The Levi Times Spring 2020 by Levin Sanomat

Travel Newspaper

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SPRING 2020

Cleanest water in the world

SHOP Torikuja 3 B Tel. +358 40 171 5411 RENT Torikuja 4 Tel. +358 40 171 5017 Confirm the opening hours: www.intersport.fi/levi

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Looking from Australia:

Venturing to the fell highlands Photo: Tundra Huskies, Levi

“Finnish Lapland is the best destination in the north”

Taxi Transport Levi

+358 400 407 704 www.levintaksi.fi • taksilevi@gmail.com

SPRING 2020

Australians interested in northern winter

Lapland provides exemplary service “Lapland provides exemplary service for tourists. It comes from the way companies in the tourist industry and other operators serve their customers. You will not find service like this in the other Nordic countries.”

This statement was given by Mari Räsänen, General Manager of the Melbourne office of the travel company 50 Degrees North, who is also responsible for managing the travel company in respect to Scandinavia, the Baltic and Russia. The Levi Times met Mari Räsänen in Levi in December when she was becoming familiarised with the service available in Levi. 50 Degrees North brings tourists from Australia and New Zealand to different destinations in the northern hemisphere. Significant destinations include Canada, Greenland, Svalbard, Finland, Norway, Sweden, Russia and the Baltic. The most popular destinations in Russia are Saint Petersburg and Moscow with all their historic sights. They also operate other destinations in Europe, but the winter regions are of great interest. The company has offices in Melbourne in Australia, Lillehammer in Norway and Vancouver in Canada. The travel company was established ten years ago by Norwegian Tietse Stelma and Australia Jayde Kincaid after they became a couple. 50 Degrees North is a full-service travel agent, but it also serves independent travellers. Its operations in the north are mainly focused on winter. Among the Nordic nations, Finnish Lapland is definitely the number-one destination. “The northern summer and Midnight Sun are not as fascinating as the Polar Night, Arctic conditions and snow. Australia has summer, plenty of light and warmth. In the northern regions, you can experience darkness, snowy winters, coldness, starry skies, Northern Lights, huge forests, natural beauty and in the middle of everything there is life, wildlife and great services for visitors. Wintertime activities, such as

reindeer, husky and snowmobile safaris, winter fishing, snow castles and Northern Lights hunting trips are truly fascinating. We also like to use a variety of different accommodation alternatives, i.e. cabins and hotels. And of course, glass igloos”, tells Mari Räsänen. What is good about Finnish Lapland? Mari Räsänen is quick to respond that Lapland’s service culture is in a class of its own. You can also make comparisons to anywhere else outside of the Nordic nations, Lapland is still number one when it comes to service. “In Lapland, people come together to take care of customers. Here, cooperation between enterprises is nothing short of exemplary. Solutions are always sought for practical matters and problems. No visitors here are faced with resolving issues themselves, such as where to obtain a certain service, who to contact for a husky safari, where to find other accommodation, if they want to explore Lapland more widely, and where to find the right restaurant... The visitors are given all the information they need. Tourists are never left alone to resolve any issues. For every good Lappish enterprise, visitor wellbeing is an important issue, not the competitive situation of the enterprise. The servicemindedness of taxi drivers in Lapland’s high-standard destinations is the best possible. Taxi drivers are always ready to do plenty more than merely taking customers from one place to the next. The taxi driver will provide advice, resolve problems and various situations, and give assistance. When our customer’s luggage was delayed and the taxi driver was aware of this, he was at Kittilä Airport to get the luggage from the next plane. However, as the luggage did not arrive with the next flight, he independently went to wait for the next plane and got the customer’s luggage. What do you think the Australians who had to wait for their luggage and the other travellers on the same trip thought about this? Not only were they thankful, they were astounded by the level of service provided. They had never heard of such excellent service anywhere else but Finnish Lapland.”

It’s fun to ride a snowmobile, even when it’s snowing.

When Mari Räsänen (left) was exploring the services Levi has to offer, she met the Head Elf of Hullu Poro’s Tonttula Elves Village, Heini Hujanen.

Mari Räsänen tells of another case of a special service. On one of our trips, a child had wet their pants. They had no spare trousers with them. But, as soon as the accommodation provider for the group received information about this dilemma, it immediately sent a car out to give the child some dry trousers. The parents were both astounded and thankful, but their most valuable experience here was the sense of safety and security. How long are the trips Australians spend in Lapland? “One-week tours are the most popular. Our customers fly via Helsinki to destinations throughout Lapland. Although the tour is not usually longer, our principles are leisure without rush and experiencing the locality. We mainly concentrate on one day per activity, such as reindeer sleigh

rides and visiting a reindeer farm. On another day we can focus on snowmobile or husky safaris. Our guests have a full day to explore and enjoy the day’s theme. We have received special praise from our customers for working in this way”, tells Mari Räsänen. “Our groups are kept small and we give our customers personal service and make sure we are available around the clock. We invest a lot of time and effort into familiarising ourselves with the destination and the services it provides, before including it in our trip portfolio. We never make decisions based on information obtained from brochures or on social media. Our employees also have excellent knowledge about the destinations”, Mari Räsänen adds. Veikko Erkkilä

SPRING 2020

Levi West is the new slope area for downhill skiers A new chairlift has been installed for downhill skiers on Levi’s Länsirinne slope. The chairlift is the state-of-the-art Doppelmayer D-Line. The ski lift is almost silent and the seats are especially safe and comfortable. Jouni Palosaari, CEO of Levi Ski Resort Ltd tells that construction and installation work started on June 18th and everything was ready in late September/early October. The work was completed a month in advance. The ski lift company did all the ski lift installation work itself, as the company has the best competence in the task. The new lift is exceptionally children friendly. It is impossible for a child to fall from the lift. The lift is boarded via a loading carpet and the skiers sit on seats that are heated and extra wide. Each skier has their own seat with a beam between the skiers’ legs. The transparent cabin protector keeps wind and snow outside of the chairlift. Revolutionary technology makes the lift silent. The silence is not perfect, but it is very quiet compared to more conventional ski lifts. One six-person chair lift weighs 830 kilograms when empty. Weight is increased with the system’s “shock absorbers” that prevent the chairlifts from excessively swaying on windy days. When the chairlift carries six people, it weighs an average of 1,300 kilograms. As the ski lift has 69 chairlifts, the total weight carried by the ski lift is rather a lot. “At the end of the day, the chairlifts are stored overnight in an indoor heated

Photograph:Timo Koivisto

facility. If the chairlifts were left outside, they would accumulate snow and ice. However, taking the ski lifts inside overnight is nothing new. We have been doing things

this way since the turn of the millennium when we introduced the gondola ski lift”, tells Jouni Palosaari. The lower station of the ski lift has

premises in the West Point village that can be used for building accommodation and commercial premises. Veikko Erkkilä

Supermarket that’s Better than the rest! TAVALLISTA PAREMPI KESÄKAUPPA Wide range of groceries, Lapland’s own delicacies and large variety of special goods. We also have plenty of toys, household accessories, kitchenware and small home appliances.

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SPRING 2020

Meanwhile in Lapland What does winter feel like in the eyes of people who arrive here from outside Finland? These feelings are told by Peter Culley who lives in Rovaniemi. He is originally from Kent in the UK and has been living and working in Lapland for 28 years.

Now that you’ve arrived, there are a couple of things I thought I would highlight, to make your stay easier. I came here from the UK, and although I’ve been

living here in Lapland for 28 years, this place is still a quite a culture shock. Here’s a handful of hints and tips you might not know about this destination.

Reindeer If you haven’t seen any yet, you will. Lapland is home to around 200,000 reindeer, while the region’s human population is only about 177,000, meaning we have more reindeer than people. The reindeer are allowed to roam freely throughout Lapland, so you have watch out for them, if you drive on the roads, as they have no

Sámi

The Sámi are the indigenous people of Lapland and, in fact, the last remaining indigenous people in Europe. The Sámi have a rich and colourful culture and a number of traditions, including reindeer herding. You can find out more about the Sámi in a number of places in Levi. If you are lucky enough to meet a Sámi and talk about reindeer, you are probably curious as to how many reindeer they have. Don’t ask, as this will probably embarrass and offend them. For centuries, reindeer husbandry has provided subsistence for the Sámi and can be compared to what we call currency, so if you mistakenly ask a Sámi this question, you will receive the same reply every single time, enough reindeer for “both sides of the tree”, literally meaning “more than one, but kindly mind your own business”. Covering over 100,000 square kilometres, Lapland is about the same size as Cuba, Bulgaria or Portugal. As the Sámi have wandered these vast expanses for centuries herding their reindeer, when you ask them what they do if they get lost, you can expect the reply “We go home”.

