Local Area Information

 Lapland has it all!  A long snow season, with so much to do without even putting on skis; Santa living nearby; uncrowded downhill slopes, extensive cross country skiing (more than 300km); the Northern Lights.

We love the atmospheric kotas (shelters) and firepits on the slopes & on the cross country trails where we can cook sausages or toast marshmallows.
In the summer, the many kilometres of waymarked trails through the forests become walking or cycling paths. All of these activities are literally on our doorstep. Autumn (Ruska) brings beautiful colours to the forests and fells, heralding the onset of winter. The whole area is beautifully unspoilt and peaceful, with extensive forests all around. You can't fail to feel relaxed here.

Yllas (pronounced "Oo-las") comprises 2 lovely traditional Lappish villages, Akaslompolo and Yllasjarvi, situated 80km above the arctic circle in Finland.
We love the small friendly village of Akaslompolo with its fells, forests, lake and rivers.

Akaslompolo village is situated by a lake and surrounded by forest, including the Pallas-Yllastunturi National Park which starts at the edge of the village. There are 7 fells in the vicinity with hundreds of kilometres of hiking trails to explore in the summer. In the winter these form the cross-country ski trails. Alpine skiing takes place on the highest fell, Yllastunturi, 718metres high. Canoeing, cycling, mountain biking and horse riding are all available locally. Lake and river fishing is excellent. Winter activities including snowmobiling, husky sled trips and snowshoeing can easily be arranged through local safari companies.
In summer, experience the midnight sun. Enjoy "Everyman's Right" to roam and explore the beautiful fells, forests and lakes on your doorstep by foot, bike, canoe or on horseback. Akaslompolo lake has a swimming beach and a bird watching hide. The local sports shops offer bike, boat and canoe hire. There is a scenic path around the lake  which is accessible to all, on foot or by bike.

"Snowbear" is situated in a quiet wooded area of the village, but only a short walk to the supermarket, cafes, restaurants, a couple of bars and other village facilities. There is an ATM and automated petrol station. You can cross country ski, walk, run or cycle into the forests straight from the door. The ski bus stop is just a few minutes walk away.

Santa lives nearby. You can visit him in December, when he's not out delivering presents. He will also visit Snowbear Log Cabin by arrangement.

The long ski season with guaranteed snow provides ideal conditions for a wide range of activities for everyone. Enjoy uncrowded downhill skiing/snowboarding. Extensive cross country ski tracks (330km) start close to the cabin.
Other activities easily arranged locally
Learn about the Sami way of life, enjoy a reindeer sleigh ride, or look out for the  Northern Lights.

Visit www.yllas.fi for local information