
Frequently Asked Questions
On this page, we have gathered the questions we are most often asked about Ylläs, getting around the area, and enjoying a pleasant visit in the fell landscapes. If you can’t find the answer to your question, we’ll be happy to help. You can reach us at info@yllas.fi.
Getting here and around
Ylläs is located in the municipality of Kolari in Western Lapland. Services in Ylläs are concentrated in the villages of Äkäslompolo and Ylläsjärvi, which are located about 15 km apart on opposite sides of Ylläs Fell. See how to get here.
Getting around Ylläs during the winter season is easy by using the Ski Bus. Renting a bicycle is also a convenient way to travel shorter distances within the villages. On foot, you can easily reach essential services as well as the nearest hiking trails and cross-country ski tracks from the villages. Some distances are longer, in which case a car or taxi may be the most convenient way to get around.
The Ski Bus operates during the winter season. You can find timetables and more information on the Ski Bus website.
If you have forgotten an item on the Ski Bus, please contact the operator, Ylläs Express / Liikenne Satokangas Oy.
You can order a taxi from the Ylläs taxi dispatch centre by calling +358 20 071 800 (24/7). The call costs €1.92 per call + local/mobile network charge, or you can contact a local taxi operator directly.
An airport bus runs from Kittilä Airport to Ylläs. You can also use the Airport Express service or take a taxi. Read more about arrival and transport connections.
Unfortunately, there is no direct public transport connection from Rovaniemi to Ylläs. The easiest way to travel between the two is by taxi or by renting a car. Public transport timetables and routes can be found in the Matkahuolto Matkat app.
Weather and Northern Lights
You can get a good overview of the current conditions in Ylläs on the Weather page, where you can see current temperatures as well as live webcam images.
You can find up-to-date information on current conditions on the Weather page, including temperatures and webcams. Weather can be difficult to predict far in advance, as conditions can change rapidly. Snow conditions also vary from year to year, which makes it challenging to predict the exact timing of spring and summer.
You can check the current snow depth on the Weather page. On average, Ylläs receives 100–150cm of snowfall during the winter season.
Statistically, it is possible to see the Northern Lights in Ylläs on two nights out of three. Read more about the Northern Lights in Ylläs.
Yes, it is possible to see the Northern Lights from a car in Ylläs. You can park, for example, at the Scenic Route (Maisematie) rest area or at the Ylläs Ski Resort Äkäslompolo parking area to enjoy a wide view of the sky.
Trails, ski tracks and outdoor activities
Maintenance of the cross-country ski tracks in Ylläs usually begins in late October or early November, as soon as snow conditions allow. Read more about winter trail maintenance.
You can order the Ylläs digital map to see which ski tracks are currently open and when they were last maintained. The total kilometres of open trails can be found on the Weather page.
You can see the current maintenance status and exact grooming times on the Ylläs digital ski track map.
The Ylläs trail network is extensive. Ski tracks and winter trails are divided into three different maintenance categories, which also determine the order in which maintenance begins. Past and current weather conditions also affect when routes are opened. Read more about trail maintenance and maintenance categories in Ylläs.
There are several parking areas and trail access points throughout the Ylläs area. In many cases, you can access trails directly from your accommodation. Public parking areas and starting points are shown on both the digital and printed Ylläs ski track map. Read more about parking.
Ylläs has an extensive summer trail network that also extends deep into Pallas–Yllästunturi National Park. The routes offer suitable options for everyone. The best overview of summer trails can be found on the map, but you can also find inspiration in stories that showcase different summer activities.
During the summer season, you can find a demanding accessible route, for example, at the top of Ylläs Fell, which can be reached by purchasing a ride on the Gondola lift. All accessible routes in Ylläs are shown on the map, and you can read more about accessible routes and services.
Ylläs offers plenty of routes and activities all year round that are ideal for children, beginners and families. Near the villages, there are many easy options for hiking and cycling. In summer, Ylläs Bike Park has safe beginner-friendly lines, and in winter, the children’s slopes at Ylläs Ski Resort offer gentle terrain for learning.
Please see the digital map instructions. If you have further issues related to your order or the map, feel free to contact us by email at info@yllas.fi.
You can give feedback directly through the Ylläs digital map by selecting the exact location or feature your feedback concerns. If needed, you can also send feedback by email to info@yllas.fi.
Events and things to Do
You can find all upcoming events in the Ylläs area gathered on the Events page.
If you are organising an event in the Ylläs area and would like it to be featured on the Events page, please contact yllas@yllas.fi.
