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Cross-Country Try It Out Week at Ylläs

The magical landscapes of Lapland 
 
Learn cross-country skiing in a relaxed and informal atmosphere. Between lessons, enjoy an unrivalled range of winter activities, and make the most of your wonderfully welcoming hotel, complete with sauna and Arctic spa.
Cross-Country Try It Out Week at Ylläs. 7 nights
+44 (0)1653 617001 Call now
Cross-Country Try It Out Week at Ylläs. 7 nights
+44 (0)1653 617001 Call now
 

Holiday information

 

A cross-country beginners’ skiing week

in Ylläs, Lapland
Experience the pleasures of cross-country skiing on this specially designed ‘try-it-out’ break – ideal for those who are completely new to the sport. Across the week, you will discover why cross-country skiing is such an enjoyable activity: there’s a real sense of being close to nature; your fellow skiers are unfailingly friendly; and – by navigating the trails at your own pace – you have time to fully appreciate your beautiful, snowy surroundings.

Cross-country skiing is also easy to learn – with some initial tuition, it doesn’t normally take long to master the basic gliding stride and build up the confidence to take to the trails independently – and it is suitable for almost anyone, regardless of age.
Ylläs is an excellent place to get to grips with this new sport. A good choice of easy trails lead directly from the hotel, undulating gently across the frozen lake and through the surrounding trees. The hotel also has its own ski instructors, meaning you are very well looked after. Outside your lessons, there is an impressive selection of wonderful winter activities to try, so you can experience this Arctic wonderland to the full.
 

Book with confidence

We are accepting bookings for winter 2022/23. Our flexible booking arrangements, commitment to safety and financial protection mean that you can book with confidence.

What we’re doing so you can book and travel with confidence >
Check the destination entry requirements >
 
 

Our expert says

“This is an ideal place for beginners because everything is ‘in-house’ – the hotel has its own instructor, its own ski room where you get fitted with your skis, and the practice area is right outside. What’s more, the hotel staff will be happy to offer advice when you’re ready to explore independently.”
Rebecca Bruce, Inntravel snow holiday expert
 
Gallery
 

Winter activities

You are free to take your pick of the activities as the mood takes you – other than the lessons, there’s no fixed schedule. Below we’ve detailed our suggested itinerary for the week.
  • Arrival in Ylläs
    Depending on your time of arrival, you may like to take a stroll into the village or just settle into the hotel ahead of your first lesson the following morning.
  • Getting started
    The first of your two included lessons takes place on Monday morning. The hotel has its own ski hire cabin so you will be fitted with your equipment (hire of classic cross-country skis and shoes is included for the week), before being introduced to your instructor. During this 90-minute lesson, you will be taught the basics of how to glide effectively, as well as essential techniques for mastering the up- and downhill sections of the trails.

    The afternoon is free to practise what you’ve learnt or to enjoy one of the many other activities available.
    The hotel's own ski-hire cabin
    Learn the art of waxing your skis
  • Honing your technique
    With a further 90-minute lesson, you will become more proficient and gain in confidence, ready to tackle those trails that lead across the lake and into the forest.

    A longer ski tour with your instructor is also included, where they will take you out into the surrounding fells. You can expect to be out for 3-4 hours and the instructor will advise at the end of your second lesson on which day of the week this will take place.
    Honing your technique
  • Dog-sledding, snowshoeing & more
    You may like to spend the next few days putting your new-found skills to the test by exploring the local area on skis, however, there are many other ways to enjoy the snow – a host of winter activities are available and can be organised through the hotel’s own activity company.

    Dog-sledding
    Experience the thrills of dog-sledding on a half or full-day expedition. You begin by visiting a nearby husky farm where you are introduced to these wonderful animals and get to learn about what makes a good sled dog, how they are trained and how to handle them. You then settle into your sleigh (option to drive your own sled or share the driving of a 2-person sled) and are soon whizzing through the Narnia-like scenery – it’s an unforgettable experience hearing only the sled runners swooshing over the snow and the eager panting of the dogs. Warming drinks and a snack (or on the full-day tour, a picnic) are also included.

    Snowshoeing
    Snowshoeing is a wonderful way to appreciate the surrounding fells – the beauty of the snow-laden trees and the silence around you is truly breathtaking. Guided tours are available during both the daytime and evening – as night falls, you may be lucky enough to see the Northern Lights – and you also have the option of hiring snowshoes and poles independently.

    Winter walking
    In addition to its many cross-country skiing and snowshoeing trails, Ylläs also offers 106 kilometres of winter walking paths. There is a good choice of routes for all levels, with paths leading through the forests and along the top of the fells.

    Snowmobiling
    Snowmobiling is a popular form of transport in northern Finland, and offers visitors the chance to discover landscapes that would usually be beyond their reach. There are many excursions available – from short taster sessions to half-day expeditions across the fells and over frozen wetlands, and it is also possible to book an evening tour, ideal for Northern Lights seekers.
    NOTE: To drive a snowmobile you must be 18yrs or over and hold a full driving licence.

