Snow Fun (Lapland in general)

Member Name: misswilmotsghost

Product:	Lapland in general
Date:	09/01/09 (123 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: a wonderful, family adventure, with lots to do in the snow

Disadvantages: it can be very cold; eating out can be expensive

Yllas, up in the Arctic Circle, offers a perfect winter getaway for families. Our family have now been there twice, and would happily go there every year for ever - if the household budget allowed. We chose it for a skiing holiday as we had been to Lapland before, and knew that it was beautiful, but none of us had skied, so we were looking for slopes that weren't too taxing, good quality tuition, and a range of other activities, without a disruptive nightlife.

Yllas far exceeded our expectations, a pleasant small town, with a supermarket, post office, a few restaurants (Julli's pizzas are superb) and some good quality craft and souvenir shops (as well as some cheaper, less appealing stuff.

The ski school, based in a brand new, well laid out, building, was excellent. We were in small, ability based groups and the instructors were friendly and helpful, with exceedingly good levels of English. In 2007 our children were in a beginners group of just them, and so made fabulous progress.

The runs are mostly red and blue, there was one black run on our side of the fell (it isn't really a mountain) and two on the other, so the skiing is very much geared towards beginners and intermediates. There is a good nursery slope, with a new button lift and most of the fell is served by button lifts. There is one two person T-bar and a chairlift, and the other side of the fell has a gondola, opened in 2008.

The slopes are well cared for, with beautiful snow, and gloriously free of crowds - we never had to wait more than five minutes for a lift.

The equipment available to use was of a good quality and the staff were all very conscientious and helpful, ensuring that boots were a good fit, and happy to change stuff when necessary.

We went at Easter, when the days were lengthening, and so there was plenty of daylight for skiing and other activities, including husky and reindeer trips organised by Inghams (with whom we travelled).

The cabins were well appointed - cosy, but not cramped, and beautifully situated within walking distance of the shops - although I'd recommend taking along a sledge or kicksledge (you can rent one for the week) for your shopping bags.

Inghams also allow you the free use of cross country skis and snowshoes (these are available to rent from several different businesses if you are travelling independently or with another company) and it's possible to have lessons. I have decided that I am more of a cross country than downhill skier, although I did have to put up with being overtaken by a lot of fit Finnish pensioners. There is a huge range of tracks around Yllas, and you don't have to go too far without reaching a café with great hot chocolate.

Seeing the Northern Lights above the cabin on my birthday was the crowning glory - I'm saving up to go again!

Summary: hard to beat as a family skiing destination