Most activities in Ylläs are suitable for children, and the area offers plenty to do for the whole family. Read more about activities to enjoy with children and get inspired by stories.
Nature and natural phenomena are at the heart of Ylläs. During your visit, you should definitely explore the stunning trails of Pallas–Yllästunturi National Park and, in winter, enjoy skiing on Finland’s longest slopes.
When Ylläs Ski Resort and Ylläs Bike Park are open, you can easily visit the top of Ylläs Fell in both winter and summer by taking the gondola lift. Ylläs is the highest fell in the area and offers scenic views in every direction.
While exploring the trails, we also recommend stopping by at least one of the area’s atmospheric wilderness cafés. Looking for something truly memorable? A sauna and an ice swim come close to the very essence of Finnish culture, a perfect way to relax after a day outdoors and perhaps try something completely new.
Gondola and Ski Resort
You can check the current status of the Gondola and all other lifts during the winter season on the Ylläs Ski Resort slope map. The ski resort and Ylläs Bike Park also post daily updates on open lifts and weather conditions every morning on Facebook.
Yes. The operation of the Gondola may be affected by strong winds, extremely cold temperatures, or thunderstorms in summer. For safety reasons, the Gondola may be closed if weather conditions require it.
Yes. The Gondola is accessible for wheelchair users and for those travelling with strollers. Pets are allowed in designated dog gondolas. During the summer season, there is a demanding accessible trail at the top of Ylläs Fell.
You can find the currently open slopes on the Ylläs Ski Resort’s slope map.
For all questions related to lift tickets and skiing, the Ylläs Ski Resort customer service can best assist you. Contact details can be found on the ski resort’s website. Enquiries regarding Ylläs Bike Park and summer lift tickets can be directed to Ylläs Ski Resort Ylläsjärvi.
Accommodation and restaurants
On the accommodation page, you can find a wide range of accommodation options and browse the accommodation search, where you can make a booking directly with the service provider. All accommodation bookings are made directly through the providers.
If you don’t find suitable accommodation via the accommodation search or on yllas.fi, we recommend contacting accommodation agencies and service providers directly. If you need help finding the right contact details, you can also reach out to us by email at info@yllas.fi.
Ylläs offers a wide variety of restaurants, ranging from pizzas and burgers to fine multi-course dinners and local specialities. There are several slope-side restaurants at the ski resort, as well as atmospheric wilderness cafés along the ski tracks offering delicious lunches. In the evening, when food lovers start to feel hungry, the area offers many excellent dining options to choose from.
Other services
Grocery stores are located in the centres of both villages: K‑Market Eelin Kauppa in Ylläsjärvi and K‑Market Jounin Kauppa in Äkäslompolo. The pharmacy is located in Jounin Kauppa. Other shops and services can be found throughout the area.
In Ylläsjärvi, Fitness Gym Ylläs offers gym services. Smaller gyms are also available at Lapland Hotels Saaga (advance booking required) and at Äkäshotelli. Please check availability directly with the hotels. Lapland Hotels Saaga also has a spa.
Ylläs has a private medical clinic, Medi‑Ylläs.
In an emergency, call 112.
The Kolari Health Centre is open on weekdays, and the nearest hospital is Lapland Central Hospital in Rovaniemi.
A private on-call veterinarian, Markus Kiili, operates in Ylläs. Municipal veterinarians are also available in the centres of Kolari and Kittilä.
Dog parks are located in Äkäslompolo at Nililahentie 6 and in Ylläsjärvi at Ylläsjärventie 159. Read more about travelling with pets.
The only official lost property office is the Kolari Police Station. However, smaller found items are often left with the nearest local business, such as K-Market Jounin Kauppa.
A private childcare service, Linnunpoika, operates in Ylläsjärvi. In addition to family day care, they also offer babysitting services directly at cabins or hotels.
Recycling points are available in Äkäslompolo, K-Market Jounin Kauppa (Sannanrannantie 3) and Sivulantie 8 (no plastic collection) and in Ylläsjärvi K‑Market Eelin Kauppa yard (Tirroniementie 1).
The recycling points collect cardboard, plastic (except Sivulantie), paper, glass and metal. Mixed waste must be taken to the waste bin of your accommodation or property, and larger amounts to a waste station. Mixed waste is not collected at any Ylläs recycling point.
Properties in the municipality of Kolari are required to be part of the municipal waste management system. Read more about municipal waste services.
We recommend contacting companies directly if you are interested in working in Ylläs. You can also follow job openings through services such as Työmarkkinatori and various recruitment agencies.