    Fatbiking
    With their oversized tyres and excellent traction, fatbikes are perfect for use on soft, uneven terrain, and as such are becoming an increasingly popular means of exploring in the snow. They also offer a quieter alternative to the snowmobile – with no engine noise to distract, fatbike riders are able to pedal in peace. Guided tours lead past Ylläs’ frozen lakes and into the National Park, and include hot drinks and snacks.

    Reindeer safaris
    Reindeer herding is an important aspect of Lappish culture, and on a visit to a nearby reindeer herder you can learn all about their livelihood before undertaking a short sleigh ride into the nearby forest.

    Ice-fishing
    Why not try your hand at this popular Finnish pastime? You will journey by snowmobile to a frozen lake, where you will be taught the art of cutting a hole in thick ice and how to attract the fish to your hook. Then it’s time to sit back, admire the snowy scenery, and wait for a bite! Perch is the most common catch, but rainbow trout also inhabit these lakes. Please note ice-fishing is only available from February onwards.
    Dog=sledding
    Snowmobiling
 

Where you stay

Set on the northern side of the Ylläs Fell, on the banks of a frozen lake, Äkäslompolo (altitude: 400m) is a traditional village where the focus is mainly on the myriad winter activities available in the surrounding wilderness. Although small, the village offers a good number of facilities, including a shopping centre with sports and souvenir shops, cafés and a well-stocked supermarket. The hotel is an easy, 20-minute walk from the centre of the village, on the opposite side of the lake.
Ylläshumina Hotel

Bedrooms

 

Extend your stay

 
Prices & travel
All prices are in £ sterling (GBP). If you'd like to see what they equate to in your currency, use the converter. For general information on pricing, see the 'your holiday price explained' page.
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  • 7 nights: 08 January 2023 - 22 January 2023 & 19 March 2023 - 26 March 2023

    Start Sunday | End by latest date(s) shown above

    Starting Adults
    08 Jan - 08 Jan 2023 £1830
    15 Jan - 15 Jan 2023 £1830
    19 Mar - 19 Mar 2023 £1895

    Includes all elements of the holiday itself (accommodation, meals and any additional elements as described), plus flights (usually from London) and onward travel as described.

    Included travel: Inghams charter Gatwick-Kittilä (out dep 0825, home arr 1655; hold luggage included) & connecting transfer (0h50)
    Variation 19 Mar: Finnair Heathrow-Kittilä via Helsinki (out dep 1020, home arr 1700; hold luggage included)

    A supplement is payable for a single room – see 'Additional prices' below

    Prices are subject to availability and flight supplements may apply. Book early for Christmas, New Year and school holidays. We can also book different flight routes (see flight section below). Please contact us to discuss any pricing implications.

  • Room upgrades (supplement per room per night)

    Ylläshumina Hotel, Ylläs
    Single room: 08 Jan - 18 Jan 2023 £40
    Single room: 19 Jan - 26 Mar 2023 £55
    Suite: 08 Jan - 26 Mar 2023 £175
    Superior deluxe: 08 Jan - 26 Mar 2023 £150
  • RECOMMENDED AIRPORT(S):
    Kittilä (latest flight arrival time and earliest flight departure time both flexible)

    Travelling from the UK

    Travelling from outside the UK

    If you are flying from outside Europe,  you may need to fly to an airport not listed here. To discuss onward connecting travel to the start of your holiday, please contact us.

    Travelling from outside the UK
    We have many years' experience catering for customers who live outside the UK, and will be happy to make tailored arrangements to fit with your plans.

    You have two options:

    1) Book your own flights to London, from where we can book onward flights and connecting travel to your hotel.

    2) Book your own flights direct to an airport appropriate to your chosen holiday. You can either make your own way from the airport to the hotel, or we'll be happy to book onward connecting travel for you. Please consult with us before booking your flights, so that we can advise you on the suitability of your proposed route and timings.
    Outward route Airline
    Bristol - Kittilä Charter (contact us) 
    Outward route Airline
    Edinburgh - Kittilä (via Helsinki) Finnair 
    Outward route Airline
    Gatwick - Kittilä British Airways,  Charter (contact us) 
    Gatwick - Kittilä (via Helsinki) Norwegian 
    Outward route Airline
    Heathrow - Kittilä (via Helsinki) Finnair 
    Outward route Airline
    Manchester - Kittilä Charter (contact us) 
    Manchester - Kittilä (via Helsinki) Finnair 
    Travelling from outside the UK

    If you are flying from outside Europe,  you may need to fly to an airport not listed here. To discuss onward connecting travel to the start of your holiday, please contact us.

