Levi is a ski resort in Finnish Lapland, located 170 kilometres north of the Arctic Circle. With nearly 40 km of pistes, it’s the second-largest ski resort in Finland and the only one that hosts the Alpine World Cup. However, Levi offers much more than just skiing. Its prime location in the heart of Finnish Lapland offers a diverse selection of winter sports and activities, making it a a great holiday destination with something for everyone. For more information on visiting Lapland, including the best time to go, check out my post Visit Lapland: Everything You Need To Know.
A visit to Levi Ski Resort allows you to combine a classic Lapland winter getaway with thrilling time on the slopes. While it may not have as many runs as the largest Alpine resorts, skiing in the Arctic is a truly unique experience. Plus, the array of activities like husky safaris or snowshoeing ensures a holiday packed with adventure. In this guide, I’ll share all the key information you need to plan your trip to Levi.
Getting to Levi Ski Resort
Getting to Levi is quite straightforward thanks to its popularity among tourists and locals. The easiest and fastest way is to fly to Rovaniemi, either directly or via Helsinki if necessary. From Rovaniemi city centre, a couple of bus lines can take you to Levi in just over two hours. The two main operators are Onnibus and J.M Eskelisen Lapin Linjat. Typically, there are three buses daily. A one-way ticket costs around €30-35 when booked in advance (all prices are at the time of writing). You can purchase tickets directly from the providers’ websites or through Matkahuolto website which shows all available connections. Booking in advance is recommended and can help you save some money.
Buses depart from the centrally located Rovaniemi Bus Station, which is less than 10 km from Rovaniemi Airport. Once you land, you can either wait for the public bus or take a taxi. For €8 per person the airport shuttle will take you to the city centre. However, with only a few departures each day, you may need to wait depending on your arrival time. For the latest bus timetable, visit Airport Express Shuttle website.
For a more convenient option, a taxi can take you directly to your desired location in Rovaniemi for around €30. You can choose from local providers or Uber, which recently started operating in the area. Prices are generally comparable across providers, but be aware that taxis in Rovaniemi tend to be on the expensive side, even for short distances.
Bonus: Things to Do in Rovaniemi While Waiting for the Bus
With only a few buses departing to Levi each day, you’ll likely have some time to spare in Rovaniemi while waiting for your bus. Fortunately, many visitors to Finnish Lapland spend their entire holiday in Rovaniemi, so finding ways to pass the time won’t be a problem.
If you’re short on time, you can stop for lunch and enjoy local cuisine at one of the many restaurants. I recommend Ravintola Roka Street Bistro, which offers delicious food at reasonable prices. Their menu features a variety of hot sandwiches, as well as soups, risotto, and fish and meat dishes. It’s a small place, so you may need to wait for a table, but it’s well worth it.
For those with a bit more time, a visit to Arktikum is a great option. This science centre and museum showcases the nature, culture, and history of the Arctic region. It’s a fantastic introduction to the area and costs just €11 for adults and €3 for children. The museum is an easy walk from the city centre. I recommend setting aside at least two hours to explore, though you may find yourself spending even longer. There’s also a well-stocked souvenir shop inside, offering high-quality Lappish products.
If you have half a day or more, consider visiting Santa Claus Village, just a short bus ride from the city centre. It’s especially fun for children who can meet Santa and take a photo with him. You can also visit Santa Claus’ Post Office, cross the magical Arctic Circle, or enjoy other paid activities like reindeer rides (entrance to the village is free). There are plenty of restaurants there as well, offering both Lappish and international cuisine.
Where to stay: Top Accommodation Locations
The best place to stay in Levi Ski Resort is the village centre, putting you right in the heart of everything. This is especially convenient if you’re relying on public transport. Key locations to be close to include:
- Front slopes/Zero Point (number 53 on the map): Access to the slopes and ski lifts, equipment rental and service, Levi ski school, ski pass ticket machines, and ski resort offices.