Drinking tap water and breathing in the Arctic air

Whenever we travel on holiday, water is something we always need to think about carefully. Not in Lapland. Lapland’s tap water has been tested as being much cleaner than every brand of bottled water. You are doing yourselves a favour by drinking plenty of water straight from the tap. For more details, read the article about

road sense at all. Every reindeer is owned by a reindeer herder, commonly an indigenous Sámi. You can learn about reindeer by visiting the reindeer farm or taking a reindeer sleigh ride, Santa’s ecological way of getting around. Not so long ago, the only way of some Lapps getting around was using a reindeer sleigh. Distances

here are often measured by the reindeer herders using, not miles, not kilometres, but something called poronkusema. This is the distance a reindeer can pull the sleigh, before having to take a toilet break. Rumours have it, that one poronkusema is equal to about 7½ kilometres or 4½ miles.

water quality in this edition of Levi Times. What about air quality? In fact, Lapland has the best quality air of the inhabited world. Breathe deeply and know the air is pampering you. You are detoxifying yourself, just by being here.

Everything is frozen

Especially if you’re not used to Arctic temperatures – sometimes falling below -50 ℃, three times colder than your freezer at home – it can easily cause a few surprises. If you wash your hair, make sure it is dry before going outside, otherwise it will freeze solid. Do not dry wet clothes outside, as they will also quickly freeze solid. You may have heard about people sticking their tongues on metal posts in the winter. My advice, don’t try it. Trying to free your tongue that quickly froze on the post, is extremely unpleasant. Your phone battery hates the cold, so you will notice the battery doesn’t last as long as normal, if you are outside. Try to put the phone close to your skin to keep it warm. If your fingers are freezing and you can’t work your phone’s touchscreen, you will find special touchscreen gloves from clothing stores in Levi. Whenever you buy something like fruit and vegetables, flowers, drinks and carry it outside, it will start to freeze, so you will have to take this into account. If you go on a trip into the wilderness without a guide, always tell someone where you are planning to go and what time you plan on returning – Laplanders like to know you are safe! If you are standing in a wide-open area somewhere in nature, you may think you are standing on a frozen

If you are standing in a wide-open area somewhere in nature, you may think you are standing on a frozen field, but you are actually probably standing on a frozen lake. Don’t worry, only eight centimetres of ice cover is needed to carry the weight of the average adult.

field, but you are actually probably standing on a frozen lake. Don’t worry, only eight centimetres of ice cover is needed to carry the weight of the average adult. But, with so many things here in the Arctic, if you are not sure, ask for advice, or just don’t risk it.

Local Laplanders

The people living here all welcome visitors and will almost always go out of their way to help you with any questions or problems you might have. You can also trust people here and crime of any sort is extremely rare, so you can feel very safe here. When leaving their homes, Laplanders still have a habit of resting a broom against the door, to tell possible visitors they are not in. Obviously, this provides great opportunities for burglars, but we’ve never really had any.

Northern Lights

Significantly increase your chances of seeing this natural display by taking an aurora hunting

trip organised by a local activity. Some accommodation providers in Levi also provide their guests with an alert service. There is also a Northern Lights alert app for your phone. Ask Visit Levi for more information. It’s difficult to describe the experience, but even the locals go out to view the spectacle, despite being a rather normal part of life in Lapland. If you see the Northern Lights, avoid whistling, as the locals think this brings bad luck.

Last tip is tipping

Tipping is not common in Finland, so don’t worry if you don’t leave a tip, you won’t be upsetting anyone. The reason for this, is everyone gets a rather decent salary and service charges are almost always included. This being said, if you do decide to leave a tip, you will definitely make that person happy. Enjoy your adventure, I’m still enjoying mine!

Peter Culley

SPRING 2020

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Visma Ski Classics Ylläs-Levi 2020 The international final event of the crosscountry skiing season, the Visma Ski Classics Ylläs-Levi event will be held on 4 April 2020. The start is in Ylläs and the finish is in Levi. Ylläs-Levi is a long-distance cross-country skiing competition with 12 competition stages in Europe. The route starts from the centre of the Ylläs resort and traverses the PallasYllästunturi National Park towards Levi.

Skiers can choose skiing distances of 70 or 55 kilometres. The longer distance is intended for professional skiers and it includes demanding ascents and descents. The shorter distance mainly covers the same route as the longer distance, but the demanding fell highland section at the beginning is omitted. The ascents on the final stage are more easy-going. http:// yllaslevi.com.

Visma Ski Classics X (2019/2020) Event 1: 29th November, Livigno Pro Team Tempo, Livigno Italy 15 km Event 2: 1st December, Livigno Prologue, Livigno Italy 35 km Event 3: 14th December, La Venosta, Val Venosta Italy 45 km Event 4: 11th January, Kaiser Maximilian Lauf Seefeld Austria 60 km Event 5: 18th January, La Diagonela St Moritz Switzerland 65 km Event 6: 26th January, Marcialonga Trentino Italy 70 km Event 7: 1st February, Toblach-Cortina Italy 42 km Event 8: 9th February, Jizerska Padesatka Czech Republic 50 km Event 9: 1st March, Vasaloppet Sweden 90 km Event 10: 21st March, Birkebeinerrennet Norway 54 km Event 11: 28th March, Reistadløpet Bardufoss Norway 50 km Event 12: 4th April, Ylläs-Levi Finland 70 km

Huskypark is open around the year. Welcome! +358 40 570 6572 - levihuskypark@gmail.com - www.levihuskypark.fi -

Levi Huskypark, Inarintie, 11 km from Levi

SPRING 2020

Fell highland snow Photograph: Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park / Metsähallitus / Maarit Kyöstilä

Kilpisjärvi

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SPRING 2020

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SPRING 2020

World’s best drinking water straight from the tap Where can you get good drinking water when you are staying in Levi? You can buy bottled water from the shops or drink the water from the tap at your accommodation. Do you think that drinking water straight from the tap cannot be good or safe? Thinking that way is understandable, as you are staying in an exceptional holiday destination, and the tap water here is certainly excellent drinking water, perhaps even the world’s best. People are used to buying bottled water on their holidays, but throughout Finland water is worth taking straight from the tap into a glass or bottle. According to a study published by the National Public Health Institute of Finland in 2008, bottled water bought from a shop can contain up to a hundred times more microbes than Finland’s tap water. “Domestic water requirements in Finland are extremely strict and water supply expertise is top class. Water quality is constantly monitored in accordance with the monitoring research programme made for water utility companies. The groundwater coming from taps in Levi is conducted by water supply stations located at different parts around the resort. Water quality is assured using UV disinfection before distribution on the grid”, tells Hannu Teppo, General Manager of Levi’s water utility company Levin Vesihuolto Oy.

kilometres from Levi in the direction of Muonio, further improves ensured water supply and provides extra capacity. Water consumption in Levi is at its peak during the winter season. If necessary, water can also be conducted to Levi from the water supply grid of the Kittilä Vesihuolto cooperative using connected water pipes.” All water supply stations in Levi and Kittilä use groundwater, which is water that is below the ground level lying on top of ground layers with poor permeability properties. This water is perfectly suitable as raw domestic water, as impurities

are filtered out as it travels through the soil layers. Not all underground water is groundwater. Finland has mapped out around 6,000 groundwater areas that together produce approximately 5.4 million cubic metres of groundwater every day. In Finland, the quality of groundwater is usually good and it always conforms with the quality requirements set for drinking and domestic water. Only around ten percent of the groundwater produced in Finland is actually used. Timo Koivisto

A place where groundwater flows above the ground level is called a natural spring. Finland’s base maps have marked a total of 22,085 natural springs, but in reality, there are a lot more. This natural spring is located on the western side of Levi, next to a lay-by, and can be found by following the signs from the roadside.

BETTER THAN BOTTLED WATER UNESCO surveyed the world’s water resources back in 2003 and found that Finland’s massive groundwater reserves were not only clean, but also represented the best water quality in the world. Bottled water usually contains a small quantity of microbes that multiply during storage, but are not detrimental to health. However, water containing plenty of microbes cannot be classed as being of good quality. In the survey conducted by the National Public Health Institute of Finland, Finnish tap water was found to be cleaner than any of the more than 150 different brands of bottled water tested. UV disinfection has been verified as a safe and easy way of ensuring the high quality of water. The disinfecting effect of ultraviolet has been known for over a century. It does not cause changes to the taste or smell of the water, and it does not contain harmful by-products. As raw water in Levi is slightly acidic in places, some water supply stations alkalise water using the easy and safe limestone filtration method that raises the pH of the water. NEW WATER SUPPLY STATION GUARANTEES WATER SUPPLY EVEN DURING PEAK SEASONS “Levi’s six water supply stations are located in the immediate vicinity of the Levitunturi fell. Our newest water supply station is located in Kehtosvaara, approximately ten

In the photograph is General Manager of Levi’s water utility company Levin Vesihuolto Oy Hannu Teppo, the process pipe for the new water treatment plant in Kehtosvaara, and modern, energy-efficient UV disinfection equipment.

