlin, Germany1 contributionSnowboard 1 day tripGreat skiiing place, great service and friendly staff. Me, my girlfriend and two friends took a snowboard lesson for one day. Really good stuff. Thanks our instructor Harvey. A really skillful, patient, and charming snowboard instructor.Visited November 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten November 30, 2023
- elliewelliBlackwood, United Kingdom2 contributionsMust visit!!Wow! The ski resort was amazing, it was just down the road from our hotel and buses ran regular. It has stunning views and perfect for families. The staff were very friendly and accommodating and Harvey our ski instructor was great with my 2 boys and very patient with me! Ha ha. None of us had been skiing before. Harvey made it a very enjoyable experience and now my husband is desperate to book a ski holiday! The restaurant hot chocolate was the best and I'd highly recommend the nachos, a family favourite of ours with a twist that we all enjoyed. Thank you for making our trip a memorable one. All the best The Coopey Family xxxVisited December 2023Traveled with familyWritten December 13, 2023
- Merle S3 contributionsFirst time snowboardingVisited the centre on Christmas day to try snowboarding as family for the first time. Kristin was our instructor who was incredibly helpful and easy to understand. We had our three children who he kept helping with their boards. We had the best day and it's a great centre. Can't wait to try it again!Visited December 2023Traveled with familyWritten December 26, 2023
- chocomaniacBuckinghamshire, United Kingdom160 contributionsToboggan runWe visited and some of the group did the toboggan run! €39 for adults and €29 for children for 2 hours including all the safety equipment and the lift pass. They all loved it and came back rosy cheeked and tired. We ate in the restaurant at the bottom, good service. Small menu but tasty.Visited December 2023Traveled with familyWritten December 28, 2023
- estillsySurrey, United Kingdom6 contributionsPrivate and group lessonsAfter not having skied for 10 years, I thought I would take the opportunity to book a private ski lesson to find my ski legs and gain back some confidence. Janina, the instructor, was great and was there by my side to guide, as needed. Would highly recommend. Separately, the rest of my family had a group beginner lesson with Ryan and also really enjoyed and are keen to go back! Great, small resort, ideal for beginners or their preferring a quieter resort to ski.Visited January 2024Traveled with familyWritten January 2, 2024
- Pete G19 contributionsIncredible placeWhat can I say....such a magical place. The scenery is out of a fairytale with the most amazing pink glow against the glistening snow late afternoon ( early January 2024). The skiing was perfect with beautifully groomed slopes, amazing snow and calm quiet environment. There was something quite special about skiing here. Its a small area but in the most wonderful setting. Ski rent, ski pass and ski school all very easy to organize in one place with knowledgeable and professional Team helping at every point. I didn't take a lesson but watched some learners being taken through the learning journey and the instructor Team looked very professional. It looks like a great place to learn. Ski patrol deal with any slope incidents in a professional and calming manner. Its very reassuring to see a professional patrol Team always clearly visible on the slope. Is it cold.....its in the Artic circle : ) Dress appropriately and follow the advice from the resort management who post daily the conditions and temperatures in resort. Occasionally they will need to reduce the lift operation to mitigate risks. There is a lovely restaurant / hut at the bottom of the slopes where you can warm up and eat some lunch. Again highly recommended. Food was lovely with some great gluten free options and beers. To top it all off, on our last night we had been lucky enough to get Northern lights. The natural light show was incredible. I cant recommend this place enough and will return for sure at some point in the future. Visit...you wont regret it. PeteVisited January 2024Traveled with familyWritten January 5, 2024
- Ali SmithHemel Hempstead, United Kingdom7 contributionsThe Most Perfect Resort EverSimply Stunning and one of the most amazing resorts and places I have visited ever. Everywhere you look the views are out of this world and you can’t stop saying wow around every corner. The conditions are perfect with the most amazing light fluffy powder conditions with perfectly groomed slopes for all abilities. The facilities supplied by the resort are some of the best. There are so many positives I don’t know where to begin. Perfect slopes for all abilities, young and old, beginner to expert, the resort has something for everyone. Park, Powder, Steep, Tree runs, nursery slopes for the perfect progression and wide groomed slopes from intermediate to advanced. The most friendly staff in the Ski School / Rental- Ticket office, smiling and happy all the time. It’s like walking into a family set up with everyone wanting to always help you. Nothing was ever a problem. Restaurant was brilliant with delicious food, hot drinks to warm you up and again staff that are always willing to help you and serve with a smile. Our family loved every minute of the trip and Saareselka has it all and seeing is believing. Highlight recommends resort. 5 out 5 and we will be back!.Visited January 2024Traveled with familyWritten January 19, 2024
