Cross-country skiing in Lapland

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 prepared 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 chiseled 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 highly recommended with buffet style, 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.