Nestled in the Finnish hills on the borders of Lapland, just south of the Arctic Circle, a visit here is a once-in-a-lifetime experience (and many return again and again).
Sometimes called the ‘gateway to Lapland’, the resort was founded in the winter of 1954 when the first slope opened. Since then it’s flourished there are now 35 groomed runs and over 500km of cross country trails.
Most packages have flights that go via Helsinki and land at Kuusamo Airport. From here it’s an easy 30-minute road transf...
Whilst larger resorts can be a bit overwhelming, the compact, unintimidating ski area here is just right for first-timers. Many of the lifts are beginner-friendly t-bars and Ruka also boasts the largest and oldest ski school in Finland. 41% of the runs are suitable for beginners – including the longest at 1.3km (blue 27 on the piste map). We also like number 7, which is a confidence-boosting green that takes you back to the village.
Intermediates are just as well catered for with 43% of slopes classified red...
Ruka’s well known in Finland for its vibrant and friendly après ski, with a number of bars, pubs and restaurants to suit all tastes. We love Ruka Peak (previously voted the best wild game restaurant in Finland) where you can sip on cocktails and sample refined dishes in a smart, cosy lounge with stunning arctic views. If you’re feeling adventurous, don’t miss the Riipinen Wild Game Restaurant where reindeer, elk, bear and arctic fish are nearly always on the menu. The aptly named Classic Pizza Ruka has a fri...