- Martijn V1 contributionAmazing place!For me it was the first time visiting Lapland. When I arrived it was overwhelmingly beautiful. The next day I had a private ski lesson with my instructor Risto. He was extremely patient and helpful and I really learned a lot! The ski slopes were in perfect condition and calm. As a beginner it’s a great place to learn! The restaurant was also amazing. Very friendly staff and the food and drinks were incredible. I would absolutely recommend this place. I’ll definitely come back.Visited January 2024Traveled with familyWritten January 26, 2024
- Lynette19 contributionsFantastic tobogganing fun!I bought the two hour lift and toboggan package and had the best time!! The toboggan run was brilliant fun, with some long, easy stretches, a few curves, and a couple of steeper bits, but nothing too tricky or difficult. The package comes with a really good toboggan and a helmet, and includes the chairlift to get to the top of the run. I would recommend spending the little bit extra to get a helmet with a visor. The two staff members who helped me were absolutely wonderful, explaining the route and showing me how to use the toboggan safely. I highly recommend this ski resort because it’s friendly and laid-back.Visited January 2024Traveled soloWritten January 31, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.5
391 reviews
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227
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113
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37
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SUSHOVAN S
New Delhi, India179 contributions
Dec 2019
i went to the place to have a look . One can buy 5 euro ticket by bus and enjoy unlimited ride for full day. the facilities provided are fantastic. since i did not ski started feeling very cold after some time. the cafe is also very nice. me and my wife sat there for 15 min had coffee
Written January 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Susho_sg. Thank You for Your visit & review! Come back and maybe try skiing too. We have very skilled Ski school -instructors to introduce You the secrets of skiing. However, all the best to You and a great winter ahead!
Written January 4, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ole H
Bielefeld, Germany14 contributions
Mar 2024 • Friends
We took a 2-hour tariff for sledding: this included the lift ride, a sled and a helmet.
The view from the mountain station and the lookout point was beautiful.
The sledding run is definitely something special: it goes down super fast and is also great fun.
For the ski pass (which you get for going up) you get a free drink in the restaurant next door and can warm up after the action
The view from the mountain station and the lookout point was beautiful.
The sledding run is definitely something special: it goes down super fast and is also great fun.
For the ski pass (which you get for going up) you get a free drink in the restaurant next door and can warm up after the action
Written March 27, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
elliewelli
Blackwood, UK2 contributions
Dec 2023 • Family
Wow! The ski resort was amazing, it was just down the road from our hotel and buses ran regular. It has stunning views and perfect for families. The staff were very friendly and accommodating and Harvey our ski instructor was great with my 2 boys and very patient with me! Ha ha. None of us had been skiing before. Harvey made it a very enjoyable experience and now my husband is desperate to book a ski holiday! The restaurant hot chocolate was the best and I'd highly recommend the nachos, a family favourite of ours with a twist that we all enjoyed.
Thank you for making our trip a memorable one.
All the best
The Coopey Family xxx
Thank you for making our trip a memorable one.
All the best
The Coopey Family xxx
Written December 13, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pete G
London, England, United Kingdom19 contributions
Jan 2024 • Family
What can I say....such a magical place. The scenery is out of a fairytale with the most amazing pink glow against the glistening snow late afternoon ( early January 2024).
The skiing was perfect with beautifully groomed slopes, amazing snow and calm quiet environment. There was something quite special about skiing here. Its a small area but in the most wonderful setting.
