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KOULULIIKUNTA

Jyrki Lehto:

Downhill Delights Await the Arctic Skier

Memorable holiday experiences are often closer at hand than you expect. If you´re a downhill ski enthusiast, for instance, you might be surprised to Discover that you have plenty of options for world-class alpine skiing in the Nordic region.

Finland`s ski scene is bringing the new millennium in style. Levi in Finnish Lapland becomes the first resort in the country to offer skiers a gondola lift. Meanwhile Vuokatti will be offering indoor snowboarding - even in the summer. The underground half-pipe built for this will perfectly complement Vuokatti´s otherwise impressive service. Comfortable pine log cabins and other high-quality accommodation are among the trump cards of Finnish ski centres - and priced accordingly, especially in high season. In neighbouring countries the lodging tends to be slightly more modest, but at least in Sweden it is also lower priced. The Norwegian price level can even be higher than Finland´s - but the mountains are much higher as well. Finland´s Western neighbours, Sweden and Norway, are clearly superior in the Number, height and difficulty of slopes. However the Finnish centres cross-country ski trail networks are unbeatable. The Finnish resorts are also clearly ahead in the variety of service options, so that even during poor weather there is always enough to do for everyone. The Nordic region´s best-known ski centre, Åre in Sweden, is actually planning to expand its offerings by adding a spa and perhaps also a complex featuring other indoor activities.

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As the new millennium has begun, the Nordic ski resorts are enjoying a very Positive outlook. In Finland, the recession of the early-to-mid 1990s concentrated and enlivened competition. Lifts were transferred from dying centres to larger ones that had the capital and opportunities to invest in the future. Some centres, such as Pyhä, have through investment and clear profiling raised themselves up near the big leagues. Still, each mountain is completely distinctive. You simply need to find theplace that best meets the needs of your or your family. FINLAND Although the Lapland region stretches across four countries, there are some that argue that the "real Lapland" is to be found in Finland. Here you can find the enchantment of Lapland, pervasive silence and even the right kind of company as well. The die-hard Lapland aficionado always returns to Finnish Lapland, even if he or she checks out the scenery across the Gulf of Bothnia from time to time as well. Levi Near the town of Kittilä, Levi mountain (531 m) is at the moment Finland´s undeniable number one ski resort and perhaps the most "Alpine" of all. One good indication of the place´s popularity may be the seven regular scheduled flights there every Saturday. Besides the addition of the gondola, the 45 slopes are being widened and the new World Cup level slope may even need to be made easier. The national alpine ski team has chosen Levi as their training ground. Levi´s lifts director Jouni Palosaari seems to be well positioned for the future with 19 lifts in operation. A moderate construction programme has brought results, making Levi a major draw. The network of cross-country ski trails (230 km) is well maintained and it is difficult to imagine any Nordic skiing enthusiast being disappointed. There is plenty to do for the whole family including spa pools and activity centres, not to mention the quality dining facilities. The Valkea Vaadin (White Reideer Doe) restaurant, which has been built adjacent to the old favourite Hullu Poro (Mad Reindeer) should not be missed. Meanwhile, on the slopes it is definitely worth pointing your skis towards the Tuikku Café. A car is not

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necessary as the services are concentrated and will continue in the future to the centred in the Levikeskus (Levi Centre) near Levi´s foremost slopes. Buses shuttle between the accommodation sites and the main lifts, but not late at night. www.levi.fi

Ruka Ruka (462 m) remains Finland´s top ski centre in terms of lift ticket sales. A lively atmosphere, multifaceted high-quality services and the nearness of the town of Kuusamo are all clear advantages. The resort boasts 28 slopes, of which 22 are lighted, and 18 lifts. Snowmobile services meet even the most discriminating demands and the Nordic ski trail system (150 km) is top-notch. The Bistro has a well-deserved reputation while the Klubi attracts people après-ski as well. Ruka simply offers something for everyone.