- Levi Tourist Information (number 51 on the map): A helpful resource for answering questions and providing free maps. It’s also where many tour providers pick up guests.
- K-Supermarket (number 16 on the map): The main supermarket
- Bus stop (T4 on the map): The designated drop-off and pick-up point for the bus from Rovaniemi.
Most hotels and restaurants are located in the village centre, making it the ideal place to stay close to all the key locations. Hotels near the front slopes (numbers 33-50 on the map) are particularly convenient. However, Levi is a small, walkable village, so accommodations a bit further out are still manageable. If you’re on a budget, consider staying within a 10-20 minute walk from the front slopes to save some money. Alternatively, you could stay outside the village near a ski bus stop. For more information on using the ski buses, check the ski bus information page on the Levi resort website.
That said, I highly recommend staying in the village if possible. One of my favourite aspects of Levi is its walkability—there’s no need for a car, and you won’t even need to take a bus!
What to Expect at Levi Ski Resort
Levi is Finland’s second-largest ski resort, featuring 38.5 km of slopes served by 26 lifts. Most of the slopes are red or blue, catering to beginner and intermediate skiers. Advanced skiers can challenge themselves on Levi Black, also known as G2, which hosts the Alpine World Cup every November. Slopes open at 9:30 AM and remain accessible until 7:00 PM, thanks to artificial lighting on most runs, providing a longer skiing day than most other resorts in Europe!
While most lifts are T-bar or poma lifts, there are five modern chairlifts and two cable cars, including Gondola 2000, which serves the renowned G2 black slope. In windy conditions, the cable cars and most chair lifts may close, leaving the mountain primarily serviced by T-bar and poma lifts. However, the trade-off for using T-bars is often empty slopes and excellent snow conditions even later in the day.
Skiing in Levi offers a distinctly different experience compared to the Alps. If you’re accustomed to larger resorts, you might wonder if it’s worth visiting a smaller destination so far north. I believe it is, simply for the unique experience. The breathtaking views of the flat Arctic terrain are a highlight, and there’s enough variety in the slopes to keep even more demanding skiers and snowboarders entertained for several days. That said, due to the resort’s size and the reliance on T-bar lifts, a full week of skiing might feel a bit repetitive or tiring. Fortunately, Levi has plenty more to offer beyond skiing to keep you entertained!
Beyond the Slopes: Winter Sports to Try in Levi
The great thing about visiting Levi Ski Resort is that there’s so much more than just skiing. Here are the top activities to try while you’re there:
Cross-country skiing
Cross-country skiing is a form of skiing, where you glide on flat or gently rolling snow trails using a back-and-forth leg motion. It’s a fantastic workout and a great way to enjoy stunning winter scenery. Levi is one of the best places in Finland for this sport, with 230 kilometres of well-maintained tracks for various skill levels. The tracks are free to use and some are even illuminated for night skiing.
During my bus journey from Rovaniemi to Levi, I was struck by how many locals were traveling with their cross-country skis. It’s clear that this sport holds a special place in the hearts of the Finnish people. If you’re new to the sport, don’t worry! At Zero Point rental, you can rent skis, boots, and poles for either 3 hours (€32.5) or a full day (€42.5). Choose classic skis if it’s your first time, as they are easier to handle.
To enhance your experience, consider taking a lesson from Levi Ski School. They offer individual lessons in 50 minutes, 1.5 hours, or 3 hours. I opted for a 1.5-hour lesson (€135), which is a great value if shared with others. The instructor was not only friendly but also dedicated to helping us grasp the essentials of cross-country skiing, including techniques for gliding, skiing downhill, and tackling steeper sections. Group lessons are rare, but some tour providers offer half-day beginner excursions.
Cross-country trails
Once you’re ready to explore, the tracks are well-marked, and maps are available at junctions. For beginners, I recommend:
- Levijärvi loop (blue track North from Levi): This flat route crosses a frozen lake and winds through snow-covered forests. Along the way, you can stop at Luvattumaa to warm up by the fire and enjoy food and drinks. Don’t miss the chance to grab crepes at Marja-Leen’s hut!