Ski rent, ski pass and ski school all very easy to organize in one place with knowledgeable and professional Team helping at every point. I didn't take a lesson but watched some learners being taken through the learning journey and the instructor Team looked very professional. It looks like a great place to learn.
Ski patrol deal with any slope incidents in a professional and calming manner. Its very reassuring to see a professional patrol Team always clearly visible on the slope.
Is it cold.....its in the Artic circle : ) Dress appropriately and follow the advice from the resort management who post daily the conditions and temperatures in resort. Occasionally they will need to reduce the lift operation to mitigate risks.
There is a lovely restaurant / hut at the bottom of the slopes where you can warm up and eat some lunch. Again highly recommended. Food was lovely with some great gluten free options and beers.
To top it all off, on our last night we had been lucky enough to get Northern lights. The natural light show was incredible.
I cant recommend this place enough and will return for sure at some point in the future.
Visit...you wont regret it.
Pete
The skiing was perfect with beautifully groomed slopes, amazing snow and calm quiet environment. There was something quite special about skiing here. Its a small area but in the most wonderful setting.
Ski rent, ski pass and ski school all very easy to organize in one place with knowledgeable and professional Team helping at every point. I didn't take a lesson but watched some learners being taken through the learning journey and the instructor Team looked very professional. It looks like a great place to learn.
Ski patrol deal with any slope incidents in a professional and calming manner. Its very reassuring to see a professional patrol Team always clearly visible on the slope.
Is it cold.....its in the Artic circle : ) Dress appropriately and follow the advice from the resort management who post daily the conditions and temperatures in resort. Occasionally they will need to reduce the lift operation to mitigate risks.
There is a lovely restaurant / hut at the bottom of the slopes where you can warm up and eat some lunch. Again highly recommended. Food was lovely with some great gluten free options and beers.
To top it all off, on our last night we had been lucky enough to get Northern lights. The natural light show was incredible.
I cant recommend this place enough and will return for sure at some point in the future.
Visit...you wont regret it.
Pete
Written January 5, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nanna
Helsinki, Finland1 contribution
Aug 2024 • Family
We were able to rent bikes for the entire family: two adults, a seven year old and a three year old. The three year old travelled in a trailer during our 15km route but was so happy to test a 12”bike after that. Such a friendly service and the fact that there is a wide range of kids bikes makes Saariselkä Ski&Sport an outstanding place to try mountain biking. We will definitely come again and can highly recommend to others!
Written August 5, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ali Smith
Hemel Hempstead, UK7 contributions
Jan 2024 • Family
Simply Stunning and one of the most amazing resorts and places I have visited ever. Everywhere you look the views are out of this world and you can’t stop saying wow around every corner.
The conditions are perfect with the most amazing light fluffy powder conditions with perfectly groomed slopes for all abilities. The facilities supplied by the resort are some of the best. There are so many positives I don’t know where to begin.
Perfect slopes for all abilities, young and old, beginner to expert, the resort has something for everyone. Park, Powder, Steep, Tree runs, nursery slopes for the perfect progression and wide groomed slopes from intermediate to advanced.
The most friendly staff in the Ski School / Rental- Ticket office, smiling and happy all the time. It’s like walking into a family set up with everyone wanting to always help you. Nothing was ever a problem.
Restaurant was brilliant with delicious food, hot drinks to warm you up and again staff that are always willing to help you and serve with a smile.
Our family loved every minute of the trip and Saareselka has it all and seeing is believing. Highlight recommends resort. 5 out 5 and we will be back!.
The conditions are perfect with the most amazing light fluffy powder conditions with perfectly groomed slopes for all abilities. The facilities supplied by the resort are some of the best. There are so many positives I don’t know where to begin.
Perfect slopes for all abilities, young and old, beginner to expert, the resort has something for everyone. Park, Powder, Steep, Tree runs, nursery slopes for the perfect progression and wide groomed slopes from intermediate to advanced.
The most friendly staff in the Ski School / Rental- Ticket office, smiling and happy all the time. It’s like walking into a family set up with everyone wanting to always help you. Nothing was ever a problem.
