Finland

With a season lasting from the end of November until well into May and close to 100 resorts, it's a wonder you don't hear more about skiing and snowboarding in Finland.

It's altitude - or lack of it - that sets the ski resorts in Finland aside from those in the Alps (most of the mountains here peak between 500 and 800 metres). But skiing's not always about the downhill rush.

Cross country skiing in Finland is big business. In Lapland, in the north of the country, three of the five main ski resorts have more than 30 slopes each. However, it's the 1,000 kms-or-so of cross country trails between them that's the big lure. And with large sections of the trails floodlit, there's no excuse to let the lack of winter daylight keep you from burning off a few extra calories.

Aside from Lapland, where snow lingers almost into the summer months, there are ski resorts throughout Finland - some 31 in the centre of the country and 26 further south. Ski hire and instruction is available from a good chunk of these, as is night skiing. Many of the bigger resorts also have parks, with rails, half pipes and kickers.

The length of the runs might not tire you out, but that only leaves more energy to party. With famously friendly people and warm hospitality, you could do a lot worse than a ski holiday in Finland.

Cost

Accommodation and alcohol in Finland are traditionally quite expensive. Adult weekly lift passes here, however, can be as low as US$120.

Getting here

There are regular flights to Helsinki from many destinations in Europe. Getting up to Lapland involves a further internal flight.

To compare ski resorts in Finland by nearest town, city or airport, see our Resort Comparison pages.