SPRING 2020

One of Leviâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s strengths is its wide range of activities Levi has huge number of things to do and you can find services for a whole variety of subjects. You could even try making a wedding proposal. Once you have proposed and had the wedding ceremony, why not take a safari, ride a snowmobile, a

husky-drawn sled, reindeer sleigh ride, drive a rally car... Go cross-country and downhill skiing, hiking with snowshoes or your own shoes, kick-sledding, discover the Northern Lights on a trip, explore snow buildings, swim in the spa or the winter pool

cut into the frozen lake, try catching fish from a hole made in the frozen waterway, drink coffee at an activity trail cafĂŠ, let the children play outside in the

snow, on a small sledging hill or indoors, try out some wellbeing services, experience bathing in the sauna, and savour the wealth of restaurant services... You

can also choose your own programmes. Levi also sees tourists who want unique or traditional old-style services, where guests are

greeted and taken care of during the entire stay, sharing of personal and shares experiences, and a genuine willingness to serve from the heart.

Photo: Tundra Huskies, Levi

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SPRING 2020

Die schönsten Seiten des Winters Was den Wintersportort Levi in Lappland so einzigartig macht? Neben der Schneesicherheit von November bis spät in den April hinein ist es sicher die Vielseitigkeit dieser Destination, beide Grund genug, dass sich von der Kinderfamilie bis zum professionellen Skifahrer auf Trainingslager alljährlich immer mehr Wintersportbegeisterte in Levi, 170 Kilometer nördlich des Polarkreises, einfinden und wohlfühlen. Sicher, bis auf wenige Pisten hat das Skizentrum Levi keine extremen Abfahrten zu bieten, wie sie Alpinskifahrer aus den Alpen gewohnt sind – aber es tun sich ungewohnte Aspekte auf: Die Pisten sind breit, fantastisch präpariert und so gut wie nie überlaufen, und bei den Liften sind Wartezeiten in etwa so häufig wie ein Verkehrsstau in Lapplands. LOS GEHT´S BEIM “ZERO POINT” Ein perfekter Start in den Skitag nimmt seinen Anfang beim “Zero Point”-Gebäude, das mitten im Dorf am Fusse des TunturiBerges Levi liegt. Hier erhalten Sie die

Liftfahrkarten, das Angebot reicht von einer Drei-Stunden-Karte bis zum Sechs-TageKombiticket, mit dem der Gast auch die lokalen Buslinien rund um Levi benutzen kann. (Sämtliche Tickets sind auch online erhältlich, im Online-Ski-Shop unter nordicskipass.fi/levi). MIT DEM “SKI BUSSI” UNTERWEGS Egal, ob Sie mit Flugzeug, Bahn oder eigenem Auto nach Levi angereist sind – vor Ort ist die angenehmste Art und Weise, von der Herberge an die Pisten und zurück zu gelangen, eindeutig der “Ski Bussi”. Die saisonal verkehrende, lokale Buslinie, die

auf zwei verschiedenen Routen zwischen dem “Zero Point” und dem “South Point” auf der anderen Seite des Tunturi-Berges verkehrt und dabei an allen grösseren Hotels und Ferienwohnungsdörfern Haltestellen anfährt, verkehrt verlässlich und in kurzem Takt. Auch das kulinarische und kulturelle Angebot im Alpendorf Levi lässt sich entspannter geniessen, wenn man sich für die Heimfahrt nicht mehr hinters Steuer setzen muss. FAMILIENSTÜTZPUNKT “SOUTH POINT” Vor allem für Familien und Anfänger im Alpinskilauf ist eindeutig das Skizentrum “South Point” als Ausgangspunkt eines erlebnisreichen Skitages zu empfehlen. Die Sessellifte, die den Gast von hier aus in fünf Minuten zum Gipfel des Levi-Tunturis befördern, warten schon mit einer ersten Überraschung auf: die Sitze sind nämlich beheizt. So angenehm das sich anhört – Rundfahrten sind nicht erlaubt, man muss also auf eigenen Brettern in die Talstation zurückkehren. Dort befindet sich übrigens “Leevilandia”, ein genau auf die

Bedürfnisse der kleinsten Alpinisten zugeschnittenes Skizentrum “en miniature”, mit einer Vielzahl von Matten- und Knopfseilliften und perfekt präparierten, einfachen Abfahrtsstrecken. Hier können die Kinder auch an den Aktivitäten des vielseitigen und kostenfreien “Leevilandia”-Wochenprogramms teilnehmen – organisiert werden jeden Tag um elf Uhr vormittags Schlittenfahrwettbewerbe, Schatzsuchen oder spielerische Winterolympiaden. Am südlichen Pistenzentrum liegt auch der Ausgangspunkt diverser Kinderskikurse und der Skikindergarten “Muksutupa”, wo die Kleinsten gegen eine bescheidene Gebühr von kompetenter, vielsprachiger Aufsicht betreut werden. Eltern kurz dem eigenen Alpinvergnügen widmen möchten. Reservierungen sind in der “Muksutupa”, dem “Knirpshäuschen”, nicht vonnöten. Ein vergleichbares Angebot bietet übrigens auch “Lastenmaa”- das “Kinderland” in Zentrumsnähe in Levi. –Das Skizentrum “South Point” erreichen Sie übrigens am einfachsten mit dem “Ski Bussi”, Fahrzeit etwa 15 Minuten vom “Zero Point” aus.

Levi Ski Resort Oy Ltd

Die Abfahrtspisten sind dazu bestens geeignet – man gelangt immer auf höchstens mittelschweren Strecken bis ins Tal, die Pisten sind breit und ausgezeichnet präpariert, und das “Verkehrsaufkommen” hält sich in Grenzen. AUCH SKIFAHREN WILL GELERNT SEIN Das Angebot an Skischulen in den Skigebieten von Lappland, allen voran in Levi, hat sich längst einen guten Ruf weit über die Grenzen Finnlands hinaus erworben. Unsere Skilehrer sind liebenswert um die kleinen und auch grossen Anfänger bemüht, und dank ausgezeichneter Sprachkenntnisse und internationaler Erfahrung lassen sich fast immer Skilehrer finden, die die Muttersprache ihrer Klientel beherrschen. In Levi haben Sie die Auswahl zwischen Gruppenkursen und Einzelunterricht, gestaffelt nach den Vorkenntnissen und der Kursdauer – vom 1,5-Stunden-Unterricht

bis zum individuellen Intensivkurs über mehrere Tage. Die Abfahrtspisten sind dazu bestens geeignet – man gelangt immer auf höchstens mittelschweren Strecken bis ins Tal, die Pisten sind breit und ausgezeichnet präpariert, und das “Verkehrsaufkommen” hält sich in Grenzen. Die Skischulen an beiden Seiten des Levi bieten auch Wochenprogramme an, bei denen man an jedem Tag eine neue Disziplin kennenlernen kann, oder für Altersgruppen zugeschnittene Angebote wie etwa die “Alpin-Skischule für Vier- bis Sechsjährige”. Den Kleinen beim begeisterten Hinunterbrettern zuzusehen und nach zukünftigen Skiprofis Ausschau zu halten, ist ein Vergnügen per se.

