Ruka

Finland's first Nordic resort, boasting a long ski season with abundant snow

Located in an area of outstanding natural beauty, just below the Arctic Circle and close to the Russian border, Ruka is one of Finland's top ski resorts with snow-sure skiing all winter long. Here is a pristine arctic wilderness of frozen lakes and snow-sculpted forests, with prolonged rose-tinted twilights and a chance to witness the mesmerizing Northern Lights shimmering in the moonlight. Ruka's pistes provide something for everyone, ranging from gentle slopes for the beginners to tenting gradients for the advanced skiers. The slopes are in excellent condition and are powdered across four breathtaking arctic fells providing sheltered skiing every day. In the evening the illumination of the slopes creates a dreamlike atmosphere in the polar night.

Resort attractions include a choice of popular bars and good choice of restaurants, a Lappish evening at "Russian Border" wilderness lodge, snowmobile, husky, and reindeer safaris, as well as swimming at Tropical Spa, Icelandic horse riding and a visit to meet Santa. Après ski amusements include DJs playing the latest club music, live bands, dancing and karaoke, which is very popular in Finland, to take you into the small hours.

Snowboarders are offered a special treat in Ruka with snowboard streets featuring not only two different half-pipes, but a challenging variety of tabletops, rails and corners for a lot of fun and enjoyment. The resort also prides itself on the international level Vuosseli Super Pipe and the renewed street that is called Battery Park. All of these great facilities has resulted in Ruka having a real snowboarder's resort feel. For cross-country skiers the possibilities are exceptional and beginners and experts alike can enjoy the extensive, highly varied trail network.

This unspoiled little jewel, also known as 'The Gateway to Lapland' is a far cry from the overcrowded resorts of the Alps, characterized by the great contrast between seasons and an abundance of snow, anyone looking for an exceptional all-round winter experience is sure to find it here.

Resort Information
Altitude of resort:	201 metres
Top elevation:	491 metres
Largest vertical drop:	201 metres
Total length of slopes:	20 kilometres
Longest run:	1 kilometres
Cross country trails:	200 kilometres
Beginner:	40%
Intermediate:	34%
Advanced:	26%
Number of lifts:	19
Snowboard:	500 kilometres