FINLAND
FINLAND, being a mostly flat country, isn’t known particularly for its skiing – unless, cross-country skiing is your thing. But it does have its moments, and the thick pine forests and rolling hills in the north provide an enchanting backdrop for those after something a little different. The biggest resort is Levi, which offers some rather good slopes. So far north is it that you’ll be skiing inside the Arctic Circle, so snow cover isn’t going to be a problem. You’re going to need to wrap up with an extra layer compared to the Alps, but you’ll also have a good chance to see the Northern Lights.
The slopes aren’t necessarily the most challenging, but it’s nevertheless hosted slalom events in the Alpine Skiing World Cup, and it’s a very good place for beginner and intermediate skiers, and those with young families. Levi also gains family-friendly points from its location inside Lapland, and children are sure to have a run in with Santa Claus. There’s also lots of winter activities to get stuck into beyond the slopes, such as dog sledding, snowmobiling and reindeer safaris. The best time of year to visit is from late March onwards, when the snow conditions are at their best and daylight hours are actually longer than those back home.
Where to stay: Hotel K5 is a luxurious place with its own reindeer corral, and has high-standard holiday apartments as well as its 35 smart rooms, which have their own saunas. Rooms from €122 per night; www.k5levi.fi.