IMMER MAL WAS NEUES Levi wurde im Frühjahr des Jahres 2016 zum fünften Mal als “Skizentrum des Jahres in Finnland” ausgezeichnet. Ein entscheidender Grund für diese Wahl ist die kontinuierliche Erneuerung des Angebots – die Neuigkeiten in diesem Winter umfassen den annähernd kilometerlangen South Park für Snowboarder, mit zwei parallelen Abfahrtspisten für mehr Variation pro “run”. Im “Alpine Training Park” findet der Skifahrer vorgesteckte Slalom- und Super-G-Abfahrten und kann sich auf jenen mit den Fähigkeiten der Weltelite messen – der haushohe Unterschied erschliesst sich dem Amatör übrigens schon meist nach zwei, drei durchfahrenen Toren, wie der Autor dieses Textes aus eigener Erfahrung bestätigen kann. Als persönlicher Favorit seien hier noch die phantastischen Tiefschneepisten angeführt, die sich abseits der präparierten

Pisten auf allen Seiten des Levi-Tunturis ins Tal erstrecken. Auf frischem Pulver ins Tal zu rauschen, und dabei die Aussicht über die lappländischen Tundren zu geniessen, gehört wohl zum Besten, das ein Skifahrer auf dieser Welt erleben kann. SICHER AUF PISTE UND LOIPE Damit nichts passiert, wenn etwas passiert: Der Pistendienst der “Ski Patrol” ist im Skigebiet Levi der erste Ansprechpartner, wenn es um die Sicherheit auf Pisten und Loipen geht. Zu erkennen an roten Jacken mit gelbem Logo, helfen deren Mitglieder im Ernstfall und sind auch Ansprechpartner, wenn man einfach nur nach dem Weg fragen möchte. Die Notfallnummer lautet übrigens in Finnland 112. Gerade bei Schneeschuh- oder Langlauftouren stellen Sie übrigens immer sicher, dass Ihr Telefon aufgeladen und warm verstaut ist. Viel Spass im Schnee!

SPRING 2020

In Levi, everyone can go skiing Cross-country skiing tracks are maintained daily Timo Koivisto Thanks to the Slalom World Cup, Levi is best known as a ski resort, but about a third of winter tourists in Levi practice cross-country skiing. The 230-kilometre track network offers a great variety of routes for all levels of skiers. 28 kilometres of the tracks are lit. Ski trails are clearly marked, but if you are unsure of your skills to use the tracks, you can easily see your position on the map when skiing if you use the free online Levi Ski Track Service at Levi. fi. Using this service, you can also checkin real time, which tracks have been maintained. You can also plan the next day’s skiing route in advance. “Trails are maintained daily using snow groomers that have low emissions, in line with the resort’s values. The majority of crosscountry skiing tracks are located in the vicinity of the Levi resort and there are plenty of spots for taking a break. For beginners, the easiest routes start from the centre of the resort, there are lit routes that start from in front of Hullu Poro Areena and the Lake Immeljärvi direction has the flat sections”, tells Levi Ski Resort’s Managing Director Jouni

Palosaari. Renting equipment is the easiest way to get the right gear. Levi’s equipment hire companies have a good selection of ski equipment for all levels of skiers, for skate skiing and classic skiing styles. You should also take advantage of the ski maintenance services, because waxing is part of skiing. “Beginners and more experienced skiers will get tuition and information from the ski school, as they boast the most recent know-how in the field and professional skiing instructors. You can book skiing instruction from the ski school service counter, by telephone or online”, Palosaari informs. If slippery skis are a little scary, a good alternative for enjoying the winter nature is hiking with snowshoes. You can also use snowshoes to venture outside the routes. For example, the Levi and Kätkätunturi terrain is safe for hiking, as long as you keep within sight of the Levi resort. Clothing for cross-country skiing is available from local stores and the best way to dress for cross-country skiing and snowshoe hiking is to dress in layers according to the weather.

These are sliding snowshoes Have you already tried these back-country sliding snowshoes? They are short skis with fixed central skins that enable easy hill ascent. Compared to more conventional snowshoes, these make progression easier, as they also have sliding properties. It is

also easy to ski downhill gentle slopes in deep snow. As the sliding snowshoes are short, they are also easy to use in difficult terrain. The bindings take any type of sturdy footwear, but it is definitely worth choosing

footwear that protects your ankles from getting wet. The ski sticks provide support and allow you to gain more speed, just like with conventional skiing. A number of equipment hire shops allow you to rent these sliding snowshoes, so why not give it a go?

SPRING 2020

Levin Lapinkylä welcomes all guests to admire the Northern Light and bright sky in cosy roofed lappish huts!

Levi Northern Light Huts

Huts are equipped with two separate beds that can be joined together, toilet, shower , fridge and electric kettle. Area is remote and has dark skies to frame bright stars and Northern Light. Seven huts with pax 2, three huts with pax 2+2

Lapinkylä is logated at old lappish reindeer farm with picturesque old log buildings.

Oldest building dates way back to 18th century with an small exhibition of the life in past days. Restaurant serves tasty Lappish food incliding breakfast in traditional Lappish main building.

Reindeer safaries implements the services of Lapinkylä. More information: www.lapinkyla.fi

Address: Levin Lapinkylä Oy, Isotaalontie 285, 99130 Sirkka, mob. +358 400 225 240, email: levin@lapinkyla.fi Distance: Levi centrum 13 km/ 17 mins

Green Activities environmental certificate awarded to Discover Lapland in Levi The first ever Green Activities certificate given to an activity enterprise was awarded in Levi to Anette Latva-Piikkilä and her company Discover Lapland in January. Affiliated with the more traditional Green Key certificate, the Green Activities certificate is awarded particularly to small Photograph:Timo Koivisto

Anette Latva-Piikkilä.

activity enterprises in recognition of efforts made towards achieving sustainable tourism. Discover Lapland offers guided trips throughout the year in Levi’s nature for anyone keen on snowshoeing, hiking and cycling. The company was awarded the certificate for meeting environmental values.

The Green Activities programme is managed by Finland’s Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE SUOMI) that also manages the Green Key programme in Finland. According to Anette Latva-Piikkilä, it is the small details that form the core for sustainable tourism. Among some of the small deeds Discover Lapland does are, for example, proposing for customers to bring along their own mug for the trip and to even wash their dishes. The goal of the Levi tourist resort is to achieve the Sustainable Travel Finland symbol awarded by Visit Finland among the first Finnish tourist destination contenders. “Today’s customers and tour operators demand travel destinations to engage in visible and meaningful measure for sustainable development”, reveals CEO of Visit Levi, Yrjötapio Kivisaari. At the end of last year, a number of Green Key workshops were organised in Levi, the intention of which was to support the environmental certificate application process for enterprises. Efforts made to achieve the sustainable tourism certificate are natural steps for Levi to take to further its long-term development of sustainable tourism. “Companies in the region are encouraged to apply for the environmental certificate, using which the companies can verify that they have promoted sustainable tourism in their own operations. The certification process is already underway and a number of companies in the region already hold valid environmental certificates. Using a

European Union project, we are providing assistance for the region and enterprises to achieve the Sustainable Travel Finland regional-level recognition”, tells Director of Economic Development from Kideve Kittilä Development. The main goal for the project is to create the requirements for reducing the carbon footprint of tourism in Kittilä and Levi, thereby ensuring the sustainable growth of tourism. Considerations for sustainable tourism are essential, particularly when considering international markets. During the course of the project, there will be active communication about sustainable tourism and related activities. During 2020, shared communication priorities for sustainable tourism in the area will be determined and articles will be published regularly concerning the work and practices of sustainable tourism. This supports communications between different operators in the various themes of sustainable tourism and jointly published messages will achieve visibility and impact. The development of sustainable tourism in Kittilä also has positive impacts on other sectors, not to mention enhancing the vitality of the entire region. Cooperation between these different sectors promotes the various themes of sustainable tourism: ecological, economic, social and cultural. With an emphasis on ecological issues, efforts are also made to ensure that the impact of tourism on the Arctic nature remains under control.

SPRING 2020

Levi has plenty of snow this winter The snow was already a metre deep in January. The blanket of snow already came in October. Temperatures have been warmer than usual for winter. In January, temperatures dropped below -30 °C. There have been plenty of people engaging in wintertime activities, especially on the ski slopes. Waterways froze much later than normal, which partly made it more difficult to travel in the wilds.

Fox fur works in any winter conditions. This fox lives in Levi Husky Park and entertains curious visitors

Taxi drivers also act as support and sources of information for visitors For many visitors to the region, the taxi driver is the first source of information, as the taxi driver is usually first contact made at the destination. Taxi drivers in Lapland can help with a number of things, as visitors in Lapland are given a diverse range of services. Taxi driver Kirsi Kaivola runs her own taxi company in Levi called Taxi Transport Levi (Levin Taksikuljetus). She loves the freedom the mobile job gives her and she gets to fully enjoy the spectacular sceneries of the region on a daily basis. “This is a very varied job – you never know what the day ahead will hold. In order to be able to serve customers correctly, you need to know how to read the customer and be aware of the situation at hand. This is

something that I want to focus on, as I treat every customer as a VIP.” According to Kirsi, taxi drivers should always try to keep an eye on the events calendar for Levi and know the opening hours of different shops and restaurants. A taxi is clearly regarded to be a mobile tourist information office. As Levi has a number of companies that use very similar names, it is the job of the taxi driver to ensure that the customers are always taken to the right destination. One of the more popular requests for assistance Kirsi receives is help with locks, when some customers are unable to open their cabin door. “One early winter I had a family with young children who needed a taxi. They had left the pushchair back at home, because they intended to pull the kids in sledges instead. Unfortunately, there was not enough snow on the ground at the time. I managed to solve the family’s problem by

Aslak Niittyvuopio: “There are things that you shouldn’t avoid doing when the intention is to have a satisfied customer”, says Aslak Niittyvuopio. Aslak has worked as a taxi driver in Levi for around a year.

lending our family’s pushchair to the family for them to use for the duration of their holiday”, tells Kirsi Kaivola.

