Club cross country ski trip to Ruka, Finland

Saturday 22nd - Saturday 29th March 2025

Ruka ski trail [P Styles]

About this trip

This is a new recreational trip to one of the top resorts in Finnish Lapland – Ruka.  Previous Club trips to Akaslompolo were very successful and Club members have previously visited the other principal Lapland resorts of Levi and Saariselka.  Ruka is the most southerly of the group, 20km north of Kuusamo airport and just south of the Arctic Circle.

• It offers the opportunity to cross country ski on varied terrain ; typically Lapland offers extensive stretches of flat/undulating forest and scenic lakeside tracks, allowing good distances to be covered.
• There are some moderate hills, with summits up to a maximum of 500m (from a valley floor at c300m). There are several floodlit tracks around Ruka and a variety of blue trails for improvers to test their skills, whilst the black World Cup circuit is available for those wanting a challenge!
• Ski trail cafes are available, as customary in Finland.
• The intention is to ski in groups and explore the area.
• There are also opportunities to hire snowmobiles, take reindeer sleigh rides or husky sled rides, or go winter hiking or snowshoeing.  There is plenty of downhill skiing if you fancy a change of technique.  This is a holiday after all!

Who is this trip for?

The trip is open to LRNSC members, and those wishing to join the Club.  It is suitable for improver, intermediate and advanced level skiers, who are able to ski on their own in the sort of terrain that might be expected.  

It is not suitable for novice skiers. There won’t be any coaching, so skiers may want to make use of the local ski school for lessons.  Whilst we will ski in groups, and more experienced skiers may give tips, you will ultimately be responsible for yourself and your own safety. 

Improvers - You’ve got the basic techniques and can ski comfortably in easy terrain, controlling your speed on gentle descents.

Intermediates

• You understand and can ski most classic and skate techniques confidently with effective downhill control.
• You can ski at a steady pace on half or whole day tours.

Advanced

• You understand and can ski most/all the techniques in classic and skate styles in varied terrain and snow conditions.
• You’re able to ski for several hours each day, adapting your pace to suit the terrain and group.

About Ruka

Ruka is a fairly small, rather laid back resort that focusses on downhill and cross country skiing in the winter.  There are plenty of bars and restaurants to try if you fancy a break from cooking, including the Michelin starred Tapio (but we might need to book a table now to get a place!)  The main part of the resort is pedestrianised.  Apart from the main village accommodation, there are cabins in the surrounding the area.

Ruka has one of the longest ski seasons in Europe, starting usually in October and has 125 km of cross country skiing trails, including 23 km floodlit until 9pm. The track network also extends south via Nisinvaara to Kuusamo, with around 110km of additional routes.  The ski trails are free to use.

Interactive ski trails map
Map of Ruka area showing ski trails and accommodation locations
The general Ruka website has lots of other information, including what ski tracks are open.

Accommodation

You should book your own accommodation and if you would like someone to share an apartment with, please indicate that on the sign-up form and we will try to pair you up.

You can check prices and terms/conditions for the options below on Booking.com. Alternatively there are free cancellation bookings on sites like Destinia.com, Vio.com and Expedia.com but prices may be higher.  You can find other booking facilities through Google maps and searching for the apartment names, or book through the Ruka website which has its own booking conditions.  NB Check how your travel insurance covers any accommodation cancellations.

This map shows the location of both of the suggested apartments, and the link to the interactive map will give you a better view on both of these places.

As well as these choices, there are many other options, including B&B and half board package.

Just bear in mind that you want to be located within 500m of Ruka town (marked Keloruka on this map), so that we can meet easily for dining, socialising and skiing.

Ski-Inn AurinkoRinne

Self-catered apartments with sauna, own ski locker by the front door – No 71 on the resort map.  This is the best option for those booking solo accommodation.  It’s a 10 minute walk back into the village for an evening meal, so an opportunity to stretch ski legs at the end of the night!

Featuring lake views, the apartments have balconies, private entrance and free WiFi.  Each unit has a fully equipped kitchen, oven, microwave, toaster, coffee machine, kettle and dishwasher. Also a fireplace, seating area, flat-screen TV and private bathroom with bidet and a hair dryer. All units have bed linen and towels and a variety of wellness options. A ski rental facility is nearby, and the apartment has ski-to-door access. There is also a convenience store for guests.  The property offers a paid shuttle service from Kuusamo airport.

These apartments are just west of the main village, in a peaceful setting among pine trees. It’s about a 10 minute walk into Ruka village, however there appears to be an illuminated ski track in front of the property and access to other ski tracks nearby.

Options: Studios with 2 twin beds - 2 bedroom apartments sleeping 2 to 5 people, 2 singles, 2 bunks, 1 sofa bed - 2 bedroom apartments sleeping 2 to 5 people – 2 x 2 singles, 1 sofa bed

Ski-Inn Ruka Suites

Self-catered apartments - No 3 on the resort map. 

