Skiing

Cross country skiing is one of the best activities to do during a winter holiday because it is easy and simple to learn, not very physically demanding, and is a great outdoor activity for all ages – even children and grandparents can have fun. Some ski resorts with dog sleigh tracks also allow pet dogs to join in the family fun!

The Lapland region offers the best place for cross-country skiing. Wide snow flatlands and snow-capped slopes of varying sizes provide a thrilling challenge for all types of skiing adventures, whether it is a professional competition or just a leisurely trek. The Lapland setting affords the freedom and space for natural movement that cross country skiing entails, as well as few exhibitions like skate-skiing (combination of skating leg movements and skiing arm maneuvers).

One must be in the best physical condition for cross country skiing, especially in the Lapland where ski trails can extend longer than 15 kilometers. Naturally, there are a number of ski resorts in the area but there are some who offer the best facilities and arrangements for cross-country skiing.

One such place is the Kilpisjarvi, strategically located close to all Lapland territories of Finland, Sweden and Norway. With its snow-capped tundra, cross country skiing extends well up to the beginning of summer. This is one of the places where visitors flock to witness the so-called midnight sun, as there are 100 days of summer in the Lapland region where the sun never sets and nighttime is bright. Another must-stop is the Three-Country Border Point marking the borders between Sweden, Finland and Norway.

Another great cross-country ski destination is the Saariselka, a high-end holiday place in northern region near the Ivalo Airport in Finland. Accomodations fit for large groups include ski lodges, hill cabins and timber cottages minimizing travel time from the hotel to the ski site. Skiing amenities include spacious ski trails, a network of slalom slopes and ski lifts that both amateur and seasoned skiers will enjoy.