There is enough to keep serious athletes busy as well as enough to keep night owls going into the wee hours. However some are waiting for Ruka, which plans to focus on families in the future, to make additional investments. One step in this direction is the new easy-to-use Key Card lift ticket system. Good flight connections quarantee easy travel while one can even make it over to splash around in the waves at the Tropiikki spa thanks to a bus network that operates during the ski season. www.ruka.fi Ylläs Finland´s biggest ski resort is made up of various ski centres scattered around the Ylläs fell, meaning high operating costs and small investments. Altogether they have 36 slopes and 19 lifts. The speedy slopes of Ylläs (718 m) are top-notch during the sunny spring ski season. The open slopes on the fell are susceptible to strong winds during the depths of winter, at which point it is better to head for the forests for cross-country skiing. Ylläs´ Nordic trail system (250 km) is first-class. Overall the centre should try harder to back up its advertising slogan "Ylläs is number one", because the site certainly has fine possibilities. www.yllas.fi www.iso-yllas.fi Saariselkä Known for its "ski-boot dances", Saariselkä (436 m) is a lively spot for a more mature crowd, where the fun never seems to end. The resort has a variety of services including a spa, all of which draw families as well. However few take advantage of Saariselkä at the end of the season, just before summer. At that point Saariselkä offers sun - even a chance to get a

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tan - and low-priced package deals. There is plenty of snow late into the spring and the trails through sheltered valleys are un- crowded. The resort boasts 200 km of ski trails along with 10 slopes and six lifts. www.saariselka.fi Vuokatti Vuokatti (326 m) has excellent service but loses points because of Vuokatinvaara hill, which is attractive but small. The dining services at Katinkulta, the half pipe, and the soon-to-be-completed snowboarders´ tunnel are incomparable, even in international terms. There are 11 slopes. The quality id complemented by eight chair lifts and a good 100-km trail network. All that is missing is a big mountain. The services are slightly scattered, but at least there is no shortage of thing to do at Vuokatti, the pride of eastern Finland´s Kainuu region. www.vuokatinrinteet.fi Pyhä Favoured by proficient skiers Pyhä (540 m) has gotten a new boost from a new hotel made up of individual flats and new slopes, bringing the total to 10, with seven lifts. This compact centre has an intimate atmosphere but one can also experience a feeling of freedom in Pyhä´s excellent off-piste areas, which are generally considered the best in the country. The Nordic trail system is average (150 km), but the scenery in the gorges is certainly worth the trip. The action at the SkiBistro may be too much for some, especially during theme weekends. www.pyha.fi Elsewhere Besides Himos, Tahko is southern Finland´s number one ski centre. But as long as you are travelling that way, it´s worthwhile continuing a bit further along the same road. Luosto, Olos, Salla and Pallas live off their regular customers and many consider to be their "home mountains". The dark horse candidate is Finland´s southern-most Lapland-style fell, Iso-Syöte. Its mountain hotel enjoys the most amazing location in the country. The fact Oulu is part of its local economic area has not yet convinced the leaders of the municipally, Pudasjärvi, of the profitability of investing in it. But isn´t it high time to realize the opportunities in one´s own backyard.

SWEDEN Sweden´s number one ski resort is Åre, followed by the rest. Sälen is purchasing the largest centres, even Åre, but at least so far it has not beaten

