The Skiers' Guide to Ruka

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.

Ruka is cold!!! Being inside the artic circle Ruka is snow sure and cold, the place is just beautiful, with the snow covered trees the sunrises and sunsets it really is stunning.
With a 30 min transfer from airport to accommodation this has to be shortest amount of time spent on a coach before getting to resort
Whilst Ruka doesnt have the largest ski area what Ruka does offer is fantastic, short runs of different ski levels and super quick lifts with virtually no queues, so lapping the resort is super quick and accessible.
Oh and did I forget, its cold!!

Quite a small resort but a fantastic option for intermediate skiers!

We went half board but would recommend B&B as a more value for money option with plenty of places to eat!

Were not huge apres people so couldnt comment on how many options there were, but saw a couple on the slopes albeit not many!

The scenery is outstanding and the option of nights skiing is a brilliant option at Ruka. Not to mention the excursions and the lure of the northern lights!!!

For more advanced skiers, wouldnt recommend and for those mainly looking for apres, again there are better resorts for you. However for beginner and intermediate skiers looking for good snow, quiet slopes and lots of lift options, would highly recommend!