However, they are currently expanding the resort and building a whole new village, so the above might not be true in a couple of years! Leigh. - If you book an apartment, go for the bigger one where possible. And every apartment has its own private sauna and log fire. We will come back here but not during February half-term. The runs are limited although perfectly groomed and some challenging reds and blacks.

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  • Only one … A face mask is a good addition to your kit. They also have excellent snow-making facilities. surprised at how easy it was to then get to Ruka. Fantastic place, will book again for next year!! Although very short days, all runs were lit. Just got back from Ruka and had a great time. Weather-wise we were told it was mild and the temperature was hovering around zero degrees. day every day.
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  • At Ruka you can find ski … There seemed to be an extensive snow-making area and a few of the locals apologised for it being too icy; if this was icy, we had died and gone to heaven from our Scottish skiing background. Write a review. great ski board resort pedestrian village both sides of the hill varied runs for beginners and intermediate ski boarders virtually no queues at the lifts Tanja Seferis reviewed Ruka Ski Resort — 5 star They range from gentle slopes for beginners to taunting gradients for professional skiers. (1) There are no buses or taxis to Ruka, (3) there are slow or infrequent buses / trains available, (5) getting to the resort is easy with frequent bus / train connections. (1) The ski area is located far from any accommodation, (3) a free ski bus takes you to the ski area in a short trip, (5) Ski-in ski-out accommodation is available. The ski-hire was free and really good for beginners. Second year in Ruka, stayed in the new Ruka Valley hotel, which is literally right on the doorstep to the ski school on the opposite side of the hill to the town. RUKA has been for 10 years running the first European Ski resort to set the ski season off. (1) No ski schools available, (2) one or two ski schools but local language only, (3) a few ski schools but book early for multi-lingual instructors, (4) plenty of ski schools and multi-lingual instructors available, (5) excellent ski schools with friendly multi-lingual ski instructors. Ruka is a ski resort in Finland. Soooooo much more space for your money than in the Alps. For the sake of a balanced review, here are some negatives: Ruka Resort Guide. We always book with Crystal Ski as they seem to be the only UK airline that flies directly to. With the temperature continually staying below zero, the snow never thaws and therefore there aren't any icy patches. Only downsides were they didn't make an effort to open the half pipe early which left a whole piste closed next to it for the duration of the trip. Located 25km north of the small town of Kuusamo, (with an international airport) Ruka is one of Finland's largest and most modern resorts. (1) An ugly resort in a bland setting, (3) average mountain views and resort, (5) a spectacular setting and a beautiful / historic resort town. Ski resort; Facts; Weather; Map; Reviews 6; Webcams; Photos 20; What do you think about Ruka? I`d say this is a good resort for people who are just starting out boarding and skiing but if you are at an advanced level this would not be for you. (1) Not even a kicker at Ruka, (3) average sized park quite well looked after, (5) huge park area and expertly crafted pipes, jumps and boardercross trails. Ruka Ski Area is renowned for well-groomed slopes and the longest ski season in Finland; over 200 days.
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  • They have quite a good snowpark with some big kickers. Ruka, near Kuusamo on the southern edge of Lapland, gives an added dimension to 'cool' as temps drop to 20 below (Celcius) in the dark months of mid-winter. The secret lies in the climate, as well as in the high-quality snowmaking machinery – not to forget the snow-how! Almost 250 skiing days a year - from October to June! Find location, trail maps and piste maps covering the mountains 201 m of vertical range and surrounding area. Saarua is Ruka’s most popular ski area for a good reason. (complete novices are well looked after by the ski school - but once you've got the basics you want to get out there exploring, and this was quite hard, with most routes including red or black sections). Absolute rubbish the queues are as bad as the Alps so be prepared to queue at February half-term in cold temps. There are masses. Ruka is a small, contained mountain village where you are only 460 meters above sea level. The ski resort is also small, a keen skier/boarder could do all the runs in a day, but there are loads of off-piste runs through the trees, a half pipe, and a good park, all of which keep us entertained for the week. You can see every bump(although not many) on the run in to the kickers. First day skiing we had to hire equipment which was extremely