Ylläshumina Hotel, Ylläs

Lapland - where winter is a unique experience 
 
Ylläs boasts Finland’s largest cross-country network, plus an unrivalled range of other activities which introduce you to the magical landscapes of Lapland. Stay in a high-quality hotel, complete with saunas, from where you have direct access to the cross-country trails.
Ylläshumina Hotel, Ylläs. 7 nights
+44 (0)1653 617001 Call now
Ylläshumina Hotel, Ylläs. 7 nights
+44 (0)1653 617001 Call now
 

Holiday information

 

A winter holiday in Ylläs, Lapland,

for an all-round Arctic experience

Situated 150 kilometres north of the Arctic Circle, amid the magical landscapes of Lapland, the village of Äkäslompolo makes an unrivalled base for an Arctic winter experience – whatever your age. The village is surrounded by seven scenic fells; these go by the name of Ylläs and together comprise Finland’s largest and best cross-country skiing network, with trails criss-crossing snowy meadows and winding through frozen forests.
Skiing is far from the only winter activity on offer, however – guests can choose between a whole host of memorable experiences. Enjoy the thrill of dog-sledding as you whizz through a snow-clad forest with only the eager panting of the dogs to break the silence; appreciate the utter stillness and tranquillity of the wintry landscapes on a snowshoe hike; learn about the local way of life from a reindeer herder; take to the trails by snowmobile; or try out snow-cycling on a fatbike. To top it all, if conditions are right you may also get to experience one of nature’s great miracles, the staggeringly beautiful Aurora Borealis.

Your hotel for the week is the wonderfully welcoming Ylläshumina, which receives consistently high praise from Inntravel guests who return year after year. Set next to a frozen lake, it was one of the first hotels to be built in the area – by the current owner’s uncle – and has evolved gradually into the superb establishment you find today. Highlights include the high levels of service from the Qvist family, and the splendid hotel restaurant.
 
 

Our expert says

“It’s true that you could come to Ylläs purely for the cross-country skiing, but this is Lapland, after all, so it would be a shame not to try out typical activities such as dog-sledding or reindeer safaris (which can be arranged through the hotel) for an all-round Lappish experience.”
Rebecca Bruce, Inntravel snow holiday expert
 
Gallery

 

Winter activities

There’s no fixed itinerary, so take your pick of the activities as the mood takes you.
  • 330km; suited to all levels
    Access to Ylläs’ extensive cross-country network couldn’t be easier: trails begin directly behind the hotel and lead across the frozen lake and through forest to reach the seven fells that surround the village. The entire network is groomed from mid-February, though a number of tracks are illuminated in December and January so that you can enjoy a full day’s skiing in the magical twilight of these early months. Along the trails, there are plenty of cafés and traditional kotas (tepee-style tented shelters) where you can stop for refreshments or take a break from the winter chill. Access to the trails is free of charge.

    The terrain closest to the hotel and lake is relatively flat – ideal for beginners – while advanced skiers can head up onto the surrounding fells for more of a challenge, and some fantastic views. Many of the trails take you into the Pallas-Ylläs National Park, a stunningly beautiful area of protected nature.
    Cross-country trails lead away from the hotel
  • Dog-sledding, snowshoeing & so much more
    No visit to Lapland would be complete without trying at least some of the many activities on offer in this winter wonderland. The hotel has its own activity company and appropriate equipment and clothing is provided for all tours – this includes thermal jackets, trousers, boots, hats and gloves. Excursions can be booked in advance through us or arranged locally with the hotel.

    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.

    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 (on request only).
    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.

    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.

    Downhill skiing
    The main downhill area can be found on the other side of the lake, and is accessed by a ski bus from the hotel. There are 61 runs (many of which are illuminated) both through the trees and above the treeline, with the longest slope measuring 3 kilometres. The domain caters for all abilities, with a good number of beginner and early intermediate runs.
    Dog-sledding
    Snowmobiling
  • Fun for all the family
    Ylläs and the Ylläshumina are an excellent choice for a fun-filled family holiday. The hotel caters well for children, with the standard rooms being able to accommodate up to a family of 4, with 2 children sleeping on the mezzanine. The hotel also has a number of family apartments, which can take larger families of up to 5.

