Ruka - Community Reviews & Ratings

First time visitng Ruka as we were mainly looking for some guaranteed snow at the start of the season given how unpredictable the Alps have been in recent years. Everything about the resort exceeded my expectations! I'd read some older reviews about it not being great for snowboarders and there being a lot of drag lifts, but I can safely say this is no longer true! 90% of the resort can be accessed by modern, fast chairlifts and there was only one significant run I found that was t-bar only (still not a deal breaker just less fun on the legs). Yes, the runs are short, but they immaculately groomed every night and you should go in knowing it's a different experience from the alps. Quiet slopes with that finnish atmosphere (think cooking up sausages by the fire as a mid-run break as opposed to dancing on tables). The park is world-class and used by many professionals for training and comps so if that's your thing you're very well catered for. There are also plenty of short dips through the trees and some dedicated ungroomed terrain which unfortunately we didn't get quite enough snow to sample properly. The tempreature is worth mentioning (-20c average for us during a week at the start of Jan) but if you bring the layers and are prepared it doesn't stop you from doing anything. The village is small but modern with everything you could need - a small supermarket, a few nice bars and restaurants and some good winter clothes shops. Also worth mentioning the new BASE sauna and restaurant which opened for 2025 at the top of the hill and is an all-round incredible experience. There's also way more to do here than just ski which is half of why a lot of families visit i'm sure - we took part in snowmobiling and ice karting but there's also ice fishing, reindeer farms, tubing down a frozen lake, snowshoeing and more, it truly is a winter wonderland! We found all food and drink to be very expensive, even more so than most Alps resorts we've been to, but countered this by gettting a very good deal on a half-board hotel which meant we had little need to eat out. I'd say overall it's still a cheaper holiday as flights and accomodation package deals to Ruka seem much more reasonable than a lot of places. Finally - the transfer from kuusamo airport is about half an hour! Can't get that anywhere else i'm sure. Overall I feel as though i've found a hidden gem in Ruka and will certainly be back!

This was a great resort for a family with lots to do for non skiers alike. Lots of great food options. Very busy in morning, quiet by afternoon.

Ihan hyvaa!Cool place to spend the day with friends, and enjoyed a pint. Good layout of rental area and a small ski school for the kids. Lift could use a upgrade and the price is fair.

Quiet slopes; fast and efficient chair lifts; well groomed; wide runs-lots of blue and red; good for families

Had the best time especially with the polar lights, the other activities you can do like speed sledging on a night or riding sledge with huskys

the ski resourt has a hotel at the bottom of the slopes which gives easy access to the slopes. The food prices in every restraunt is very good value for money and you can easily get lessons if you are a beginner. all the lifts are comfy and easy to get to. there are a load of sloped for all levels of skiing and/or snowboarding.

Brilliant compact family friendly resort. The slopes are unbelievably quiet and the locals are warm and welcoming.

For a first time skier, this resort was very welcoming and friendly. It has a range of slopes for difficulties and a family friendly slope for beginners and children. I had a 1 week holiday in Ruka and have advanced to intermediate level. The staff are incredible and taught me so much. I was nervous and doubtful when going skiing for the first time, but the instructors never pushed you too hard unless you were ready to move on. I would come back here time and time again. 5/5 stars.

Ruka Ski Resort is absolutely stunning. Depending on the time you visit, you can have the slopes all to yourself. However, this resort is small compared to other resorts Ive been to. During our first two days in Ruka, we managed to ski down all the runs. As an Intermediate skier, I would recommend this resort to people who are just learning and families with small children. Night skiing is great and the slopes are open till 23:00 on Fridays. We experienced the Polar Night Light Festival and although it looked amazing, we were underwhelmed as it was only a section of the slopes with colourful lights.Ruka Ski Resort is amazing when complimented with spending time doing experiences Lapland has to offer. Definitely a bucket list resort and do not regret coming.

Went to this ski resort years ago but its the best Ive been to in Finland. The slopes are very pleasant, not too steep but still exciting. Theres also black slopes but havent tried those. Ruka village is really cute and theres great after ski parties, bars and restaurants. Also the nature surrounding the ski resort is very beautiful.

