Levi

Levi is a fell of around five hundred and thirty metres in Kittila in western Lapland, and it carries the largest ski operation in Finland by lifts and runs, with a gondola, dozens of slopes, extensive cross-country tracks and a resort village at the base. It opens the alpine World Cup season most Novembers with slalom races, which is possible because the cold arrives early this far north. The season runs from November into May, with midwinter offering only a few hours of twilight and March and April giving long bright days and reliable snow. Reindeer, husky and snowmobile trips operate from the village, and aurora viewing is a standard part of the offer.

What you actually see

• The largest ski area in Finland - the fell and its network of runs.
• November World Cup slalom - the season opener held here.
• Long spring skiing days - March and April light and snow.
• Aurora, husky and reindeer trips - the wider winter programme.

When to go

November to April; midwinter is dark and cold, and March and April combine snow with daylight. Two days to a week. Christmas and the spring weeks are the most expensive.

Honest expectations

Midwinter has almost no daylight and temperatures well below minus twenty are normal. The resort village is a modern development without much character. Prices at Christmas and New Year are very high. Aurora viewing is never guaranteed.

Nearby

Kittila is west; Yllas lies south-west.