Ylläs is a popular ski resort in the municipality of Kolari in Finnish Lapland. Ylläsjärvi is south of the Ylläs fell, while Äkäslompolo is north of it, 10 km away, mostly sharing the same services.
Most Finns are fluent in English, and Ylläs is no exception. Russian is also spoken by some people, due to large numbers of Russian tourists.
Ylläs is Finland's largest downhill ski resort in terms of total drop (465 m), single slope length (3000 m) and number of slopes (60 slopes in total). The slopes are usually opened sometimes in November.
The most important locations are Äkäslompolo and Ylläsjärvi villages located on different sides of the Yllästunturi fell. The network of ski tracks around the fells there is the largest in Finland (330 km). It connects to the tracks of Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park.
Several T-lifts and one chairlift line are available. The chairlift line only operates at good weather. There is also one gondola lift line operating at Ylläsjarvi.
Both resorts maintain snow parks for freestyle snowboarding. These parks contain various sizes of jumps (kickers) for beginners and pros. There are also a good selection of jibbing rails (especially on the south side, i.e. Ylläsjärvi). However, half-pipes are usually absent.
Ylläs travel agencies offer practice of Lappish activities like husky or reindeer sleigh trips, visits to reindeer farms and traditional Sami lávvus, as well as snowmobile safaris.
- Visitor Center Kellokas, Tunturintie 54, +358 405502424. Become acquainted with the nature of the Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park and its wide range of hiking possibilities. At Kellokas you will find Ylläs Café Milli, Kellokas Gallery, the Ylläs Travel Association and Kolari municipality’s Ylläs tourist information.
Visitor Center Kellokas, Tunturintie 54, +358 405502424. Become acquainted with the nature of the [[Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park]] and its wide range of [[Hiking in the Nordic countries|hiking]] possibilities. At Kellokas you will find Ylläs Café Milli, Kellokas Gallery, the Ylläs Travel Association and Kolari municipality’s Ylläs tourist information.
The Ylläs area hosts two major music festivals: Ylläs Jazz Blues in February and Ylläs Soikoon in July. There are also concerts in the larger restaurants and nightclubs.
- Gifts. For instance trinkets of the local Wood Jewel brand, you can buy them any souvenir shop in either Kolari, Ylläs or Levi.
- Lakkalikööri, a signature Lappish cloudberry liqueur, from Äkäslompolo Alko store.
- Cloudberry jam or sauce, from any retail store.
Gifts. For instance trinkets of the local Wood Jewel brand, you can buy them any souvenir shop in either Kolari, Ylläs or Levi.
Lakkalikööri, a signature Lappish cloudberry liqueur, from Äkäslompolo Alko store.
Cloudberry jam or sauce, from any retail store.
- Levi — just north of Kittilä, for more skiing.
- Lainio Snow Village in Kittilä, halfway to Kittilä centre. Admire the ice sculptures or spend the night among them in a warm sleeping bag.