Saariselkä: Fresh Runs, Brighter Nights and True Arctic Skiing

Saariselkä lies far in the north, in the Sámi region and Lapland’s legendary gold fields. The experience is completed by the nearby Urho Kekkonen National Park and convenient access via Ivalo Airport.

Far above the Arctic Circle, Saariselkä is one of the world’s northernmost ski resorts. Long known for its quiet slopes and wild fell scenery, the resort has recently added new runs, upgraded a key t-bar lift, improved lighting and expanded sledding areas – all while keeping its authentic Lapland atmosphere.

Saariselkä isn’t run by a corporation but by the Katajamaa family, passionate skiers who have poured heart and energy into developing the resort since 2020. Their aim is simple: to keep Saariselkä true to itself – a place for families, friends and international visitors to experience skiing and Lapland life in one of the most northern corners of Europe.

New lift line and three fresh runs

The biggest change is the relocation and full upgrade of the Iisakkipää t-bar lift. The new line makes summit access easier and opens three new pistes, offering more variety for families and leisure skiers. An extended platter lift adds extra space for beginners to practice.

Brighter, safer night skiing

Around 300 slope lights have been replaced with modern LED fixtures, cutting energy use dramatically and giving clearer visibility on dark Arctic evenings. Night skiing here is now safer, brighter and even more atmospheric. A new pump station strengthens the snowmaking system, helping to keep conditions reliable throughout the long season.

Sledding, tubing and playful extras

Saariselkä is about more than skiing. Families can enjoy three sledding hills, including a long illuminated run that has become a visitor favorite. Every year it even hosts the World Championships of sledding – a light-hearted competition that draws plenty of laughs.

There’s also a snowtube slope, two small snow parks, and timing gates on one piste. The gates aren’t meant for professional racers but for visitors who want a fun head-to-head run with friends.

Skiing with a northern soul

What makes Saariselkä special is its atmosphere. Right next to Urho Kekkonen National Park, it offers wide horizons, peaceful forests and the deep silence of Lapland’s north. This is not the Alps – there are no crowds, no rush, just space and calm.

The Katajamaa family sums it up well: Saariselkä is not about chasing medals, but about enjoying skiing, sledding and Lapland’s true Arctic spirit together.

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The Lapland charm in their own words

Tourism in the Ivalo and Inari region has grown strongly, especially among Central European visitors. They come not only for the thrill of skiing but also for the calm atmosphere.

As COO Fanni Katajamaa of Saariselkä Ski & Sport Resort puts it:

“The photos you see on social media really look like this. Saariselkä has stayed just the right size, with the national park right next to us. Lapland’s nature is the most important thing, and we’ve made sure to hold on to that.”

Why visit Saariselkä?

• One of the world’s northernmost ski resorts – authentic Arctic skiing.
• More variety: new t-bar line and three fresh runs.
• Safer nights: brighter LED lighting for evening skiing.
• Family fun: sled runs (including the annual sledding “World Championships”), tubing and beginner-friendly terrain.
• Unique atmosphere: quiet slopes beside a national park, run with passion by a local family.

Quick facts

• Location: Saariselkä, East Lapland – far above the Arctic Circle.
• Activities: 3 sledding hills (annual sledding “World Championships”), snowtube track, 2 snow parks, timing gates.
• Ownership: operated by the Katajamaa family since 2020.
• Character: quiet, authentic resort with strong Lapland feel.
• Upgrades: relocated Iisakkipää t-bar lift, three new runs, extended platter lift.
• Lighting & snow: ~300 LED slope lights, new snowmaking pump station.