    This list of alternative flight options should be used as a guide only, and you should check each airline’s website for current routes, frequency and schedules. Not all flights operate daily, and may not run for the entire season. You should also heed the latest flight arrival time and earliest flight departure time stated above, as it may not be possible to arrange connecting travel outside these times. Our expert reservations team will be happy to offer advice if you would prefer to fly via a different route to the one included in our standard arrangements. A supplement may be payable for other flights. Please note that we are unable to book Ryanair flights.

What is included
  • 7 nights
  • 7 dinners
    7 breakfasts
  • 6 days’ classic ski hire
    2 x 90-minute lessons
    guided ski tour
  • use of cross-country trails
  • detailed information about the area
  • flights from London
  • transfers from/to Kittilä Airport
 
Reviews

If you've experienced this holiday first hand, why not write a review?

We are keen for as many customers as possible to review their holiday. To make it easier to do so, we include a specific review section on our post-holiday questionnaire, and this is what we publish here, unedited. Read our full review policy >

 

FAQs

If you have any questions relating to this or any other Inntravel holiday, our friendly travel experts will be happy to help. You might also find our General FAQs section helpful.
  • If your holiday plans go awry because of Coronavirus, rest assured that we’ll do right by you. Since the start of the pandemic, our flexible booking policy and prompt issuing of refunds to customers who prefer not to defer their holiday have earned us high praise in the national press.
  • We sincerely hope that your holiday experience will be as enjoyable as it would have been before the pandemic – activities such as winter walking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are ideal in these times of social distancing, and we’re not operating holidays if the key highlights can no longer be delivered – but, naturally, there will be some changes to ensure your and other people’s safety, not least proving your vaccination status or taking a test in order to travel.
    Your holiday experience: what to expect >
    Safety measures being taken by hoteliers & others >
    Entry requirements for non-UK destinations & for re-entering the UK >
  • Living far from the capital ourselves, we know better than most that flying from London can be a bind, so we are very flexible with our travel arrangements. Call or email us, and one of the team will be happy to list the different options available to you, and any price implications.
  • Once you’ve decided on your exact itinerary (our travel experts will be happy to offer advice), you need to provide us with your party’s details, either by phone or via our booking form. At this point we also ask you to pay a deposit so that we can secure a room for you immediately on confirming availability with the hotel(s). If it turns out that we can’t secure the accommodation for the holiday you’ve requested, or offer an acceptable alternative, we’ll refund your deposit promptly and in full. After booking your accommodation and other key elements, we'll then book your travel (or you can do so if you’re making your own arrangements) and send you a Booking Confirmation and Invoice.

    More information about the booking process >
    Information about accommodation, general practicalities and more >
    Booking conditions >
  • Yes, it’s something we insist on, even for holidays in the UK. The vast majority of holidays go smoothly, but when things go wrong, it can be expensive to put them right. Buying a new pair of walking boots after your suitcase is stolen mightn’t seem so bad, but the bill for being airlifted down from a mountain with a broken leg or flown home while still recovering from an illness or accident can cost tens of thousands of pounds.

    You don’t have to take out a policy with our recommended provider (if you live outside the UK you’ll definitely need to make your own arrangements, as the policy is only for UK residents), but you do need to make sure that you’re covered for medical emergencies – including falling ill with Covid-19 while on holiday – and repatriation. We also recommend that you are covered for other eventualities, such as cancellation and loss of luggage and passports.

    We'll ask you for the details of your policy (insurer, policy number and medical emergency phone number) so that we can help out if the worst happens while you are on holiday. It's up to you, though, to check that your policy covers the activities you'll be doing on holiday and that it is adequate for your own individual needs; we don't check alternative policies.
  • It is your responsibility to ensure you are in possession of the correct travel documents, with the correct validity. If you’re a UK citizen, you need a full British passport to travel to Finland, but not a visa. If you are a citizen of another country, you’ll need to check requirements with the national embassy or your own consulate.

    Current information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice for UK citizens can be found through the Travel Health Pro website. You must make sure you have adequate insurance cover for illness, accidents and repatriation (see the insurance question). You should also apply for a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) if your EHIC has expired (if you have a still-valid EHIC, you can use this until it expires).
  • The official languages are Finnish, Swedish and, in Lapland, Sami. The currency is the Euro. Finnish time is GMT/UTC + 2. It uses Daylight Saving Time, so in summer is on BST + 2.
  • For information on the practicalities of travel now that the UK is no longer part of the European Union, visit www.gov.uk/visit-eu-switzerland-norway-iceland-liechtenstein.

    At Inntravel we work in close partnership with our hoteliers, taxi drivers and other local suppliers to provide our self-guided holidays directly to you. We are entirely confident that you will continue to receive the usual warm welcome from them, regardless of what is happening in the European political sphere.
  • The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides up-to-date, country-by-country travel advice, as well as information on security, local laws, passports and visas for UK citizens.

    If you live outside the UK, see our essential travel information page for a list of relevant websites.
Last fetch time is : 7/2/2022 11:45:39 PM