SMALL DEEDS ARE IMPORTANT Aslak Niittyvuopio, who has run the Koti Pizza restaurant in Levi for about a decade, also started a taxi service last year. The changes in Finland’s taxi laws made it easier for him to provide taxi services. He feels that the job is precisely what he expected it to be. “Customer service is something I have a lot of experience at. The right attitude and small deeds are important in this job. There are things that you shouldn’t avoid doing when the intention is to have a satisfied customer. For instance, the luggage is taken out of the boot or even taken to the cabin. “Customers have plenty of questions and I do my best to help them with everything. It is important to keep yourself aware

of what is going on in Levi and where. Sometimes individual travellers have lost the address for the cabin, so we search for the cabin together. When customers run into some problems like, for instance, arrangements that need to be made if the luggage didn’t make the flight. In situations like these, we get a survival pack from the shop so that the holiday can start despite the luggage being delayed. I am also often faced with situations that are not directly related to the taxi services I provide. I am always glad to help in order to avoid any problems, and at the same time it makes the customer, and me, very satisfied. For example, I often stop to help people who are having trouble starting their cars in the below-freezing temperatures”, Aslak Niittyvuopio tells. Timo Koivisto

Kirsi Kaivola tells that driving the taxi is only a small part of her job, as the customer often needs help with a number of issues.

SPRING 2020

SUPERMARKET • SOUVENIRS • CLOTHING

HOTEL • RESTAURANT • SAUNA

RESTAURANT

LEVI

INFO • ROOM RESERVATION

Book all Levi excursions & activities from Levi Tourist Office

SOUVENIRS • GIFTS

HOTEL • RESTAURANT

Levi’s largest souvenir store with the biggest collection of SOUVENIRS

Welcome!

Address: Myllyjoentie 2, FI-99130 Levi Tel. +358 (0) 600 550 134 * levi.info@levi.fi, Levi.fi, m.levi.fi * (0,8€/min+local charge)

+ 358400 693 062

RESTAURANT

KingCrab House

KEVY TL

Arctic Seafood Restaurant

MEDICAL CENTER DENTIST

DOCTOR

NMUK

IIKENNE

OPERO

SPA • HOTEL • RESTAURANT

MARTINMUTK A

+358 (0) 400 138 333 restaurant@kingcrabhouse.ﬁ www.kingcrabhouse.ﬁ

Levi

LEVI

REAL ESTATE AGENCY

NTIE

MYLL YJ O E

Appointments by phone +358 10 312 141

+35816 646 301 www.levihotelspa.fi

PROGRAM SERVICES

NTIE

SPORT SHOP

LAPLAND HOTELS SIRKANT

LEV

IRA

MYL

ITT

LY J O E

Levintie 1590 • pihlajalinna.fi

+358 10 325 4040 sales@polarstartravel.fi

www.polarstartravel.fi

REAL ESTATE AGENCY

SPORT SHOP

RESTAURANT

Levi

E NANTI

RAN

KÄTKÄ

HOTEL • RESTAURANT

Pihlajalinna

Levi

You won’t find tastier pizzas Next to the Eturinne Slope.

We also sell beers and ciders. Hissitie 11, Levi, +35816 643 034

+358 16 336 3000

LEVI HOTEL SPA

ESK

ITI

LEVIN PORTTI

Confirm the opening hours: www.intersport.fi/levi

LEVI

LEVIN MATKAILU

SHOP Torikuja 3 B Tel. +358 40 171 5411 RENT Torikuja 4 Tel. +358 40 171 5017

+35845 1255 000

HOTEL K5 LEVI

Local Levi Enterprise

SPRING 2020

Levi

Käännös-, tulkkaus- ja opetuspalvelut 28 vuoden kokemuksella

Arctic language company

Arctic Language Company Oy 040 774 9945 myynti@arcticlanguagecompany.fi

Centre N

IRAITTI

VIPRA KKA

17WANHA HULLU PORO HOTEL HULLU PORO

PIIR

SKI MB AAJ AN KUJ A

JÄN H II HTÄ

TO R

5 10

AKK

KUJA

SIT

LEVIN TORI

SIR

Pihvipirtti

HIS

LÄN

RANT

AVA A

AKK

RAKK

Editor-in-Chief: Veikko Erkkilä

NK.

AJA AST

S RAT

Cross-country skiing tracks

11 12 ITIE S S HI

CHAPEL

ZERO POINT

Eturinne slope (Front piste)

LEVI SUMMIT

HOTEL PANORAMA

Carole and Laurent Pauvert, from Nantes in France For quite some time, seeing and experiencing Levi and Arctic Lapland was only a dream, until their working organisation took their destination as Finland starting from the beginning of this year, and the couple got to travel to Levi. They have experienced a reindeer sleigh ride, snowmobile safari, downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, spent some time shopping, and visited the snow village. The programme for the final day also included a restaurant evening. Stella and Colin Morrison, from Dalgety Bay in Scotland The couple wanted to see Finland and its northernmost region. Stella and Colin experienced downhill skiing, a reindeer sleigh ride, husky safari, snowmobile safari, and savoured the culinary delights of a number of different restaurants. They also loved the fact that Levi has so much snow

AREENA

IKUJ

Publisher: Levin Sanomat toimitus@levinsanomat.fi www.levinsanomat.fi

Viivi Latvala

R ETU AKKA

TÄHTI

Travel Newspaper Published in the winter

What interests you in Levi?

ERIIKI

instruction into downhill skiing, snowboarding and cross-country skiing. Children have programmes in Kids Land in the centre of the Levi resort and on the southern side of the fell next to South Point House service centre. Some of the programmes organised by the activity programme companies include snowshoe hiking,

snowmobile safaris, winter fishing programmes, reindeer sleigh rides, horse riding, rally driving and karting, husky safaris, Santa Claus programmes, once-ina-lifetime experiences and adventure programmes. Levi also has a spa, doctor, beauty and wellbeing services, two bowling alleys, and a number of gyms.

ISSN1797-1896

English translations: Peter Culley

Printed by: Botnia Print, Kokkola

Encounters in Levi

TIE

HIMM

Levi is Finland’s largest winter travel resort. The accommodation establishments take 25,500 visitors, and there are 60 restaurants and bars, 200 different service companies, a wide range of wintertime programmes, with downhill skiing slopes and crosscountry skiing tracks. Cross-country skiing tracks cover 230 kilometres and snowmobile trails cover 890 kilometres. Ski Bus takes tourists between the slopes and accommodation spots. Levi provides downhill skiing on excellently maintained slopes that cover the fell. The changing terrain makes sure beginners and the world’s top Alpine skiers alike are entertained. The Ski School gives

Kid’s Land

Michelle and Scott, from Sydney in Australia When Scott was assigned to a conference in Finland, Michelle went along with him. When they were leaving, they were slightly anxious about how they would cope with the cold. One day, the temperatures in Levi fell well below zero, but surprisingly, this didn’t seem difficult for them to endure. In Levi, Scott wanted to try cross-country skiing, go downhill skiing, and experience a reindeer sleigh ride with his coworkers. Whereas, the experiences the couple shared together included a husky safari, snowmobile safari, and exploring the snow hotel.

SPRING 2020

Köngäs

PROGRAM SERVICES

k uk La i

Munajärvi

JOKELANVAARA

k sjo

v är uj

O A ST TEP

OUNASJOENTIE

HOTEL • RESTAURANT

18 19

KÖNGÄS

Rautusjärvi

INARINTIE

OUNASJOENTIE

RESTAURANT

ACCOMMODATION • ACTIVITY

RESTAURANT

RESTAURANT AURORA SKY

An oasis in the middle of the fell On the top of Levi – on ski lift no. 5.

