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Skiing and snowboarding in Levi

Levi has been named Finland’s best ski resort several times. Surely, there is a reason: skiing is fantastic, and the season runs from the beginning of October through the beginning of May! Levi has several slopes for skiers of different skill levels. For first-timers, please remember that blue slopes are for beginners, red are more challenging, and black (only three in Levi) is a no-go for those who have just learned to stay up.

The closest slopes to Levi Log Cabin are the so-called front slopes (eturinteet) close to the Zero Point. It is less than a 10-minute walk from the cabin. There is a kids’ land and also an easier lift that you can use to learn. If you are a beginner, please don’t expect to take a quick slide down the front slopes. Slopes are red and steeper than you think. For beginners, we suggest either taking the glacier lift up and skiing blue slopes towards South Point (don’t get lost in the more challenging ones), or, for absolute newbies, taking the ski bus (R2) directly to South Point. You can hop on the bus either in front of Zero Point or in front of Hullu Poro hotel. Remember to buy the bus ticket at the same time as your ski pass. You can buy the ticket on the bus, but it is much more expensive that way. Remember to show your ski pass to the machine next to the driver when you enter the bus. Ultimately, the R1 bus takes you closer to the cabin. It is not a long walk either, but it does save you some meters of walking.

Teachers are good and worth the money if you haven’t been on skis before. Children tend to learn faster than adults, so please consider using two separate teachers. It is a good target to aim for at least the button lift during the lesson. Lessons are beneficial even if you have some skiing experience beforehand; with a few tips and tricks, they can help prevent muscle aches.

Depending on when you are skiing in Levi, dress for the weather. From November to February, it can be freezing cold, meaning you will need a scarf under your helmet (and it is the 2020s, no one skis without a helmet, as it is not only safe, it is warm) and goggles. Thin scarves to wear under are sold in all the skiing shops for a few euros. For gloves, puff mittens are the safest option, not those with five separate fingers. Remember the layers, and ensure your ski boots have some room rather than being too tight. Make sure you know where you are going; some of the anchor lifts seem to take quite a long time when it is -20 degrees.

There are quite a few restaurants on the slopes. Sivakka, next to the South Point, is our favourite with good burgers for kids and daily soup for mom and dad. Not to mention the minttukaakao, hot chocolate with mint liquor. Horizon on top of the front slopes has a broader selection but is usually rather busy during lunch hours, and you may end up waiting a bit even to get seated. Draivi is also a good choice, but all the slopes getting there are red. You can also always take some snacks and drinks with you and use the little cabins with the fire near the slopes. In South Point, there are two, and one at the beginning of slope 7B. Others are down or up the red slopes. One of the best is near Santa’s cabin, in between W1 and W2 (Santa’s cabin is next to W2, to the gondola lift side). Santa’s cabin is the most Instagrammable place in Levi, yet itis just a small cabin with nothing inside. It got famous in the movie called Joulutarina, Christmas movie that was filmed partly in Levi. To get there, you need to go off-slope a bit.

Lastly, before you head off to the slopes, make sure you register for the ski rental while sipping the morning coffee in your undies. Much more comfortable than trying to remember every family member’s height while sweating in the rental office. You can register, book, and pay in advance, so you can skip the queue, get your gear, and head out for a great day of skiing!

Also, remember that one coming behind is always in charge. Have speed but know how to stop quickly if needed. Your kids will be OK, no need to scare them off. Just remind them to take turns and control the speed. If something happens, never stop in the middle of the slope, especially in places where others can’t see you. The majority of skiers know what they are doing, but once you are several meters up in the air, it’s too late to check where to land. Be safe and have a blast!