Ylläsjärvi – Gondola, trails and fell landscapes

Ylläsjärvi lies at the foot of Ylläs Fell and combines winter sports with a landscape of mires, lakes, small rivers and fells. The village is home to the Ylläs Sport Resort, with gondola and chairlifts. The Ylläs 1 Gondola takes visitors to the 719-metre summit of Ylläs in as little as seven minutes. Finland’s longest ski runs start there on the Ylläsjärvi side: the downhill runs are three kilometres long.

Skiing and cross-country skiing

The terrain parks are also divided by skill level and age group. The Pro Park is for experienced riders, the Snow Park for younger riders and the Mini Park for small children. This gives families a practical reference point when people in the group have different interests. Dogs can ride the gondola from Ylläs Ski Resort in Ylläsjärvi to the summit; dog-friendly cabins are marked with a dog symbol.

For cross-country skiing, Ylläs offers Finland’s largest trail network. Ski cafés and rest areas are located along the trails. Of the nearly 50 kilometres of dog-friendly cross-country ski trails in Ylläs, half are on the Ylläsjärvi side and the other half in Äkäslompolo. When choosing accommodation for a winter holiday, you can therefore weigh up whether cross-country skiing, downhill runs or both will shape your stay.

Winter trails and fell landscapes

Winter cycling and walking trails run around the village. You can also explore the surrounding mires, forests and fell landscapes on snowshoes, gliding snowshoes or forest skis. The options range from trails around the village to activities in the surrounding landscape. The 100-kilometre fell and mountain range of Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park begins at Ylläsjärvi.

For snowmobiles, one route leads from Lake Ylläsjärvi via the village shop and petrol station; another climbs from Ylläsjärvi to the summit of Yllästunturi. The lake usually freezes over in October or November. Whether the natural ice is suitable for skating depends on the conditions each autumn.

Summer, the lake and activities

In summer, the Ylläs Bike Park in Ylläsjärvi is open from Midsummer until early October. There is also a bike pump track in the village. The lake has a playground and a swimming area. In summer, you can choose from a range of options, including cycling facilities and the lakeside playground and swimming area.

Traditional reindeer rides and husky-sled rides are available in Ylläsjärvi through local activity providers. Paddlers can stop at rest areas on Isosaari and at Ruonanojan Kota. In summer, you can gather wild herbs, berries and mushrooms in the forests and mires around Ylläsjärvi. Local experts offer guided trips or advice on preparing what you’ve gathered. Alongside outdoor activities and nature, regional ingredients can therefore also be part of your holiday.

Village history and nearby destinations

Around the Eelin shop, there is a cultural trail featuring environmental art and information boards about the village’s history and buildings. It complements the nature and sports activities with a glimpse into Ylläsjärvi itself. Depending on whether you’re mainly interested in the trails, the gondola, summer activities or exploring the landscape, these different interests can guide your choice of a holiday apartment or holiday home in Ylläsjärvi.

Discover more places

Enontekiö, Äkäslompolo, Kemi, Sinettä, Utsjoki, Rautuskylä, Peurasuvanto and Kittilä.

Back to the main travel overview: Lapland.