ICEKARTING

SNOWMOBILING

• Snowmobile Hire Shop • Sales and Service • Equipment Sales

LAPLAND VILLAGE

Levi Northern Light Huts

FELL RESTAURANT

Pokka

RAUTUSKYLÄ

Isotaalontie 285, 99130 Sirkka, +358 400 225 240, levin@lapinkyla.fi

+ 358 45 162 5606 Harjatie 2, Levi I leviniglut.fi

Levi Fell Region

Sirkkajärvi OUNASJOENTIE

PETSUKKA

LEVIN YMPÄRYSTIE

RAKKA

To Muonio

HOSSA

LEVI CENTER Tunturitie 2, LEVI • +358 400 394 182 www.immelkartano.fi info@immelkartano.fi

RAKKAVAARANTIE

KOUTA

RESTAURANT DRAIVI

LEVITUNTURI

KOILLISRINNE

RESTAURANT AURORA SKY

WORLD CUP CENTER

PROGRAM SERVICES

BY VMAXRENTALS.FI

We operate right next to the snowmobile route. Easy route access means you get to ride your snowmobile immediately. Even children can join the snowmobile trip! 3,5km kilometres from the centre of Levi in the direction of Kittilä. TEL. +358 40 585 5333 • RENTALS@VMAX.FI

Ahvenjärvi

Immellompolo

TAALOVAARA

UTSUVAARA GONDOLA

RESTAURANT TUIKKU

LEVI GOLF

asjo

RESTAURANT HORIZONT

Oun

Immeljärvi

RESTAURANT • SAUNA

LEVIN YMPÄRYSTIE

Levi West

Kaakkoisrinne

TIEVA

79 8 km KITTILÄ 13 km

Etelärinne slope

South Point

SAMMU

24 LAPLAND VILLAGE

SPRING 2020

Levi’s kitchens create great flavours

co Wel

me!

Lapland’s nature, its purity and intense Midnight Sun in the summer months gives food ingredients a unique flavour. Food supply has largely been based on what nature provides: reindeer meat, fish, berries, mushrooms and vegetables. These have become esteemed and sought-after delicacies throughout Finland, but also internationally. Levi also serves international gourmet delicacies and ethnic meals. The resort also has numerous fast food restaurants and cafeterias. The restaurants have played their own part in raising the esteem of Lappish cuisine, with servings of traditional dishes, but also modern twists to satisfy global trends. The now renowned Lappish cuisine is experiencing great popularity. Meal presentation and restaurant milieu also highlight the Lapland ambiance, dining in a Lappish kota shelter, snow castle, and dining by the open fire in the glow of burning embers. The ingredients for Lappish cuisine are aromatic and pure and have received great international acclaim. Local meat, fish, vegetables, berries and mushrooms are served. Lappish culinary traditions have

been influenced by both East and West and these traditions change with the seasons. The subsistence economy has been the basis of the offering of natural ingredients. Vegetable and meat produce have been thoroughly utilised and commercially traded. Food was preserved using fermentation, drying, smoking and salting. Levi is the world’s largest centre for the serving of reindeer meals. There are many ways to savour reindeer meat and many culinary delights have been developed using the meat. The most common and traditional of these dishes is sautéed reindeer, which can be found from almost every restaurant menu in Levi. It is customarily served with mashed potato, lingonberries and gherkins. You can also savour the fine flavour of reindeer meat for a reasonable price in pizzas, hamburgers, pasta dishes and soups. Levi menus now include a number of catches from the Arctic Ocean, American-style steaks, the finest Mediterranean cuisine, flavours from all over the world and plenty of ethnic dishes. The gastronomic experiences are strongly supported by the food shops in the area.

Tuomikuruntie 136, Levi +358 400 394182

SPRING 2020

Unique Arctic

Experience

Snowmobile Safaris

Ice swimming & sauna

Restaurant Riihi

Chalet with 8 bedrooms

Tuomikuruntie 136 99130 Levi info@immelkartano.fi 0400 394 182 www.immelkartano.fi

SPRING 2020

Photograph: Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park / Metsähallitus / Maarit Kyöstilä

Finland’s most popular Finnlands beliebtester national park Nationalpark The Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park has been in operation for 81 years. The smaller section of the area was protected as a national park back in 1938, with the second section being incorporated in 2005. The fell highland landscapes of the area have fascinated tourists since as far back as the late nineteenth century, and the national landscapes continue to appeal to its visitors,

as the Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park is Finland’s most popular national park. Its diverse trails and services are used every year by almost 700,000 visitors. The enchantment of the national park is based on its nature, spectacular landscapes and rich history. These are also great foundations for new developments.

Den Pallas-Yllästunturi Nationalpark gibt es seit 81 Jahren. Ein erstes kleines Gebiet wurde schon 1938 unter Schutz gestellt und ein zweiter Teil 2005. Die Natur am Fjäll hat Reisende bereits Ende des 19.Jahrhunderts fasziniert und als Nationallandschaft tut sie es auch heute noch. Es ist der beliebteste Nationalpark

Finnlands. Seine verzweigten Wanderrouten und sein Serviceangebot erleben alljährlich eine 700.000 Besucher. Die Anziehungskraft des Nationalparks beruht auf seiner Natur, der grandiosen Landschaft und seiner reichen Historie, alles Grundlagen, den Park weiter zu entwickeln.

Reindeer is an animal of Lapland The reindeer has adapted itself to its habitat in Lapland. It lives and roams the forest, but often comes close to housing areas, people and roadsides. It is also perfectly adapted for terrain with very deep snow. In the winter, the reindeer uses its hooves to dig up food from beneath the snow, but it also gets nutrition from the beard moss growing on coniferous trees. The reindeer’s diet comprises hundreds of different plant species, with early summer delights being wetland flora and fungi being popular in the autumn. The reindeer is a normal part of everyday life in traffic throughout Lapland. The reindeer behaves in a rather calm fashion on the roads, as they are well used to cars. However, you should always be aware that the reindeer can make sudden movements. If you hit a reindeer with your vehicle, even if you just clipped the animal, always call the emergency number 112 and report the collision. A reindeer can be injured even from the slightest of bumps. Insurance covers all damages. Reindeer are also good at pulling people and goods, pulling a sleigh or sled in the winter. Of course, reindeer are mainly used for pulling Santa’s sleigh, but now anyone can try a ride in a sleigh pulled

by a reindeer! Reindeer have always primarily belonged to people who mainly concentrate on reindeer husbandry. Nevertheless, very many cattle farmers have also kept reindeer. Nowadays reindeer ownership is shared among people who perform a number of different jobs, but the reindeer economy is maintained by professional reindeer herders, with related traditional reindeer herding expertise being passed down from one generation to the next. Reindeer husbandry, with its own customs, orientations and vocabulary, is the only livelihood that has remained almost unchanged for a very long time, perhaps up to two hundred years. Only the technologies used for reindeer husbandry have been renewed. The first snowmobiles to be used for work in Lapland were used by the reindeer herders. Today, GPS systems are used for locating herds of reindeer, and helicopters help with rounding up the reindeer. Reindeer are allowed to freely roam and graze almost everywhere. This is why we see so many reindeer in housing areas and on the main roads. Even today’s Reindeer Husbandry Act conforms to old laws related to grazing activities.

The reindeer have hundreds of plant species to feed on in Lapland. Their delicacy is lichen, which gives them energy fast.

During the winter the reindeer will dig for lichen, grass and other plants from under the snow.

Stag’s greatest energy resources spent defending its harem. In the autumn, every sexually mature stag tries to gather its herd of female reindeer for the harem. The stag fights for its female reindeer or does in a seemingly harsh manner. The strong may continue their

genus and the weaker will give up the fight before it ends badly. They do not waste time and fighting spirit on eating. One strong stag can impregnate 20 does at most. The number would be higher if the stag would not have to waste most of its energy resources fighting and guarding the harem.

