> Finland > Ruka

Snow Range: 290-496m

Village Height:	Highest Ski Lift:	Transfer time:
295m (965ft)	496m (1,612ft)	Kuusamo 25 minutes

Resort Information

Situated in the unspoilt beauty of the natural wilderness some 60kms south of the Arctic Circle and 20kms west of the Russian border lies Finland's premier ski resort of Ruka. Cross-country skiers will relish the challenge of trying to cover the total of 200kms of trails amongst fantastic scenery and alpine skiers can ski until 7pm as 23 out of the 29 slopes are floodlit. When the sun goes down, you will experience the atmospheric blue polar light and if you are lucky, catch a glimpse of the amazing Northern Lights, mainly between December and February.

Après Ski

When it comes to having a good time, the Finns are no slouches and après ski is always a lively affair, with plenty of music.
Try Ski Bistro, the Hotel Rantasipi's après ski bar or the Riipinen Game restaurant.

Activities

Learn the technique of telemark skiing or take part in the activities organised by the local nature and adventure team. You can try a snowmobile safari across the frozen lakes and through the forests, reindeer safaris, husky dog sledding, ice fishing or even visit Santa Claus.

We recommend that you bring long thermal underwear and warm, light layered clothing to wear under the Arctic suits provided with activities.

Other amenities

The Ruka Club complex has a gym, four squash courts, indoor tennis and badminton, a golf simulator, saunas, Jacuzzis, solariums and a nursery. The nearby Kuusamo Tropikki has a fantastic range of pools and whirlpools to help relax any aching muscles.

Family choice

Ruka is a fantastic choice for children. Ski lessons start from age 5 and there is also a kindergarten called Kumpare for Children (Lasten Kumpare in Finnish) on the ground floor of the Kumpare centre. There is a special theme every day with play, drawing, singing and reading (also in English). The maximum group size is 14 children and there are two day care workers. To book the kindergarten please call + 358 8 8600 200.

Excursions

Snowmobile safaris
Legend of the 4 winds**	4hrs 25km	£81
Legend of the 4 winds*	4 hrs 25km	£113
Taste of the Wilderness**	3hrs 50km	£61
Taste of the Wilderness*	3hrs 50km	£93
Under the stars**	4hrs	£91
Under the stars*	4hrs	£123
Into the heart of nature**	6hrs	£136
Into the heart of nature*	6hrs	£201
To the reindeer farm**	4hrs	£81
To the reindeer farm*	4hrs	£113
Family/other activities
Husky safari	3hrs	£81
Intro to cross-country skiing	2h30mins	£41
Ice fishing	3-4hrs	£59
Santa's secret cottage	2h30mins	£48

** Per person price for 2 people sharing a snowmobile

* Single driver on a snowmobile 

Times show the total duration of the excursion.

Legend of the 4 winds is a snowmobile safari to the reindeer farm, meet reindeer herdsmen and learn the story of the Four Wind Hat..

Child (4-14 years) discount is 50% (25% for departures in December and 4th Jan). On snowmobile safaris this discount entitles children to travel in a sleigh behind the guide's snowmobile. On husky safaris, the child discount is for 2-12yrs.

The driver of a snowmobile must have a valid driving licence. The snowmobile safaris include equipment, fuel, maintenance and insurance with a limited self liability of up to €505.