Restaurant was brilliant with delicious food, hot drinks to warm you up and again staff that are always willing to help you and serve with a smile.
Our family loved every minute of the trip and Saareselka has it all and seeing is believing. Highlight recommends resort. 5 out 5 and we will be back!.
Written January 19, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Molly L
New York City, NY48 contributions
Dec 2022 • Friends
We rented equipment and got a 3 hour pass. We were basically alone on the mountain, which was beautiful. I’m a beginner, and they had 1 blue trail with fresh snow, which was perfect for me! We had lunch (fried lappish cheese and fish and chips) at the restaurant after and it was delicious!
Written December 17, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Scarlet_Peak
21 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
Short ski runs, none of the black runs were open when we visited in February. Chair lift could be upgraded to heated seats and covers to protect from very cold winds. Saariselkä does not seem as modern as other Scandinavian ski resorts. Ski bus ticket not included with ski pass like other places. No lift queues and empty pistes and good level of difficulty on blue and red runs. Toboggan run is fun though. Not a resort for advanced skiing, but plenty of other activities on offer which is what the resort seems to be set up for. Restaurants at top and bottom of lifts serve good hearty food. Great home-made salmon soup and doughnuts.
Written February 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear SP3111, thank You for Your thorough review :) ! Good to have had You visiting us and hope to have You back as well ! Wish You have/had a great stay in Saariselkä ! Best regards
Written February 16, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
ed j
Sudbury, UK5 contributions
Dec 2023 • Solo
Arrived at the resort and it was quiet. Staff were welcoming and helpful, but did not mention only one lift, one blue slope, and beginners poma were open. There was also no obvious sign saying this either. I paid for full day pass and premium skis and boots, so obviously am an experienced skier, hence was very disappointed to find that after paying €104 I would have to ski the same shortish blue run all day. So do check with website or staff before handing over your money. Having said all that I think the resort is a great place for beginners and progressing intermediates, and maybe a couple of days for more experienced skiers, providing all the runs and lifts are open
Written January 10, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jules
Truro, UK61 contributions
Feb 2024 • Family
Lovely little ski resort, not many slopes for learners or newbies but plenty for more experienced skiers / boarders. I had a great snowboarding lesson ( I’m a long in the tooth skier) which was great, lovely instructor. I rented my gear from the shop located right at the ski resort.
We loved the cafe / restaurant at the resort & here’s a HOT TIP… When you’ve finished with your plastic lift pass card, take it to the cafe & swap it for a FREE HOT DRINK! The cafe staff are lovely & great with kids.
We loved the tipi tent outside the cafe with a log fire continually on the go! Lots of picnic benches outside too, ( I’m assuming this is mostly for warmer weather as it was sooo cold no-one sat outside!)
Toilets are good, toilets in cafe & in a separate building.
There’s also a long toboggan run, but kids need to be a minimum of 7 years old.
Great little resort.
Ps I must add we absolutely LOVED the tubing slid, we all had fun, it was also free.
Do wear a helmet though as you whizz down quite fast, especially the little ones!
We loved the cafe / restaurant at the resort & here’s a HOT TIP… When you’ve finished with your plastic lift pass card, take it to the cafe & swap it for a FREE HOT DRINK! The cafe staff are lovely & great with kids.
We loved the tipi tent outside the cafe with a log fire continually on the go! Lots of picnic benches outside too, ( I’m assuming this is mostly for warmer weather as it was sooo cold no-one sat outside!)
Toilets are good, toilets in cafe & in a separate building.
There’s also a long toboggan run, but kids need to be a minimum of 7 years old.
Great little resort.
Ps I must add we absolutely LOVED the tubing slid, we all had fun, it was also free.
Do wear a helmet though as you whizz down quite fast, especially the little ones!
Written March 2, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi, may I know if there are lockers in the ski resort? I am planning to go over 3 days and wish not to have to lug the ski equipment up the ski bus everyday.
