YlläsYlläs at a Glance
About Ylläs
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.
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).
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | -19° - -10° | -20° | 37 mm | partly cloudy | 99% | 2.2 m/s | 0.0 low | 2.8h |
| February | Poor | -18° - -9° | -18° | 34 mm | overcast | 99% | 2.3 m/s | 0.0 low | 7.5h |
| March | Poor | -13° - -4° | -14° | 35 mm | partly cloudy | 99% | 2.7 m/s | 0.1 low | 11.4h |
| April | Poor | -9° - 1° | -8° | 36 mm | overcast | 98% | 2.6 m/s | 0.5 low | 15.4h |
| May | Poor | -1° - 8° | 1° | 45 mm | overcast | 85% | 2.8 m/s | 0.8 moderate | 19.6h |
| June | Acceptable | 5° - 15° | 8° | 71 mm | overcast | 79% | 2.9 m/s | 1.0 high | 23.9h |
| July | Good | 8° - 17° | 12° | 90 mm | overcast | 83% | 2.7 m/s | 1.0 moderate | 21.6h |
| August | Acceptable | 5° - 14° | 9° | 78 mm | overcast | 87% | 2.4 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 16.8h |
| September | Poor | 0° - 8° | 2° | 57 mm | overcast | 92% | 2.6 m/s | 0.2 low | 12.9h |
| October | Poor | -6° - 0° | -6° | 53 mm | overcast | 97% | 2.6 m/s | 0.1 low | 9.0h |
| November | Poor | -13° - -6° | -14° | 47 mm | overcast | 99% | 2.1 m/s | 0.0 low | 4.7h |
| December | Poor | -18° - -9° | -18° | 39 mm | partly cloudy | 99% | 2.2 m/s | 0.0 low | 0.3h |
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.