Ruka
Snow Range
290-496m
abundance of snow for skiing and Arctic activities
Situated in the unspoilt beauty of the natural wilderness some 60kms south of the Arctic Circle and 20kms west of the Russian border lies Finland's premier ski resort of Ruka. Cross-country skiers will relish the challenge of trying to cover the total of 200kms of trails amongst fantastic scenery and alpine skiers can ski until 7pm as 23 out of the 29 slopes are floodlit. When the sun goes down, you will experience the atmospheric blue polar light and if you are lucky, catch a glimpse of the amazing Northern Lights, mainly between December and February.
- the experience
- the slopes
- lift passes and tuition
- ski/board equipment
The experience
Après Ski
When it comes to having a good time, the Finns are no slouches and après ski is always a lively affair, with plenty of music.
Try Ski Bistro, the Hotel Rantasipi's après ski bar or the Riipinen Game restaurant.
Activities
Learn the technique of telemark skiing or take part in the activities organised by the local nature and adventure team. You can try a snowmobile safari across the frozen lakes and through the forests, reindeer safaris, husky dog sledding, ice fishing or even visit Santa Claus.
We recommend that you bring long thermal underwear and warm, light layered clothing to wear under the Arctic suits provided with activities.Other amenities
The Ruka Club complex has a gym, four squash courts, indoor tennis and badminton, a golf simulator, saunas, Jacuzzis, solariums and a nursery. The nearby Kuusamo Tropikki has a fantastic range of pools and whirlpools to help relax any aching muscles.
Family choice
Ruka is a fantastic choice for children. Ski lessons start from age 5 and there is also a kindergarten called Kumpare for Children (Lasten Kumpare in Finnish) on the ground floor of the Kumpare centre. There is a special theme every day with play, drawing, singing and reading (also in English). The maximum group size is 14 children and there are two day care workers. To book the kindergarten please call + 358 8 8600 200.
Pre-bookable Extras
pre-bookable grocery starter pack
Available to all customers staying in self catering accommodation in Ruka, this grocery pack can be pre-booked in the Uk and delivered to your apartment upon arrival. The pack contains: • 1 Sliced loaf of bread - 510g • 1 litre of milk • 1 packet of butter - 400g • 1 packet of ham - 300g • 1 packet of cheese - 300g sliced • Cereals - 375g • 1 box of tea - 20 bags • 1 jar of Coffee - 500g • 1 jar of Jam - 500g • 1 bag of sugar - 500g • 1 litre carton of fruit juice • Cookies - 200g Price £28.Transfer time
Kuusamo 25 minutes
The slopes
Beginners
A great, uncrowded, resort in which to learn to ski. The Ruka ski school offers a package for first timers and new recruits will learn quickly under the expert guidance of the friendly, English speaking instructors and should be skiing on most of the runs by the end of the week.
Intermediates
The immaculately groomed pistes in the whole area provide plenty of scope to work on technique, ideal for the established skier with beautiful tree lined runs and no lift queues. You will particularly enjoy the challenges of the red runs on the western side of the mountain.
Advanced
Expert skiers will enjoy the steeper red slopes black runs on the north and western side of the mountain. There is also a freestyle area, mogul field and some exciting off-piste through the trees.
Snowboarding
In addition to the pistes, enthusiasts can also ride on the three half pipes and a variety of jumps, hand rails and snow boxes in the snowboard park. Ruka was the host to the World Cup Snowboarding Championships in 2005.
Slope facts
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Total kms of piste
20kms
Piste type No of runs Easy 10 Intermediate 14 Difficult 5 -
Number of lifts
18 (4 chairlifts & 14 draglifts)
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Direction of slopes
N, E, W
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Snow cannons
50 covering most runs
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Longest run
1300m
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Mountain restaurants
8
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Cross-country trails
200kms (Trails range from 6 to 20kms and 15kms are floodlit)
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Snow Range
290-496m
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Village Height:
295m (965ft)
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Highest Ski Lift
496m (1,612ft)
Lift passes and tuition
Lift Pass
| 6 days | 13 days | |
| Adult (low season) | £122 | £200 |
| Adult (high season) | £134 | £221 |
| Youth (low season) | £105 | £172 |
| Youth (high season) | £115 | £190 |
| Child/Senior | £84 | £137 |
High season: departures 20/12-28/12 & 15/02-12/04 incl.
Child ages: 7-11yrs. Youth: 12-17yrs. Senior: Over 65. Lift pass coverage: All lifts in Ruka.
Photo required for lift pass? No All lift pass prices include a keycard.
Ski/Board Tuition
| Adult | Child | ||
| Ski school | 3 days | £67 | £57 |
| 5 days | £112 | £95 | |
| Cross-country | 3 days | £67 | - |
| 5 days | £112 | - | |
| Snowboard | 3 days | £67 | £57 |
| 5 days | £112 | £95 |
First Time Skiing / Boarding
| Adult | Child | |
| Ski/board | £208 | £154 |
| Ski/board (child 7-12) | £134 | - |
| Cross-country (ad&ch) | £212 | £158 |
Includes:
· 6 day lift pass (not cross-country)
· 6 day ski & boot hire
· 5 day (1 hour 45 minutes per day) tuition. Child ages: 7-11 incl.
the savings
FREE lift pass and equipment hire including helmet for all children aged 3-6 years.
FREE night skiing on Friday with a lift pass until 11pm. FREE Arctic suit hire for the week including thermal suit, gloves, hat, balaclava and thermal rubber boots.Ski/board equipment
Ski/Board Equipment
| Adult | 6 days | 13 days |
| Skis or snowboard | £65 | £101 |
| Superior skis | £81 | £126 |
| Skis & boots** | £81 | £122 |
| Superior skis & boots | £102 | £154 |
| Child/Senior | ||
| Skis/snowboard | £39 | £67 |
| Skis & boots** | £49 | £72 |
the savings
FREE lift pass and equipment hire including helmet for all children aged 3-6 years.
FREE night skiing on Friday with a lift pass until 11pm. FREE Arctic suit hire for the week including thermal suit, gloves, hat, balaclava and thermal rubber boots.
