Salla activities

Snowmobiling is one of the quickest and most exciting ways to travel into the wilderness around Salla. There are a variety of good local guiding companies like Kola Extreme - some are known to let you start your safari straight from the airport! Safaris generally include the hire of specialised warm clothing and equipment, an introductory session showing you how to drive a snowmobile and a traditional lunch. Some guides even offer the chance to combine snowmobilinh with other activities, such as a visit to a reindeer farm or ice fishing.

Reindeer have been one of the most popular modes of travel around Lapland for centuries – and now it’s your turn to see what all the fuss is about! The resort is home to the Salla Reindeer Park, where you can learn all about the history of reindeer use in the area, as well as hearing more about the natural landscape, native animals and plants. After this you sometimes have the chance to drive a reindeer sled for yourself. This is definitely one of the most peaceful and beautiful ways to travel through the snow, with only the jingle of bells and padding of hooves breaking the silence.

The electric atmosphere of a husky safari has to be experienced to be believed! The dogs can sense a departure drawing near and often begin to howl excitedly until they are harnessed up and set off. If you fancy taking the reins, your guides will usually show you how to control the sled yourself, using a combination of physical and voice commands. You can then generally choose how far you would like to travel, with many longer outings including a scenic rest stop halfway through for a spot of lunch.

Located in eastern Lapland, you can’t really come to Salla without paying a visit to Santa Claus himself! Thankfully Rovaniemi – said to be Father Christmas’s hometown – is only a two hour drive away. Here you’ll find the Santa Claus Village, a magical place where you can attend elf school, take a reindeer sleigh ride and even try gingerbread decorated by Mrs Claus herself! There’s an ice gallery filled with incredible ice sculptures, and an ice bar for those in need of a (very) cold drink. Of course you’ll also get the chance to meet Santa in his office, where you can sit on his lap and give him your Christmas present wish list. If you’re travelling with kids and want to give them an unforgettable winter experience, this simply shouldn’t be missed!

Cross Country skiing is huge across Finland and Salla is no exception. There are a total of 160km of trails here, of which 43km are illuminated for skiing after dark. There are loads of great routes around here - one of the highlights is a circular one that goes right the way around the Sallatunturi fell. Another of our favourites is the 20km route between Ruuhitunturi and Sallatunturi, which goes through swamps and forests, over the peak of the Ruuhitunturi fell, then downhill through the reindeer park. Most trails have multiple lean-to shelters with fires for warming up and many also have café stops.

Snowshoeing is arguably the best way to get into the most untouched areas of wilderness around Salla. Whilst snowmobiles, sleds and skiers have to stick to dedicated tracks, snowshoers are free to roam wherever they please, opening up a whole world of possibilities! This mode of travel may take a bit of getting used to but once you’ve had a little bit of practice, you’ll be striding across the snow with ease. Snowshoeing has to be the most peaceful way of all to travel through these incredible whitewashed surroundings, with only the gentle crunch of snow under your feet to disturb the silence.

Salla is an absolutely perfect choice if you’re planning to learn to ski during your week in the wilderness. 53% of the slopes are suitable for beginners and the Salla Ski Resort ski school is on hand to help you on your way. All the beginner runs have campfires at the bottom where you can take a break and warm up before heading back up to practice more. Most of the beginner runs also converge on a café – perfect if you want to have a few runs and then stop for a hot drink and a bite to eat! Intermediates and experts aren’t left out either, with 47% of the slopes being red or black, as well as an FIS standard slalom slope.