Pros: great for beginner/intermediate, fast lifts, often quiet slopes, winter wonderland vibes, safe and friendly feelCons: can be VERY cold, minimal apres and dining options, expensive once in resort, not a huge ski area (but enough for most people)

Good for beginners or park riders. It was COLD when I went there in January. Would recommend to beginners looking to improve on quiet slopes. The night skiing and light show was a nice addition to the week.

Lovely quiet and calm resort. Beautiful cabins with private sauna. Quite a long walk back from slopes but across cross country runs so fairly easy or take the bus

Lovely place for families and non skiers presents great value for money but if you are an experienced skier it can get a bit boring as slopes are few and short. That said I would recommend it for nature and views.

Been to Ruka a few times now and whilst its absolutely nothing like the Alps, the Pyrenees, The Rockies or Japan (all places Ive been to many times) I absolutely love it! It is not a place to go to get as many kms of skiing/snowboarding done as possible, its a place to take a step back and truly admire the beauty of the surroundings. I dont think Ive ever been anywhere on a snow trip thats as beautiful as Ruka. You will keep stopping to take photos and videos, you will keep stopping to stroke reindeer, you will keep stopping to warm your hands at outdoor fire places in the trees, youll keep stopping to cook sausages or toast marshmallows in the indoor fire huts. You wont be rushing out of the door to catch the first lift as theres just no rush in Finland! The lifts are open until 7pm most days and sometimes even until 11pm and lift queues just dont exist! This also means that if you want to spend half a day husky sledding, riding snowmobiles, visiting Santa at his cottage, ice karting etc, theres still plenty of time left in the day to ski or snowboard. Its not the cheapest place for a beer and spirits are very pricey but with a hip flask or two, youll be fine! Ruka has a mixture of blues, red and a couple of blacks. No runs are very long but there are plentiful tree runs so you can enjoy fresh terrain if you want to venture off the pistes. If you go with an open mind and just absorb the beauty, I think youll be pleasantly surprised

Eula is by far my favourite resort to ski at. Skiing in the dark is just something else and the whole resort looks like something out of a postcard. One of the runs even has friendly reindeer that you can visit

Finland is a beautiful country and the Ruka resort is a testament to that. Its tailored to more beginner/intermediate riders with a lot of blue runs, red runs and some black runs as well. There are a good variety of places to eat and the town itself is a stunning village. It really is like a winter wonderland. Ruka is more for a quiet ski/snowboarding trip and you wont really find a lot of nightlife at this resort as its a more relaxed environment. That being said there are a few places to drink, bars mostly. Overall youll have a brilliant time at this resort. Ive been 5 times now and its almost become a tradition in the winter, its a place that feels like home.

Small, but family friendly resort, guaranteed snow coverage, efficient gondola servings village and valley slopes, floodlights to entire piste area, extended piste opening times, kids ski areas with reindeer park. Warming huts throughout the area, stop to warm up or Cook your lunch on the open wood fires. Experience the Festival of lights during January/February when the slopes are illuminated with coloured light strobes. Small central village with a selection of restaurant and bars, or pizza restaurant a short walk away. Bowling alley for evening family entertainment. Walk down to the frozen lake to experience the northern lights (weather permitting). Very short transfer from kuusamo airport (approx 30mins) good selection of self catered apartments, cabins or hotels with HB options. Lift passes usually includes the arrival day so you can get some additional time on the slope on arrival. For family accommodation book early as the larger apartments are very popular.

Ruka Ski combines convenience and exceptional skiing. Just 30 minutes from Kuusamo Airport, Ruka makes it possible to hit the slopes on the day you arrive. The lifts long opening hours ensure you can enjoy the slopes well into the evening. Ruka offers a variety of runs suitable for all abilities, along with excellent snow conditions throughout the season. For those looking to explore more, the resort features snowshoe trails, cross-country skiing, and dog sledding, ice climbing, ski touring amongst other things such as public sauna and the northern lights. Its accessibility, reliable snow, and extended lift hours make Ruka a fantastic choice for a seamless and memorable skiing holiday.

Went last year in mid February powder up past my hip ( i am 6,0 ft)!! Perfectly groomed slopes every morning with the gondola and chair lifts overlooking beautiful sun rises and sun sets. Can get busy on weekends but pretty quiet all week round. This resort has a couple local bars/ restaurants and a grocery shop. So if you fancy a week long ski trip nearer to the end of the ski season Ruka will not fail to disappoint! 100% would recommend for all.