Previously voted Finland’s best ski resort, and with the largest beginner area in the country and a huge selection of activities to do, Ruka is perfect for families. Finland is the home of Santa and a visit to his secret cottage is a must. Other popular activities include dog sledding, snowmobiling and reindeer sleigh rides. The ski slopes themselves are quiet and even late in the afternoon you can take your pick of freshly-groomed runs. Plus the lifts stay open late, meaning you don’t have to take a day off from skiing if you want to try the wide range of other activities and special excursions. At the base of the main slopes is car-free Ruka Village where you’ll find bars, restaurants and good quality hotels. Just outside the village centre are traditional log cabins, with wood fires and private saunas. For the more adventurous skier or snowboarder, there are three snow parks.
Activities
Bowling alley, leisure centre with gym, meet Santa, spa treatments, cross-country skiing, dog sledding, night skiing, reindeer safari, snowshoe walking, snowmobiling, toboggan run, ice fishing, ice karting, sleigh rides. Wide variety of special excursions including Reindeer Experience, Snow Shoe Safari, Husky Farm Visit, Night Snowmobile Safari, Wilderness Snowmobile Safari, Santa's Secret Cottage
Eating out
There are a range of restaurants in the village for those staying in cabins on self-catering and not wishing to cook themselves.
Other amenities
The Kumpare shopping centre has a gym, bowling arena, sauna, solarium and massage. There is also a an 'Adventure House' for children 3-7 years, €10 per hour, (parental supervision required). The Kuusamo Tropikki, a 25 minute bus ride away, has a range of pools and whirlpools.
- Transfer time: Kuusamo - 25 minutes
- Currency: Euro
Suitability
- Beginners: 4
- Intermediates: 3
- Advanced: 2
- Snowboarding: 3
Resort statistics
- Resort height: 290m
- Ski range: 290-496m
- Total kilometres of piste: 24km
- Number of runs: Blue 15kms, Red 6kms, Black 3kms
- Number of lifts: 19 : Drag Lifts 15, Chair lifts 4.