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Åre in terms of skiing. Sweden has fine mountains and there has even been an emphasis on cross-country skiing in recent years, although that has yet to show up in Sweden´s medals standings at international competitions. Åre The pride of Sweden is Åre, which is also known as "the Nordic Alps". Although the slopes are World Cup standard, especially just above of the village, this skiing area is certainly multi-faceted. Björnen (The Bear) is a family paradise while Duved has a rapid new six-person chair lift and a slope with a variable profile that is well suited to high-speed cruising. From the summit (1420 m) one can reach the off-pist area, but in this big a place one has to keep in mind the danger of avalanches. The lift takes skiers to a height of 1274 metres. In the evenings there is certainly plenty of choice as Åre has plenty of good places to eat, bars and clubs. After a late evening one should probably not attempt the cross-Country ski trails, of which there is also a range of choices. www.areresort.se Sälen Sälen, in the province of Dalarna, is Sweden´s southernmost giant complex in the fell region. Having bought Åre and Vemdalen, it no longer has to compete for the title of the largest and most attractive resort. Its proximity to Stockholm guarantees huge attendance figures. There are all degrees of difficulty, ranging from 200 kilometre-Per-hour speed-skiing runs to family slopes on which even the youngest can enjoy themselves. Sälen has a very active nightlife. At the moment, Sälen dominates Sweden´s ski centre business and is a serious challenger to even the Alpine resorts, although there are bigger slopes in northern Sweden. www.salenfjallen.se Vemdalen Vemdalen, where one can always be sure of snow, is a complex of four separate skiing areas that are a short drive away from each other, so the feeling of a village is entirely missing. Vemdalenskalet has a steep profile and therefore attracts cross country skiers early in the season, practising for the winter ahead. Björnrike is a place for families and bon vivants, but the lifts are anchor lifts. When the sports hall turns into a concert hall, the mood really gets going! www.vemdalen.com Idre Steep but quicker thrills than in Sweden´s bir resorts. Idre boasts Sweden´s steepest maintained slope. Known as "Chocken", it has hosted competitions including world championships in speed skiing. Idre is Sweden´s national Alpine ski team´s training venue, but also great for Nordic skiers. Idre may most closely resemble the Finnish ski centres, because there is plenty to do even after day on the slopes. www.idrefjall.se

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Riksgränsen Located on the border of Sweden and Norway, Riksgränsen (910 m) is a mecca for experienced skiers. The resort features 19 slopes and six lifts but just 7,5 km of cross-country trails. Riksgränsen is an "after-hours" place to head for after the other resorts have closed to enjoy steep but easily accessible off-piste areas. Sweden´s snowiest centre only begins its season in late February, when the lift towers are dug out from masses of snow. Riksgränsen celebrates the end of the season at Midsummer in late June, with skiers enjoying the last runs of the year under the midnight sun. An added bonus is the wonderfully challenging Nordalsfjäll, which is worth climbing under one´s power for a view of Atlantic waves. The Lilla Ölturen is a route that takes skiers over the border into Norway at some points of the descent. For cross-country skiers, Riksgränsen´s offerings centre on the end of the season when a track is built on the upper slopes for the Swedish national team, who are regular visitors here. Pelikanhyllan offers enjoyable after-ski hospitality while at the Grönan night-club, the action sometimes continues until morning. www.goski.com/sweden.htm

NORWAY The Norwegians are the world´s toughest skiing nation. The invention of telemarking and mastery of all types of skis is taken for granted, though. The Norwegians have been forced to survive mountainous and snowy conditions throughout the centuries. They still have an urgue to go out to enjoy nature and mountains - and why not, since the country seems to be tailor-made for skis? Oppdal Here skiing takes place above the tree line. However the large difference in elevation (800 m) ensures great off-piste areas, which are surprisingly easy to access. Despite its population of 6000, the village feels somewhat scattered and lacks the "resort feeling" of the big centres. Anchor lifts dominant but the skiing is good. The nearly six-kilometres slope is really

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tough on the legs, even experienced skiers. www.oppdal.com Trysil In terms of skiing; Trysil is highly reminiscent of Åre, albeit on a slightly more modest scale. The littlest members of the family will enjoy themselves, but even dare-devils will find enough to keep them busy. The descent is over five kilometres, but one gets a good change to recover from the strain in Trysil´s high-class lifts. The ski area proper is several kilometres from the village, but one can also find lodging near the slopes and lifts. www.skiinfo.no/trysil/ Hemsedal A major Norwegian ski resort that after a good snowfall, can really make you feel as if you are in the Alps. The off-piste areas are unlimited and the atmosphere is heady in other ways as well. Norwegians come here to party but anyone is welcome. If Åre is Sweden´s most Alpine resort, then Hemsedal may be Scandinavia´s most Alpine resort. Despite the lively action, though, this village lacks a "certain something". www.skiinfo.no/hemsedal/

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