- Immeljärvi lake (blue track Sourth from Levi) – This is a lovely track for a short trip that crosses a frozen lake before continuing into the forest. You can make it a round trip, but be aware that the final section features a slightly steeper descent back to Levi, marked in red on the map.
These routes offer a great introduction to cross-country skiing while showcasing the beauty of Levi. Enjoy your adventure!
Winter biking
Another unique winter sport to try in Levi is winter biking. Cycling on snow and ice is made possible by fat-tire winter bikes. You can rent either electric or non-electric bikes (helmet included) at Zero Point. The price for an electric bike is nearly double that of a non-electric one (€26.5 for 2 hours vs. €46.5). However, if you plan to explore the maintained off-road trails, the electric option will provide a more enjoyable experience.
Levi offers a variety of off-road trails specifically maintained for winter mountain biking. These trails connect the north side of Levi Mountain, starting in Levi village and ending at South Point. Additionally, there’s a smaller loop maintained on the local golf course. For a shorter ride, you don’t need to go all the way to South Point—you can simply turn back after completing the golf course loop.
The terrain has a mix of ascents and descents, and while the potentially slippery downhills mean you won’t be riding at high speeds, it’s a fantastic way to take in the beautiful surroundings. The map below highlights the combined winter walking and biking trails in blue.
Winter biking is a great activity to enjoy during a free morning or afternoon. You could easily make it a full-day adventure if you want to explore all the available tracks.
Snow-shoe hiking
If you haven’t had enough of actively exploring the area around Levi, one more activity you should try is snowshoe hiking. Snowshoes enable you to traverse non-maintained tracks covered in deep snow without sinking in. This allows you to experience the more natural and wild side of Finnish Lapland.
You don’t need to worry about buying equipment, as snowshoes can be rented at Zero Point for €22.5 per day. You can also rent poles to help with balance in the deep snow. Walking on snowshoes is very easy. The staff at the rental shop will show you how to put the snowshoes on and take them off, so you’ll be ready to go in no time!
Trail to Kätkä Fell
While snowshoes let you roam anywhere covered in snow, there’s a marked trail from Levi village to the top of Kätkä Hill. This way, you won’t have to worry about getting lost. The round-trip hike is 9 km with a total ascent of 287 meters. The first section of the trail follows a maintained walking path (marked in blue on the map), so you won’t need snowshoes initially. At the junction where the unmaintained track begins (marked in black on the map), it’s time to put on your snowshoes.
If there hasn’t been recent snowfall, the snow on the uphill portion of the trail may be compacted from other hikers, but most people stop at the first peak. Beyond that, snowshoes are essential due to deep snowdrifts cause by the strong winds. The last kilometre of the trail was my personal favourite, with hardly anyone around. Trekking across the snow-covered mountain felt like a real adventure, even though I was just a few kilometres from Levi.
At the summit, you can continue a little further to reach a shelter marked on the map. Though it’s mostly buried in snow during the winter, I managed to duck inside for a snack and to take cover from the wind. The return journey follows the same path back to Levi.
Ice skating
In Levi, you can also enjoy outdoor ice skating at one of two available ice rinks:
- Sauna Bar Ice Skating Arena – Situated on the shore of Lake Immel, this rink is open on Fridays and Saturdays from 18:00 to 21:00.
- Levi’s Front Slope Ice Skating Rink – Located at the base of the slope in the fell pond, this rink opens on January 30th and remains open 24/7.
Skates and helmets can be rented from Zero Point Rental for €13.50 for the first hour. You can extend the rental by one hour for an additional €2, or by two hours for an extra €4. Longer rental options are also available.