The Ruka Suites are situated in the town for easy access to all places, but they only offer larger accommodation for 2(+) people.The accommodation has a sauna, free WiFi, balcony, fully equipped kitchen with dishwasher, microwave, fridge, stovetop, kettle. The dining area and seating area has a flat-screen TV. The bathroom includes a bidet and a hair dryer. All units include bed linen and towels.

The on-site restaurant serves Cajun Creole cuisine and vegetarian, dairy-free and gluten-free options. The aparthotel has a variety of wellness options, including spa facilities, wellness packages and yoga classes. Ski equipment rental and ski-to-door are available on-site. The property offers a paid shuttle service from Kuusamo airport.

Options: 2 and 3 bedroom apartments

Other facilities

Restaurants
Numerous restaurants and bars in town, including the Michel starred Tapio, as well as pizza etc.

Supermarkets/Off licence
Supermarkets are located at Nos. 120 and 121 on the map, as well as the onsite one at the AurinkoRinne apartments.  They only sell low alcohol drinks (e.g. beers/cider/alco pops), if you want wine and spirits you need to go to the off licence - No. 122 on the map.  

Ski hire
Several retailers are available locally.

Travel

Suggested flights with 1 change in Frankfurt are:
22/3/25
LHR Lufthansa 07:30 - 10:05 Frankfurt 1hr 35 [55 minutes to connect]
11.05 Frankfurt - 15:30 Kuusamo 3h 25
Total time: 5hrs 55mins

29/3/24
Lufthansa 16:25 - 18:35 Frankfurt 3hr 10 [1hr 25mins to connect]
Frankfurt 20:00 - 20:45 LHR 1 hr 45
Total time: 6hrs 20mins

There are flights with other airlines, but these are the fastest and cheapest - current price on skyscanner.net is £219 without baggage (as of 6/7/24).  You could also consider extending your stay either side if flights from your local airport are more favourable.  Check on Rome2Rio for all travel options.

If you book the Lufthansa flights, your hold luggage should be automatically transferred through to your final destination, but recheck that when you check in.  If you're taking skis, these are carried free of charge but you must register them in advance.  This is best done as soon as you’ve booked your flight and no later 72 hours before departure.  Here is the link to the booking form.

Transfer

• The apartments featured both have chargeable airport shuttle services.
• There is also a chargeable shuttle bus service which runs regularly between the airport and Ruka Ski Resort in connection with scheduled flights.
• A taxi transfer is a third option, if this is cheaper than the first two options.The best option will be communicated once known, and whether this is within a group or booked independently.

Itinerary

Each evening we will meet to discuss options and plan the next day’s activities according to the weather forecast and people’s preferences.  This will either be during/after dinner if we are eating out together, or an appropriate place within accommodation if we are catering in.

We will ski in groups according to pace. This is very easily worked out on the first day once we see people ski. 

If this is your first independent ski trip here is what you can expect:

• Whatsapp will be used to liaise, so if you can’t make the planning session, the arrangements for the next day will be posted there, and you can send in your preference beforehand. We’ll ski a variety of terrains, some of which may not be suitable for all on the trip.  You are responsible for choosing your best options each day as there may be a couple of choices.
• As a group of Club members skiing together with no specific leader, we are each responsible for ourselves.  If you are skiing as part of a group, you can expect that the group will wait at junctions for the slowest person.  If there is a tricky/fast descent we will regroup at a safe place at the bottom to ensure all are down safely to continue.
• However, should this prove difficult to maintain due to the slowest skier/s lack of technique/speed resulting in the rest of the group waiting too long, options to ski more locally/take tuition would be suggested.
• Advanced skiers, if happy to ski solo, are free to explore the vast expanse of tracks in the area. We just ask that you tell the organiser your plans for the day and check in with the group on return.  NB It’s generally safer to ski with one other person if possible.
• Ski tours for the day will differ in distances of around 10, 15, 20+ km. These could be in either technique, depending on the terrain and ability – it’s your choice.  At least one day will be a skate day with an appropriate tour, but you can join it on classic skis if the route allows.
• Apart from these basics, the rest of the trip is up to you.  No one is in charge of leading each day, but those more experienced in skiing independently will invariably take the lead if no one else does.  However, this is also an opportunity to learn how to plan for yourself and become more confident.

NB Everyone on the trip is recommended to have their own travel health insurance policy that covers the Covid-19 situation. Rules are changing all the time, so please be aware of what is required at the time of travel.

The GIC (Global Health Insurance Card) is also recommended in case of emergencies.

COSTS

All costs and bookings for flights and accommodation should be made individually.  Once transfer arrangements are known, these may be coordinated centrally, but if you wish to make your own arrangements you are free to do so.

What to do next

Stage 1

Please complete the registration form.  This will confirm that you want to come on the trip, which accommodation you’re likely to book and request a roommate if relevant.  There is no deadline to do this, but the organiser is unlikely to be able to help pair people up nearer to the time of departure.

Accommodation is available and flights are relatively cheap at present, but this may not be the case in a few month’s time.

Stage 2   

• The organiser will send you an acceptance email and information of accommodation sharing, if relevant.
• You will be added to the Whatsapp group (please indicate if you do not wish this on the form)

Any questions?

Contact Pauline the organiser.