Ylläs Ski Resort, Äkäslompolo

Äkäslompolo spreads across the northern, forested side of the Yllästunturi fell, gathered around its lake and ringed by a cluster of neighbouring summits in western Lapland. It is the older and larger of the two Ylläs base villages, a proper Lapland community with the widest choice of hotels, restaurants, shops and services under the mountain rather than a purpose-built cluster. From here the fell's long pistes climb from the tree line to the open summit, and a huge cross-country network threads out through the birch forest and around the frozen lakes. The northern aspect keeps the village and its lower runs shaded and snowy, and the surrounding scenery of forest, lake and encircling fells is among the most photogenic in Finnish Lapland. It combines village character with immediate access to the wild.

Choose Äkäslompolo for the most complete village experience at Ylläs, with the best range of dining and services, a scenic lakeside-and-fells setting and direct access to the mountain's long runs and vast trails. It suits families and returning visitors who want a real village atmosphere alongside the wilderness.

On the shaded northern flank of the fell, Äkäslompolo holds cold, dry snow well and keeps its forested lower runs in good condition deep into the season. Winter is long, from the deep polar-night blue and hard frosts of midwinter to bright, lengthening spring days, with the exposed summit above the village staying raw and windswept. The forest-and-lake setting is at its most magical under fresh snow and clear, aurora-lit skies.