easy and well-thought out. However, we manage to get it so cheap, we can also book another budget week in the Alps as well. Enjoy well maintained slopes, efficient ski lifts and stunning views. Resort Review. Go and enjoy!!!! The Finnish people are all friendly and the slopes are kept in excellent condition. (1) No off-piste worth mentioning, (2) off piste is out-of-bounds, (3) some varied offpiste that stays fresh for one or two days, (5) a vast array of off-piste routes that can stay untracked for several days. Another point it that the runs are floodlit until 19.00hrs local time. Ruka's 29 slopes provide something for everyone. Absolute rubbish the queues are as bad as the Alps so be prepared to queue at … Occupying a third of the country’s territory, the region has a lot to offer, on and off the slopes. You can view more Ruka ski reviews or write your own review. The countryside at Ruka is beautiful and the colours of the arctic sky inspiring. Perfect location for ski in and ski out, plus lockers downstairs for equipment. - Layers! They had a good selection of rails too which is all good. Designated as Skiresort.info Test Winner 2020 : Insider Tip: World-leading ski resort with up to 20 km of slopes Loads of snow and could not ask for better conditions but a bit cold at times. I think we were lucky with the temp too, coldest it got was -10. (1) No luxury accommodation available, (3) just one or two luxury hotels so book ahead, (5) several up-market hotels in Ruka. (1) Overall, Ruka is one of the most expensive ski resorts in the world, (3) overall it offers pretty average value for money compared to resorts from other countries, (5) internationally the resort offers excellent value for money. (3) there are some ski shops but rentals need to be booked in advance, (5) good quality ski equipment can be purchased or hired and overnight repairs are possible. The other good thing about a small resort is that if you're with a mixed-ability group, or if you all head out at different times in the morning, it's very easy to go and do your own thing then find each other again. One year we visited, it hadn't snowed for almost a month before we arrived, but the snow on the pistes was still abundant and powdery. Positives: if you time your visit before mid Feb and the national holiday period, slopes can be almost empty and queuing non existent. (1) Ruka relies entirely on natural snow, (3) there are just a few snow cannons, (5) there are snowmaking facilities on all pistes. Almost 250 skiing days a year - from October to June! ; It is among the 10 most family-friendly ski Resorts … Skiing in Ruka - Kuusamo - located 25km north of the small town of Kuusamo, Ruka is one of Finland's largest and most modern ski resorts.In recent years, visitor numbers have started to grow significantly thanks to significantly lower lift pass prices when compared to mainstream European resorts… Ruka’s ski season is … Each time we say we'll go somewhere else, but we keep getting drawn back. This year (2018, booking for 2019), it was actually cheaper to book the bigger apartment!

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    Due to the early season only half the mountain was open but the main part of the mountain was open including the park and mogul area. Most certainly at the start of the season. (1) Nowhere to buy food by the pistes, (3) some places to eat up on the mountain but they are often busy and expensive, (5) there is a variety of excellent mountain eateries right next to the slopes to suit all budgets.
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  • Perfect when you need a break to thaw out and toast a marshmallow. As established skiers, we expected little in terms of skiing but were looking forward to the adventure of heading close to the Arctic Circle for our first trip into Finland. For this bargain price, the accommodation is second to none. Just got back from Ruka on Jan 20th 2008, I have never seen snow like it, constant snow 24 hours a day and for the 7 days we were there. A ski resort's overall star rating displayed here is not calculated based on a simple average but takes several factors, including the age of a review, into account. Then again you are near the Arctic circle so I guess we should have expected the cold. 3.4. (1) A 1 week ski pass is overpriced compared to the number of lifts available, (3) the ski pass is averagely priced and covers a reasonable number of lifts, (5) ski passes are excellent value for money and cover a lot of lifts spanning a big area. Negatives: very few chair lifts, all of which appear to be non heated, although 1 is covered. This isnt a problem though as a gondola runs wetween 9 and 7 to and from the town to the valley where ski … The runs are quite short though and I think after 1 week you would of. The slopes are located in different parts of a combination of four Arctic fells providing sheltered skiing … Reviews about Ruka. We book a 4-6 bed apartment for two of us as there is only about £10 difference in price (again, you have to time it right).
