Ski Holidays in Ruka, Finland
Ruka Ski Resort is traditionally the first Nordic resort to open, boasting a long ski season with abundant snow and most seasons offering more than 200 skiing days. One of Finland’s best known winter sport destinations, Ruka has been chosen to host the Freestyle World Championships in 2005.
Ruka, located in the north east of Finland, is one of the biggest and most popular resorts in Finland. Ruka’s varied slopes are in excellent condition and are located in different parts of four arctic fells providing sheltered skiing every day. In the evenings, the illuminated slopes create a delightful, dreamlike atmosphere.
There are great facilities for boarders, including two snowboard parks featuring two different half-pipes, as well as a fun and challenging assortment of tabletops, rails and corners. With the opening of the international level Vuosseli SuperPipe in February 2003 and the re-shaped BoarderCross course, Ruka has the feel of being a real snowboarders’ resort.
Lessons in alpine skiing, cross-country, snowboarding and telemark are available at the Ruka Ski School, where tuition is given by some of the best skiers in Finland. The cross-country skiing possibilities in particular are exceptional; beginners and experts alike can enjoy the extensive, highly varied trail network.
The standard of accommodation is high and a large amount of money has been invested in making this resort one of the best in Scandinavia. There is a wide selection of restaurants, where the atmosphere is relaxed and informal. Try the traditional dishes on offer, which use local produce such as game, fish, berries and mushrooms.
There is also a variety of indoor sports and facilities to keep you occupied for when the weather gets really chilly, not to mention rounding off your day with a relaxing Finnish sauna. Après ski amusements include DJs playing the latest club music, live bands, dancing and karaoke (very popular in Finland) to take you into the small hours.