SPRING 2020

Photo: Levi Ski Resort Oy Ltd

FUN WITH SNOW

he ski slopes in Levi provide plenty of entertainment for families and alpine sports stars alike right through to the month of May. The Levi Fell is not as tall as a mountain, but downhill skiing is very easy and a great deal of fun. The slopes are wide, extremely well maintained, and you normally do not have to queue for the ski lift either. The best known of the ski slopes is the Levi Black competition ski slope that is used in mid-November for hosting the Alpine World Cup competition. The lit ski slopes provide their own ambiance, as skiing can continue after sunset. The invigorating search for the Northern Lights can also be done on skis in the middle of nature. THIS ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME EXPERIENCE IS EASILY STARTED FROM THE ZERO POINT BUILDING Downhill skiing experiences are best commenced from the Zero Point building located in the heart of the resort, where all the necessary services are available. Ski lift passes can be purchased in advance from Online Ski Shop (skipass.fi/levi), or you can buy them on arrival. Ski lift passes of varying durations are available according to skiing enthusiasm, starting from a three-hour trial pass. The six-day ski lift pass packages are also very popular, and these also include a bus pass for local transportation. Zero Point also provides equipment hire for having fun in the snow. The large hire shop has a full range of equipment and supplies for a number of snowy pastimes, such as downhill skiing, crosscountry skiing and snowboarding. Some really great activities are riding fatbikes or snowshoe hiking through the snowy forests. SKI-BUS MAKES IT EASY Whether you arrive in Levi by plane, car or bus, the best way to get around the area is by using the Ski-Buses. The buses drive two routes and the terminal stops are

located right in the centre of the village by the Eturinne slopes, just in front of the Zero Point building. The buses are there to take people between the ski slopes and the largest accommodation establishments. Even going shopping is made much easier using the Ski-Bus services. SKI SCHOOL Ski School is all about learning something new, succeeding, once-in-a-lifetime experiences, and sometimes honing of skills to perfection. Best of all, however, is fun and safe time spent together on the snow instructed by an experienced skiing instructor. In Levi, you can choose from private tuition or group instruction courses, beginner lessons or coaching for more experienced skiing skills. These courses normally have a duration of 90 minutes or three hours. Private tuition is a particularly effective method for learning how to ski or improving existing skills, and it is suitable for people of all ages. The Ski School’s abundant weekly programme has alternatives suitable for children, young people and adults. You will learn something new, meet other skiers, and receive instruction from Finland’s leading professional ski school. For instance, “Downhill Skiing School for children aged 4–6 years” is suitable for the younger members of the family who are able to take part in a group without their parents.

KIDS LAND LASTENMAA What would a holiday with children be like in Levi without the Kids Land on the southern side of the resort. They organise a free-of-charge full week of programmes to keep the little ones active twice a day. At Kids Land visitors are allowed to have their own food and drinks, so pack

Levi’s downhill skiing services The Ski School’s abundant weekly programme has alternatives suitable for children, young people and adults some sausages and juice along, just like the Finnish families do! Kids Land also provides a childminding service available for a small fee. FAMILY-FRIENDLY SOUTH POINT Particularly for beginners and families we recommend the South Point skiing centre located on the southern side of the Levi Fell. The South Point chair lifts are heated and will comfortably take you up to the top of the fell in around five minutes. At the children’s Leevilandia there are safe and covered magic carpet lifts as well as the traditional button lift take skiing beginners to a sufficiently high point, in order for them to safely learn the basics of skiing downhill. You may also see the beginners groups of the Ski School practice here. Leevilandia provides a free-of-charge weekly programme for children, in addition to having a charged childminding service Muksutupa, and you do not even have to make a booking in advance. Ski lift passes and hire equipment are available from the South Point building located by the lower station of the chairlift. The best way to get to South Point is by using the Ski-Bus service, and the trip only takes around 15 minutes. ALWAYS SOMETHING NEW Levi’s South Park is almost a kilometre in length, which means jumps and rails can be used on the same run. South Park is also an illuminated area, so skiing can continue even when it is dark. In addition to having specifically built jump elements intended for more experienced park enthusiasts, South Park has another route with smaller jumps and easier rails. Located by ski lift no. 13, at Alpine Training Park, alpine teams get to utilise totally new practice runs for regular and

giant slalom events. For example, on the giant slalom track, skiers can practice descending sharply using the exits for the former Snowpark boxes. There are also two slalom runs and an undulating ski track available. OFF-PISTE DOWNHILL SKIING AREA Levi’s off-piste downhill skiing area makes it possible for all those interested in the sport to enjoy off-piste skiing. The ungroomed slope areas offer an easy and safe opportunity for experiencing off-piste downhill skiing in the snowscapes of Lapland’s fell highlands. The piste routes from the upper ski lift station for lift no. 6 are over one kilometre in length, and the height difference of these is 290 metres. The area is a fun place for skiing, where the open fell area at the top is full of moguls and nice slopes. On both sides of the actual ski slopes, there is the possibility for experiencing downhill skiing through the forest, something that provides even the most experienced of skiers a little bit of a challenge. In early winter, it is precisely in these forested areas where you will find the softest snow, as the wind does not hit these slopes as effectively due to the tree coverage. HIT THE SLOPES SAFETY ASSURED The skiers on the slopes wearing red jackets Ski Patrolien are there to supervise and improve ski slope safety. They provide advice and guidance for downhill skiers, conduct preventative ski slope and safety measures, as well as taking part in first aid and rescue operations. By following the ski lift and slope rules, everyone will enjoy time on the slopes more and skiing will be safer.

SPRING 2020

LEVI’s WINTER WEEKLY PROGRAM January to April This and wider range of activities: check and book online at www.levi.fi/en/activity. Min participants: 2 adults

CULTURAL EXPERIENCES Snow, fire and feast Mon and Sat at 10.00. Discover the unique Arctic environment and delights of Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park. Enjoy a meal cooked by the fire using locally sourced and foraged ingredients. Duration: 4h. Price: 165€/person, 90€/child (4-15 yrs. under 4-yrs old free of charge). Cocooning int the Halipuu forest Thu at 11.00. Experience the forest from a new perspective: snuggled in a cozy hammock, breathing the purest air of the inhabited world and listening to the sounds of the Arctic. Duration 2h. Price: 99€/person, 55€/child 410yrs in the hammock with a parent Feel the magic of the arctic drum Sun at 18.40 Feel the magic of Lapland and the mystical stories of old times guided by a descendant of the great Shaman Torajainen. You will be guided to focus on your breathing, feeling warmness and sounds of burning fire. Duration 1,5h. Price 55€/person.

ICE-HOTEL Build your own snow igloo Tue & Sat at 15.00. Come and learn how to survive in a snowy wilderness with hardly any equipment and make your snow igloo. Duration: 3h. Price: 80€/person Magical Northern Lights Night at Luvattumaa, Levi Ice Gallery Tue at 17.00. Northern Lights accommodation package includes: overnight in Standard double room at the ice hotel Levi Ice Gallery, dinner and breakfast. Price: 280€/person, 190€/child (4-12y) Snow village and Sauna experience Sun & Mon at 13. Visit and marvel at this incredible ice Hotel. Lunch in the cosy wood restaurant. Then we drive to the Spa in Ylläs. Duration about 7h. Price: 149€/ adult; 119€/ child (2-10yrs)

SNOWSHOEING & BIKING Fun and easy snowshoe walk Mon at 10.00. Snowshoe walks through the forest. The guide tells about the Finnish nature and stories about the fells. Duration 2,5h. Price: 55€/person

Snowshoeing to Santa’s Cabin Tue & Thu at 9.15. Enjoy beautiful Lapland views from the top of Levi fell and visit one of its most photographed and scenic places, The Santa´s cabin. Duration: 3h. Minimum age 18yrs. Price: 110€/person. Feel the nature of an arctic mountain Tue at 9.40. Enjoy the peace and silence of the un-spoilt Lappish nature near National Park and focus on our senses during the hike. You may also try Snow Surfing. Duration: 4-5h. Price: 135€/person. Snowshoeing at National Park Wed & Fri at 10.00. We go snowshoeing in the beautiful Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park between the highest fells of west Lapland. Duration 4h. Price:120€/person. Hiking with the northern lights Wed & Fri at 20.15 Here in Lapland we have mostly deep snow and if you want both, fun and a challenge, this is your safari. Meet our reindeer, enjoy a warm drink and snacks. Duration: 3h. Price: 89,90€/adult; 65€/child age 1014yrs. You can also borrow our overall. Guided Fat-bike ride Wed at 12.00. Come and explore the Lappish nature with us on a fat bike. Duration: 2,5h. Price: 78€/person, 45€/child 8-12yrs.

