Travelling to the frozen north to see the Northern Lights in person is a bucket-list holiday for many, as is an exhilarating skiing trip, hitting the slopes when the conditions are perfect, with thick, white, powdery snow.
One of the most popular options is to combine both travel experiences by planning a luxury Northern Lights holiday at a ski resort or destination within the Aurora zone, ensuring you have the best of both worlds and can relax with the soaring lights overhead as you enjoy the après ski facilities.
The Baltic Travel Company, an independent specialist in customisable packages to destinations across the Nordic, Scandinavian, Baltic, Balkan, and Eastern European regions, has created this guide to help you find the perfect ski resorts for spotting the Aurora Borealis. It also provides tips on the best travel times when both the winter sports season and Northern Lights are at their peak!
Finnish Lapland: Northern Lights and World-Class Skiing
Lapland is undoubtedly one of the best places on the planet to see the Northern Lights, with Earth's light show visible on as many as 200 evenings a year this far north. There are also three primary ski resorts, including:
- Levi: A large, well-known ski resort with excellent facilities and a breathtaking alpine backdrop. This resort is the location of World Cup slalom races every year, with various pistes based on your skills and abilities and floodlights for skiing during the darker winter months.
- Ylläs: This resort offers 32 miles of slopes and is the biggest ski area in Finland, with gentle, wide runs and cross-country skiing for more advanced guests. The less crowded resort, lifts and charming villages on either side make it a great place to unwind, with Äkäslompolo to the north and Ylläsjärvi to the south.
- Saariselka: Just 150 miles from the Arctic Circle, this resort is remote, with reindeer strolling through the nearby pine forests within the largest national park in Finland. The ski resort is about three miles from the town, with a reliable shuttle service and 15 slopes suited to beginners and families.
Once you have finished skiing, you can head into the countryside to see the lights far from light pollution, where the Aurora is brightest. Options include guided cross-country skiing, snowmobile tours and rentals, and even dog sledding into the wilderness.
These resorts also have superb après ski scenes with live music and entertainment, and even thermal glass igloos if you'd like to include a night spent away from the resort with an uninterrupted view of the lights from your private accommodation.
Skiing and Northern Lights in Iceland
Iceland is another fantastic destination to blend skiing with the Aurora, and areas like Húsavík have a skiing season that lasts throughout the winter with organised tours to take you to areas with the best views of the lights.
Akureyri is another great option, as the second largest city in the country, often called the Capital of the North, with landscapes stretching over the fjords and mountains. Reduced light pollution and extended periods of night make this an amazing spot to see the lights, along with the Hlíðarfjall ski resort just three miles away.
Guests can explore an expanse of country terrain, with options to try heliskiing. For those with a real sense of adventure, this involves taking a helicopter to more remote peaks before skiing to the bottom.
Away from the slopes and the Aurora, there are ample things to see and do, including art galleries and museums or the local spa experience called a Beer Bath, where visitors are invited to soak in beer yeast, which is thought to have health and skin benefits!
Booking an Aurora Skiing Holiday in Norway
Our next destination, Norway, offers several resorts and locations where you can see the lights in all their glory while challenging yourself on some of the best slopes and cross-country skiing trails.
Depending on your skill and experience level, we might recommend:
- Narvik, which is located directly within the Aurora Oval, where the Northern Lights are spotted frequently throughout the winter. The Narvikfjellet ski resort is within the city, as a less conventional urban ski experience with modern lifts and off-piste skiing nearby. We’d suggest a visit to the local Sami reindeer herds and a taste of Bidos, the traditional reindeer stew.
- Tromso is often regarded as the best place to see the lights anywhere in Lapland. It is a vibrant and friendly Arctic city with a range of restaurants and nightlife and is the setting-off point for countless Arctic expeditions. Kroken, nearby, provides a rustic ski experience, although it has fewer amenities than some resorts, with lifts closed from 9 p.m. onward.
Once you're tired of skiing, these areas offer an abundance of excursions and activities, from glacier hiking around the mountains for awe-inspiring views to journeys on the historic Ofotbanen Railway to see the scenery or dog sledding over the fresh snow.
Holidays to Sweden Combining Skiing and the Northern Lights
Finally, Swedish Lapland has several ski resorts and areas famous for their views of the Northern Lights.
Björkliden is around 150 miles north of the Arctic Circle and is a beautiful setting surrounded by soaring mountain peaks.
Close to Abisko National Park, there are plenty of ways to leave the resort to see the lights, from snowshoeing to snowmobile tours and dog sledding trips. The views over the frozen lakes create a remarkable setting.
Björkliden Fjällby is within a short journey and designed for experienced skiers, with ski tours, off-piste trails and heliskiing, although the demanding terrain means that most visitors choose a late winter or early spring trip when the lifts reopen after the harsh winters and the Northern Lights are still visible.
Kiruna is another option. It is the most northerly town in Sweden with a strong Sami heritage, having been a settlement for around 6,000 years. The culture and incredible architecture contrast with the ancient forests, mountains, and lakes.
Jukkasjärvi nearby was the world’s first Ice Hotel and is rebuilt every year by artists using locally sourced ice and snow, providing guests with an unforgettable and unique experience, with the small local ski resort on hand for days on the slopes.
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About Baltic Travel Company
We specialise in crafting unique, tailor-made travel experiences that showcase the diverse wonders of Europe and the Baltic region. With over 15 years of experience, our dedicated travel experts are committed to providing exceptional service and unparalleled expertise to ensure your Baltic adventure exceeds your expectations. From cultural city breaks to the inspiring northern lights and breathtaking natural landscapes, our carefully curated itineraries highlight the very best of the Nordic Region, Scandinavia, The Baltic Region, Poland, Slovakia and more. Whether you're a solo traveler, couple, or group, embark on a journey of discovery with Baltic Travel Company—your ultimate travel partner in exploring the hidden gems of the Baltics.
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