Pronounced `U-las`, this is the largest downhill and cross-country ski centre in Finland with the greatest uplift per hour. The resort also boasts the country`s greatest vertical, most runs and the longest run at three kilometres (two miles). Many of the higher slopes are above the tree-line, unusual for Finnish skiing, because at 718m Yllas is one of the highest fells in Lapland. The slopes are four kilometres (two and a half miles) from the resort, although you can nearly ski all the way back and in any case there is a free ski bus link. Beyond these impressive statistics are the stunning natural beauty and magical atmosphere of the surroundings in Finnish Lapland.
The area is famous for its `blue light` in the daytime and northern lights at night. Yllas consists of seven fells and two original Sami villages. Akaslompolo village is located on the northern side of the the Yllas fell and Yllasjarvi village on the southern side. Akaslompolo has a skiing tradition dating back to 1930`s. In Yllas you can feel the original Lappish atmosphere: in most hotels and cafes you are served by a second or third generation of families. The ski season begins in October and lasts until May. The sun does not rise in winter until late January, when temperatures can be as low as -40ºC although there is adequate daylight. However when cold, it`s normally a dry cold which is comfortable for periods so long as adequate thermal skiwear is worn. By March the days are longer than in the Alps and in May the slopes are still open when most northern hemisphere ski areas are closed and daylight is approaching 24 hours.
Apres Ski
Yllas does not really have a centre but various venues dotted around the various villages. One of the more popular is Julli`s Bar and Restaurant, named after a comic hero from a local newspaper. It often has live music in the high season. Kaivohuone is another centre for live music and dancing in the evenings. The largest venue in the resort is the Akas Hotel which has a large dance floor, bar and night club. A unique attraction is a winter swim in an ice hole cut in a frozen river, hopefully under the northern lights. Take a snowmobile safari trip to a warm sauna, before you take your dip.