ICE-FISHING Reindeer, Ice-fishing and Snowshoeing Mon at 11.00. Reindeer ride, ice-fishing and short snowshoe walk. Salmon soup lunch and dessert included. Duration 4,5h. Price: 125€/person, 75€/child (4-12yrs). Ice-fishing 2,5h Thu at 11.00. We will aim at catching perch, which is among the fishermen often better valued than salmon. Price: 60€/person

NORTHERN LIGHTS Lapland Express Snow-cat Tue, Fri & Sun at 21.30. Evening tour by snow-cat in the amazing scenery of Levitunturi. Duration 2,5h. Price: 98€/person. Aurora Base Camp Tue & Thu at 19.00. Experience the beauty of the Arctic night at Aurora Base Camp. Savour our famous homemade brownies and warm berry juice. Duration 3h. Price: 110€/

SPRING 2020

person, 60€/child (4-15yrs). Aurora Hunt Thu at 20.00. A hunt for Northern lights with a professional local photographer, who knows the best spots to see and capture the northern lights. Duration 3-4h. Price:125€/person. The Aurora Ride daily at 20.15 With you in a comfortable and heated sled, we will cross rivers, lakes, forests and arrive to our cabin with zero light pollution. Meet and feed the reindeer, too. Duration: 3h. Price: 109€/adult, 75€/ch under 12yrs

SNOWMOBILING & ICE-KARTING Leviloop – snowmobiling around Levi Tue, Thu & Sat. The safari takes us through snow covered forests and lakes around the Levi fell. Duration 2h. Price: 122€/person (1/snowmobile), 93€/person (2/snowmobile) 69€/child under 12yrs. Snowmobile safari for children Wed & Thu at 17.15. This safari offers children an opportunity to try out the thrill of snowmobiling in a safe environment with own family. Price: 70€/person. Snowmobile safari to see the reindeer daily at 13.45. Snowmobiling in the beautiful sceneries to the reindeer farm. We’ll get to know the farm and experience 1km reindeer sleigh ride. Duration 3h. Price: 193€/person (1/snowmobile), 144€/person (2/snowmobile), 102€/child 4-14yrs sitting in the sledge. Ice-Karting daily at 16.00. Icekarting is driving on an ice track with go-karts equipped with studded tires and four-cycle engines. Duration 1h. Price: 65€/person. Minimum height of the driver 140cm.

HUSKYSAFARIS Arctic Rides Fri at 10.15. Experience the highlights of a holiday in Lapland through the traditional vehicles of the arctic: reindeer and husky rides at Levi Huskypark. Duration 2,5h. Price: 94€/person, 61€/child (2-11yrs). Speed & relaxation: husky & reindeer rides Mon at 14.45. Feel the power of sled dogs in the sledge driven by the musher and enjoy the relaxing reindeer ride. Duration 1,5h. Price: 70€/person 50€/child (4-12yrs Forest’s husky ride at Levi Huskypark 2km/4km Wed & Sun with transfer. Other days on request. Enjoy a thrilling husky ride sitting in the sled driven by a musher and guided visit of the Park. Duration 2,5h. Price: 60€/person, 37€/child (2-11y) Husky safari 5km and visit of the husky farm Thu & Sat at 14.00. Go for a joyful ride through the winter landscape. Duration 2h. Price: 95€/person (2/sled), 70€/child (0-12yrs) Husky experience – drive the team of the huskies daily. About 4-6km husky safari and introduction to kennel’s everyday life. Duration 1,5h. Price: 115€/person (2/sled) 85€/child under 12yrs. Husky safari 10km Tue & Sun at 09.30 Experience how to ride a team of racing huskies with view onto the National Park! Duration 3h. Price: 140€/person (2persons/sled), 90€/child (2-14yrs) 20km husky safari to forest kota Wed at 9.30. The Husky team will lead you through the snowy land. On the way, we will take a break in a forest teepee,

kota. Duration 4h. Price: 220€/person (2/sled), 135€/child (8-12yrs)

REINDEER SAFARIS Lappish Village and reindeer ride Mon & Sat 1km-long tour at the reindeer farm” Sammun Tupa”. Visit of the old farm and its home museum. Coffee and home-made pastry in a cosy old wooden cottage. Duration: 2h. Price: 88€/person, 51€/child (4-11 yrs.). 2km & 6km reindeer ride on the frozen lake daily at 11.45. After the reindeer sleigh on the frozen lake hot drinks and snacks around an open fire Price: 2km: 60€/ad, 30€/child under 12yrs; 6km: 80€/ad, 40€/child (6-11yrs)

HORSE RIDING Steps on the snow in a pine forest Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat. Our Finn horses are ready to take you to the nearby surroundings along a step path. Duration 2h. Price:100€/person. Icelandic horse trek Levi Tue, Wed & Thu. Riding trek in the beautiful nature. Duration 2h. Price: 75€/person. Children over 12yrs only, unless they have previous experience of riding treks. Weight limit for rider 90-100kg. Night safari with Finnish horses Mon & Sat at 18.45 Experience the Arctic night on horseback, riding in a dark Lappish pine forest. Duration: about 1,5h. Price: 95€/person. Northern lights Icelandic horse trek Thu at 18.45 Search of ‘Aurora’ in the Winter Wonderland on our charming Icelandic horses. Weight limit for riders 90100 kg. Duration: about 3h incl time in kota. Price: 115€/ person.

SANTA & THE ELVES Santa Claus Village & Arctic Circle Tue &Thu at 10. Come to meet Santa at his official Santa Village & Post Office in Rovaniemi, Lapland’s capital. Duration 10h. Price: 105€/person, 63€/child (2-11yrs) Santa’s workshop in elves hideaway Wed at 10.00 Fun activities with the elves in Elves’ Hideaway. Gingerbread cookies decorations. Meet Santa Claus! Duration: about 2-3h. Price: 104€/person, 74€/Child age 3-12yrs; 334€/family of 2 adults + 2-3 children A winter walk with the elf in the yellow dress Wed-Fri at 13.00 A guided tour through the Magical Forest and the Seita Stone. The most secret place of the elves, the Hidden Huts, invites you to the Gingerbread House, the Elves' School and the Wise Elf´s House. Duration about 2h. Price 28€/person, child under 3yrs free of charge

LASER WORLD Try to make points avoiding the red lasers! Each player is provided with camo helmet with hit sensors and colour codes. Fun without being messy. Duration 2h. Price: 55€/person, 45€/child 7-12yrs with a playing adult. Child under 7yrs free of charge with a playing adult. Bookings: Levi Tourist Information tel. +358 16 639 3300 info@visitlevi.fi. www.levi.fi We reserve the rights to changes.

SPRING 2020

Enjoying the atmosphere in Särestö The Särestöniemi Museum is a unique place to visit for all people interested in history, art and local culture. Combination of beautiful nature and Reidar Särestöniemi’s art offers an unforgettable experience. From the museum area you will find artist`s childhood milieu, the Old Särestö. There is also a great Gallery, which was built when artist Reidar Särestöniemi (1925–1981) was still alive. You can also visit artist`s Studio, which was built in 1978 and where he lived and worked his very last years. Both in the Gallery and in the Studio

you will find exhibitions presenting Särestöniemi`s art. In the Studio current exhibition is called “Glances”, and it consists of drawings and portraits. In the Gallery, in the “Northern heritage” -exhibition, the paintings tell about artist`s influences. Reidar lived his life in the middle of vivid storytelling culture which was full of spirits and stories from the past. For example his mother was originally from Northern Norway and told tales from there. Reidar also heard stories originated sámi mythology

Midnight in Levi in late June.

Lapland’s summer is a huge contrast to winter Winter’s great contrast is a warm, sometimes even tropical summer. The sunshine in summer is another strong contrast to winter. As the winter, particularly around the beginning of the year, is the darkest time of the polar night, the summer has sunshine even at night. During the summer months the sun does not set at all Lapland for weeks. There are big differences in how much sunshine is seen between the northern and southern parts of Lapland, as the location of Lapland lies on the boundary of the polar region. Interest in wintertime travel has been enhanced by Lapland’s wintry, snow-laden

nature, Northern Lights, winter activities, Santa Claus, mystical polar night and the development of excellent services. However, summer has received a little less attention, but this shouldn’t be the case. In addition to warmth and sunshine, summer in Lapland overflows with freshness, pureness and nature’s own greatness. Summertime life is most impacted by the birds that return mainly from Europe and different parts of Africa to nest in Lapland. The appearance of wildlife is at its most intense during the summer months. In early summer, all forests are filled with singing birds. Each species of bird has its own set

timetable for flying to Lapland. The swans return in early spring. The last species to appear is the swallow. Spotting a swallow is a sign that summer is upon us. The flocks of migratory birds are amazing sights as spring turns to summer. This same pattern is repeated in the autumn as the birds migrate southwards. The last birds to leave are the swans, as many only leave once the lakes and rivers begin to freeze over. The swans take their time to ensure their young grow well and learn to fly. The common crane is also a late leaver, but it doesn’t stick around as long as the swan. Swans don’t fear the cold, as they cope fine in below-freezing

temperatures. In fact, nowadays some swans decide to stay in Lapland over the winter. However, for a swan to stay here there has to be an unfrozen section of water that supplies plenty of food. The best known of Lapland’s insects is the mosquito. When there are a lot of mosquitoes they irritate people, but the insects are completely harmless. There are many ways to protect yourself against mosquitoes. Mosquitoes are important food for many birds.

SPRING 2020

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