Established in 1964, Levi is Finland`s fastest growing ski area with the only gondola lift in the country. The 530m/1740ft Levitunturi is situated 170km/106miles north of the Arctic Circle. Popular as a family resort, Levi is situated in the district of Kittila which has a bigger surface area than Belgium and populated by around 6,000 people and 30,000 reindeer. Kittila, a 15 minute drive from Levi, is a traditional Lapp village which has managed to combine modern with historic.
Geographically, Kittila is in the centre of the fells district of Western Lapland and has 3 other major skiing centres nearby - Yllas, Pallas and Olos. January is the coldest month with an average daytime temperature of -10C in the north but the climate is very dry so it usually feels warmer than it actually is. Even during mild winters Finland usually has a plentiful supply of snow because of east wind currents from Russia. The skiing season is a long one in Northern Finland beginning in October and lasting until at least mid-May while East and Central Finland`s first snow usually arrives in November. High season commences in early February and during March and April the long days allow 16 hours of skiing under brilliant sun - night skiing is possible at this time without any artificial light.
Snow conditions and hours of sunshine make it most favourable to ski in South Finland in February, Central Finland in March and North Finland in April.