Written March 5, 2023
hi we are due to go in mid november was there things you could do, im a bit worried as it looks like lots of tours do not take place during the time we are here
thanks
tommy
Written September 21, 2021
Staying at a hotel nearby in Dec 2020 and this looks amazing. Is the toboggan run and winter park both suitable for young children - ours will have just turned 6 & 8 when we arrive!
Written February 2, 2020
Hi there, absolutely ok for young children. We had our 5yr and a 10 yr old with us on the sledding run and had a great time. The 5yr old shedded with dad and the 10yr old went by himself and all had a ball. Highly recommended for some sledding fun :).
Written February 3, 2020
Hello Myself n my wife v both r beginners
Wat package Do u suggest
How can I reach from kakslauttanen arctic resort
Written November 16, 2019
Hi ! An Easy Ski package of 3 hours or 1 day and I suggest You have it for days minimum. 1.5 hours instructed lesson per day and the rest of the day (or if a 3 hours ticket) the rest of the remaining time, You practice on your own with the instructions you have gotten on the lesson. An then repeat it the next day. There is a skibus connection daily from Kakslauttanen. Pls. check the time schedule on skisaariselka website. Our Skischool will hep you with further questions . Welcome !
Written November 18, 2019
Hi, does the equipment hire includes goggles?
If it doesn't, could we rent goggles at the ski resort?
Written October 9, 2019
Hi . Thank You for question. The equipment hire does not include goggles and goggles are not for rent either. Goggles are more considered to personal items and we have them for sale in various price categories. Hope this is ok for You :) !
Written October 10, 2019
If I am getting the ski bus from Ivalo for a day trip, should I pre book ski equipment in advance? Is this possible?
Written March 3, 2019
Hi! Prebooking is really advised on the busiest seasons ie Christmas and Finnish Ski Holiday weeks. If you are visiting now, there is always plenty of gear available daily when opening. Prebooking is possible in our webshop or via e-mail.
Written March 29, 2019
Hello, i’m karam
I heard that any lift other than a chair lift is free. Is it true???
Written February 10, 2019
Hi Karam. Thanks for the question. We sell different ski passes to the lifts starting from 3 hours. All the lifts other than the kids lift in the training area require a ski pass. The chair lift takes you not only to the ski slopes but also to the tobogganing track.
Written February 10, 2019
Hallo an alle,
Frage: kann man in Saareselka Skatingschi und Schuhe ausleihen? Wie viele Loipen gibt`s zum skaten? DANKE!!!
Written January 19, 2019
Hallo. Ja das kann man. Leihen z.B. Luontolomat oder Lapland Safaris. Loipen zum skaten gibt es ca 150 KM. Bin aber nicht sicher. Insgesamt Loipen 200 Km, aber alle, die weitesten nicht zum skaten.
Written January 23, 2019
Hi,
We’ve booked independently to visit Saariselka in January. Is it possible to hire snow shoes & skis for a week or by the day & how much does it cost. Do you need snow shoes to walk the trails?
Thanks,
Fifi
Written December 11, 2018
Hi Fifi! Thanks for Your question. We have skis for hire, snow shoes You ´ll find in the village from other suppliers. There are trails for both, either for walking with snow shoes or without. Pls. check out also our 1.8 km long tobogganing slope. If you haven´t ever done that before, you must. It is super fun ! Further info for ski hire on our web page . About the trails more on Saariselka webpage. Too bad, not possible to send you web links here. Looking forward to seeing You :) ! Fly safe !
Written December 11, 2018
ReineClemow
Oxenford, Australia
Hi, we are looking at visiting Finland with our kids 5 & 8 this Xmas 2018. Were did you stay when you skied and do you have any other tips.
Thanks you
Written February 27, 2018
Hi
We stayed at aurora cabins which was a few miles down the road from the main sarriskela centre and we hired a car. Lots of hotels in the centre though, it’s a fabulous place. Do the northern lights tour - see my recommendations. The ski centre is good, not huge but good runs and it’s quiet. It’s cold though very very cold so prepare for that!
Enjoy! It was one of the best trips we have ever done! ❤️
Written April 4, 2018
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