Ylläs
Mountain Finnish fell and ski area popular for winter sports
Lapland fell and ski area with the Ylläs peak, ski lifts and extensive cross‑country tracks; visitors ski winter trails, hike tundra in summer and seek Northern Lights.
Ylläs is a fell and a major ski resort area in Finnish Lapland, known for downhill and extensive cross-country skiing opportunities. The area combines lift-served slopes with a large network of groomed cross-country tracks that are used through the long winter season.
The fell’s summit reaches 718 metres above sea level, and the resort comprises multiple ski runs, lifts and winter sports services arranged around two villages that provide accommodation and visitor facilities. Summer activities include hiking and mountain-biking on marked trails.
The tourist infrastructure is concentrated in the villages of Äkäslompolo and Ylläsjärvi, which serve as bases for recreational activities year-round. The location in Lapland also makes the area suitable for northern lights viewing in winter.
Ylläs lies in Lapland, northern Finland, within Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park’s wider region and is accessed by road from regional towns and airports in Finnish Lapland.
- Summit height and aurora viewing: The summit height is 718 metres above sea level, making it one of Finland's higher ski fells and giving good vantage for northern lights in winter.
What to See #
- Ylläs Fell (summit): The summit area of the fell reaches 718 metres above sea level and forms the highest point of the Ylläs ski area, offering downhill pistes and lift access.
- Äkäslompolo and Ylläsjärvi: The two main villages that serve the resort act as bases for visitors and cross-country skiers, together forming the core accommodation and services for the area.
How to Get to Ylläs #
Fly into Kittilä Airport (KTT), which is the main airport serving Ylläs, then take a scheduled airport shuttle or regional bus to the Ylläs ski area (seasonal services operate in winter). Alternatively, take the night train to Kolari railway station and transfer to a local bus or taxi for the onward road transfer to Ylläs. Road transfer distances are typically on the order of a few dozen kilometres from Kittilä or Kolari into the Ylläs villages; once in the resort, attractions are walkable or served by local shuttle buses.
Tips for Visiting Ylläs #
- For skiing and winter activities aim for December-March; for aurora viewing and quieter trails target late autumn or early spring when dark skies and fewer tourists coincide.
- Base yourself in Äkäslompolo or Ylläsjärvi depending on your plan-Äkäslompolo gives quicker lift access to the fell, while Ylläsjärvi is closer to long-distance cross-country networks.
- To avoid weekend crowds at the main lifts and slopes, ski or hike midweek and consider taking the first or last lift runs of the day for the best light and quieter trails.
Best Time to Visit Ylläs #
Go in winter for skiing and northern lights or in summer for hiking and the midnight sun, depending on the activities you want.
Weather & Climate near Ylläs #
Ylläs's climate is classified as Subarctic - Subarctic climate with cool summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -19°C to 17°C. Moderate rainfall (622 mm/year).
January
January is the coldest month with highs of -10°C and lows of -19°C. Moderate rainfall (37 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is freezing with highs of -9°C and lows of -18°C. Moderate rainfall (34 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is freezing with highs of -4°C and lows of -13°C. Moderate rainfall (35 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is freezing with highs of 1°C and lows of -8°C. Moderate rainfall (36 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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May
May is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of -1°C. Moderate rainfall (45 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is cold with highs of 15°C and lows of 5°C. Moderate rainfall (71 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 8°C. The wettest month with 90 mm of rain and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 5°C. Moderate rainfall (78 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 0°C. Moderate rainfall (57 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is freezing with highs of 0°C and lows of -6°C. Moderate rainfall (53 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is freezing with highs of -6°C and lows of -13°C. Moderate rainfall (47 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is freezing with highs of -9°C and lows of -18°C. Moderate rainfall (39 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