    Ylläs is everything you’d expect from a winter wonderland, and there is a whole host of amazing activities to try aside from skiing. The hotel has its own activity company, with excursions heading off from the safari house just next to the main hotel reception. Take a trip with some eager huskies or meet a real-life Sven at the reindeer farm, with all the appropriate clothing provided before heading out into the Arctic air.
    Meet a real-life Sven!
  • Special events
    At Christmas time, as well as enjoying a celebratory dinner, you can help decorate the tree and light the 500 candles in the street, and head out on a snowshoe walk on Christmas Day. New Year features the lighting of candles outside the hotel, a gala dinner, live music, fireworks, and a New Year’s Day brunch.
 

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

 
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: 25 November 2023 - 14 April 2024 & 23 November 2024 - 13 April 2025

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

    Starting Adults 13-16 yrs 5-12 yrs 2-4 yrs
    25 Nov - 17 Dec 2023 £1780 £1390 £1210 £695
    24 Dec - 24 Dec 2023 £2460 £2010 £1665 £1045
    31 Dec - 31 Dec 2023 £2305 £1900 £1610 £1015
    07 Jan - 17 Jan 2024 £1810 £1450 £1290 £825
    18 Jan - 31 Jan 2024 £1975 £1590 £1400 £905
    01 Feb - 07 Feb 2024 £2085 £1660 £1485 £945
    08 Feb - 14 Feb 2024 £2420 £1935 £1720 £1105
    15 Feb - 21 Feb 2024 £2145 £1720 £1530 £990
    22 Feb - 07 Apr 2024 £1870 £1490 £1335 £850
    23 Nov - 15 Dec 2024 £1650 £1390 £1210 £695
    22 Dec - 22 Dec 2024 £2120 £2010 £1665 £1045
    29 Dec - 29 Dec 2024 £2310 £1900 £1610 £1015
    05 Jan - 15 Jan 2025 £1690 £1450 £1290 £825
    16 Jan - 29 Jan 2025 £1740 £1590 £1400 £905
    30 Jan - 05 Feb 2025 £1885 £1660 £1485 £945
    06 Feb - 12 Feb 2025 £2005 £1720 £1530 £990
    13 Feb - 19 Feb 2025 £2305 £1935 £1720 £1105
    20 Feb - 06 Apr 2025 £1785 £1490 £1335 £850

    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.

    *Start days: 25 Nov-17 Dec any day; 24 Dec-18 Feb Sunday; 19 Feb-14 Apr any day

    Included travel 25 Nov-17 Dec 2023; 23 Nov-15 Dec 2024: Easyjet Gatwick or Manchester-Kittilä (times vary; hold luggage included) & connecting transfer (0h50)
    Included travel 24 Dec 2023-18 Feb 2024; 22 Dec 2024-16 Feb 2025: Inghams charter Gatwick, Manchester or Bristol-Kittilä (times vary; hold luggage included) & connecting transfer (0h50)
    Included travel 19 Feb-14 Apr 2024; 17 Feb-06 Apr 2025: Finnair Heathrow-Kittilä via Helsinki (out dep 1020, home arr 1700; hold luggage included) & connecting transfer (0h50)

    A single traveller supplement of £60 applies for solo travellers if flying with Finnair. A supplement is also 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 in £ per room per night)

    Ylläshumina Hotel, Ylläs
    Family apartment: 25 Nov - 14 Apr 2024 £80
    Family apartment: 23 Nov - 13 Apr 2025 £80
    Single room: 25 Nov - 21 Dec 2023 £46
    Single room: 22 Dec - 06 Jan 2024 £64
    Single room: 07 Jan - 17 Jan 2024 £46
    Single room: 18 Jan - 14 Apr 2024 £64
    Single room: 23 Nov - 19 Dec 2024 £47
    Single room: 20 Dec - 04 Jan 2025 £55
    Single room: 05 Jan - 15 Jan 2025 £40
    Single room: 16 Jan - 13 Apr 2025 £55
    Suite: 25 Nov - 14 Apr 2024 £200
    Suite: 23 Nov - 13 Apr 2025 £200
    Superior deluxe: 25 Nov - 14 Apr 2024 £172
    Superior deluxe: 23 Nov - 13 Apr 2025 £172
What is included
  • 7 nights
  • 7 dinners
    7 breakfasts
  • use of cross-country trails
  • detailed information about the area
  • flights from London (regional flights available)
  • transfers from/to Kittilä Airport
Last fetch time is : 4/27/2024 12:27:58 AM

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