Discover More Attractions in the Area
If you want to take a break from actively exploring Lapland here are the unmissable attractions you should consider:
Aurora Hunting
A trip to Lapland in winter wouldn’t be complete without searching for the Northern Lights. In Levi, the auroras appear on average 111 times a year. The viewing season runs from August through the end of April. During the darkest winter months, the lights can be visible as early as 5 PM, but the optimal viewing time is between 8 PM and 1 AM. To increase your chances of seeing them, you’ll need clear skies, a favorable aurora forecast, and minimal light pollution. While the weather is unpredictable, you can boost your odds by avoiding light-polluted areas. For this reason, it’s best to leave Levi village if you want a good chance of seeing the Aurora Borealis.
You can either venture out on your own by walking to darker spots away from the village or book a guided tour, where experienced guides will take you to more remote locations. Guided tours range from €70 to as much as €200 per person, offering the best chance to witness the lights.
However, a guided tour isn’t essential. Many visitors to Levi simply walk to Immeljärvi Lake, located just a 10-15 minute walk from the village centre. This easily accessible spot allows you to go out every evening to maximize your chances of catching the auroras. I’d recommend not focusing solely on seeing the lights, though. Instead, enjoy the experience of walking under the stars, with the frozen lake beneath your feet. These nighttime Northern Light walks turned out to be one of my favourite parts of the trip.
Husky safari
One of the most iconic experiences in Lapland is a husky sled ride. A short 1-2 km ride offers a budget-friendly taste, while a longer 10-20 km tour lets you fully enjoy the adventure. Near Levi, several kennels organize these safaris. After some research, I chose a tour with All Huskies due to their excellent reviews and the Green Activities sustainable tourism certification, which includes animal welfare criteria.
All Huskies offers 10, 15, and 20 km safaris. On each sled, one person sits while the other stands at the back, controlling the dogs by hitting the brake to slow down or stop. Since the dogs follow the guide at the front, there’s no need to worry about steering. At first, the dogs are incredibly excited to run and can be a bit wild, but they calm down as they tire.
The 20 km option, priced at €295 per person, is the most expensive tour I’ve ever booked, but the cost reflects the care and effort that goes into raising, training, and feeding the dogs. During the summer, the dogs don’t work, but their trainers still care for them while holding other jobs. The tour includes a halfway break for lunch in a tipi with a cosy fireplace. Freshly made salmon soup, a regional favourite, is served alongside tea, coffee, and a sweet treat. While the food is being prepared, you can pet the dogs that pulled your sled. For added comfort, warm blankets are provided for the person sitting down, ensuring a cosy ride even in the cold. For those on a smaller budget, the 10 km safari costs €195 per person and takes under an hour, depending on the dogs’ speed.
Other activities in Levi Ski Resort
There are plenty of activities to enjoy at Levi Ski Resort. One thing I wanted to experience but ran out of time for was a snowmobile safari. These safaris are offered both during the day and at night. The night tour provide a great opportunity to witness the Northern Lights while exploring the snowy landscape.
In Finland, saunas hold a special place in the culture. In a country with a population of 5.5 million, there are approximately 3.3 million saunas! Even budget accommodations typically include access to either a shared or private sauna. Relaxing in a sauna is perfect for unwinding after an active day in the cold. For the adventurous, you can book a sauna by a lake and try ice swimming. It’s a popular Finnish tradition that might sound extreme but is definitely worth a shot while you’re there.
If you prefer warmer water, consider visiting Water World Levi, located right in the heart of Levi village. This indoor facility features a small outdoor pool and several outdoor hot tubs. There are also slides and a children’s pool for the little ones, as well as a 20-meter swimming pool for avid swimmers. Though part of a hotel, the spa is open to everyone for a fee.
You can also see reindeer for free in the backyard of the K5 Hotel. For a fee, you can visit the Sammuntupa Reindeer Farm further out, where you can enjoy a reindeer ride. This ride is much slower than the husky safari, making it a great option for families with children.
If you have any other questions about Levi Ski Resort, feel free to leave a comment. I’ll be happy to help!