Exploring the Natural Wonders of Ylläs, Finnish Lapland

Located in the heart of Finnish Lapland, Ylläs is Finland’s largest ski resort and a year-round destination for nature lovers and adventurers alike. January is a particularly special time to visit. As the Polar Night gives way to Midwinter, the skies come alive with vibrant auroras—a truly unforgettable sight.

Ylläs lies between the traditional Lapland villages of Äkäslompolo and Ylläsjärvi and offers experiences shaped by the Sámi people's unique view of the seasons. Unlike the conventional four-season calendar, the Sámi recognize eight distinct weather seasons, each offering its own charm and natural spectacle.

Spring Awakens the Wilderness

Early spring in Ylläs brings a welcome flood of light. Sunlight sparkles off the snowdrifts, inviting visitors to ski the slopes or explore a growing network of cross-country ski trails, winter hiking paths, and fat biking routes. As the season progresses, melting snow feeds the rivers, and the landscape bursts into life. Hikers in May and June can experience the quiet beauty of reawakening nature, from reindeer calving to the return of migratory birds.

The Magic of the Midnight Sun

Summer in Ylläs is defined by the Nightless Night, or Midnight Sun. During this period, daylight stretches endlessly, energizing the natural world. August marks the beginning of the harvest season—an ideal time for fishing, hunting, and foraging for mushrooms and berries. As autumn approaches, the return of darker nights brings with it a renewed opportunity to see the Northern Lights, often at their most vivid.

Autumn’s Colourful Embrace

Autumn is a highlight in Ylläs, when the landscape transforms under the spell of Ruska—a breathtaking display of fall foliage. This natural spectacle draws hikers from near and far, eager to explore the trails and national park set against a palette of brilliant reds, oranges, and golds.

The Enchantment of Winter

The first snowfall in Ylläs typically arrives between October and November, setting the scene for the coming winter. As temperatures dip below zero, frost cloaks the trees and the ground sparkles with ice. In early winter, daylight becomes scarce again as the Polar Night returns, but brief appearances of the sun near the horizon cast ethereal hues across the sky. After New Year, the growing daylight and milder conditions encourage outdoor activities, especially skiing and winter touring.

A Destination for All Seasons

Ylläs is not just a winter wonderland. Throughout the year, the region hosts sports, cultural, and recreational events, making it an appealing destination no matter the season. Summer visitors can take a gondola ride to the top of Ylläs Fell or try their luck fishing in the Tornio River, known for its tranquil pools and lively rapids, home to species such as salmon, perch, grayling, and burbot.

Getting There

Traveling to Ylläs is straightforward. Kittilä Airport offers flights to several European destinations during the summer and connections to various Finnish airports. Many visitors also choose to arrive via Helsinki, which is accessible year-round.

Nestled at the junction of Fell Lapland, Central Lapland, and the Tornio River, Ylläs is a breathtaking location that offers natural beauty, outdoor adventure, and serene moments—no matter the time of year.

Exploring the World with Vibert Noble

Originally from Guyana, Vibert Noble moved to the UK as a child with his parents. Today, he resides with his wife in the scenic Vale of Belvoir, a region whose name comes from the Norman-French for "beautiful view." The area is home to the UK’s first community radio station, which began broadcasting in 2005.

Vibert is an enthusiastic traveller with a particular fondness for Lapland and La Palma in the Canary Islands. Known as La Isla Bonita, La Palma is a haven for nature lovers, offering everything from lush laurisilva forests and dramatic volcanic terrain to the vast Caldera de Taburiente. The island’s renowned dark skies and extensive footpath network make it an ideal destination for two of Vibert’s favourite pastimes: walking and stargazing. His adventures have also taken him to Svalbard in the Arctic, on road trips across the United States, and aboard the California Zephyr train from Chicago to San Francisco.

Over the years, Vibert has cultivated a passion for chasing solar eclipses. After witnessing his first eclipse in Cornwall in 1999, there was a long gap before his second in the Faroe Islands in 2015. Since then, he has journeyed to Indonesia (2016), the Pacific Northwest (2017), Antarctica (2021), and Mexico (2024) to witness total eclipses. Looking ahead, he plans to continue his celestial quest in Spain (2026), Egypt (2027), and either Australia or New Zealand (2028).

When he's not travelling, Vibert enjoys a variety of hobbies. He practices tai chi twice a week, explores the walking trails around his home, and is a regular supporter of the local cricket team, the Trent Rockets. He also enjoys trips to the cinema and theatre. A dedicated football fan, Vibert has been a long-time supporter of Crystal Palace F.C. and attends around ten matches each season to cheer on his team.