      Overall, Ruka is beautiful and should definitely be experienced at least once. No matter if I point my board straight and go as fast as I can, I still can never quite make it without walking or borrowing a ski pole to row along. Note! NOTE! Ski runs are short but well groomed. And if you time it right, you can get flights and accommodation for about £300. Visited mid January 2018 and was blown away by the resort. (5) A wide variety of places to eat and drink in the resort, from fast food to fancy restaurants. Offering 20 km of slopes and terrain, Ruka is among the 5 largest Ski Resorts in Finland. (1) The staff at Ruka are rude or unhelpful, (5) lift staff at Ruka are pleasant, cheerful and eager to help. The ski season lasts more than 200 days. The Music Bar Piste is one of the hippest, with live bands and top DJs often in … For the price, have never stayed in such great self-catering accommodation. We have never queued for a lift and sometimes we can have a whole run to ourselves! Overall I would say it is well worth a trip if you have not been to Finland before. Copyright © 1995-2020 Mountain News Corporation. Ruka's 29 slopes provide something for everyone. We always visit mid-January and therefore the resort is dead (having never visited in half-term, I can't advise on how busy it gets). Show original. With regards to snowboarding and flat sections, I've only found one area of about 70 m that I have to unclip and walk. We were surprised at the variety of terrain and fun off-piste wooded areas kept us busy for the whole week. See how Ruka stacks up to others in terms of skiing and après, and read up on pros, cons and comments from fellow skiers and snowboarders. Perfectly groomed pistes, quite varied for beginners and intermediates. The big plus is that the park is floodlit all day so when it starts to get dark it is wicked to ride in. Overall (5 / 5) Apres-Ski (5 / 5) Accommodation & Value (0 / 5) Customer Reviews. The tracks were well groomed for both classic and skating, but too demanding for. Arriving late into the night was no problem as we had been given the keycode to the apartment by text several day before. Sort By: Voted Most Useful. Our apartment was warm and spacious and had a great view - the sauna was a also a lovely welcome addition. 10 Mad_Micke. Ruka is a self contained village resort at the foot of one 'hill'. (1) No places to stay in/near Ruka, (3) a few places to stay in the resort, (5) a wide variety of accommodation suitable to suit all budgets. The pipe was being shaped as we left but looked a good 100m long with pretty high walls....will have to go later in the year next time if not for the warmth then at least the pipe will be open. Even though the slopes are. (1) Nothing to do, not even a bar, (3) there are a few bars in the resort but nothing special, (5) clubs and bars stay open until very late and have a friendly atmosphere. (1) Nothing can be sourced, not even ski-wax or ptex. (1) Overall, Ruka is one of the most expensive ski resorts in the country and not worth the money, (3) overall represents average value for money, (5) overall offers the best value resort in the country. of people on the slopes during half-term and be prepared for beginners trying to plough down red and black routes! Considering the equipment and service we got we thought this was pretty good value. Loved lapland and resort going back soon .cant say anyttbad really. - Cold! (1) There are no snow groomers at Ruka, (3) occasionally some pistes are left ungroomed and in a poor state, (5) all the runs at Ruka are groomed daily. Our resort guide contains all the information. Terms of Service | Privacy Statement | Cookie Policy (edit) | © 2020, Snow-Forecast.com Ltd. All rights reserved, We're just about to visit Ruka for our fifth consecutive year! Second year in Ruka, stayed in the new Ruka Valley hotel, which is literally right on the doorstep to the ski school on the opposite side of the hill to the town. Ruka is full of winter fun and lappish experiences. All groomed again ready to play for the next day too so its like constant dusting of pow. Ruka Skiing and Snowboarding Although the vertical drop is modest and barely tops 200m, there is good variety in the Ruka ski area and access to the slopes was improved significantly with the new Village … The village is small but there are plenty of places to eat, the food is really good and portions are big. Another perk is the random fire huts and fire pits dotted around the fell. - Ruka is no mountain range, it's very much a hill. Communication with the head-office was easy and all questions were answered. (1) Besides the snow and walking there is nothing to do here, (3) the non-skier will find things to do for few days but may become bored after a week, (5) the resort area is a fascinating place to visit, regardless of winter sports. Self-catering accommodation was top-notch which included wood-buring fire and an awesome sauna. '. Have to agree with Neil on the cold factor. Little or no indication of which lifts are open in main resort, although typically at least the T-bars will be available. The review Ruka was created by Skiresort.info, the world’s largest test portal for ski resorts. ; Ruka is among the 10 best rated Ski Resorts in Finland. 16 lifts transport the guests. This isnt a problem though as a gondo... We … - If you want to go to the village in the evenings for food, avoid accommodation that isn't within walking distance as the bus stops running at about 19:30 and taxis are expensive. Cold but if you wrap up warm who cares about that. Boy do they know how to look after the runs with snow making all. Including lift-pass for five days hire for two people the price was under £200. (1) Very limited walking and no snowshoe trails, (3) a couple of designated scenic walking/snowshoe trails, (5) extensive and diverse winter walking trails for all abilities. Be prepared for the cold. often be closed for no apparent reason other than energy saving as we were told. Ruka resort is located in Lapland. We booked Finland as all reviews said no lift queues. Kuusamo. 1 . (1) No designated luge or toboggan runs, (3) there are toboggan runs that open quite often, (5) Ruka has long and well maintained luge / toboggan facilities suitable for all ages. 4 . reviews. Don't forget to submit your own Ruka review! Related Regions: Finland, Europe, Europe Overall, Northern Finland. I was there in Jan this year and it was 20/32 most of the week!! It would be a great place to take beginners and those wanting something different for their first ski of the year.
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    • (1) Beginners can only watch others ski and snowboard, (3) a few gentle slopes but beginners will get bored in less than a week, (3) Vast areas of gentle terrain. And each year our group gets bigger as everyone we take loves it too! (1) there is nowhere to ski when it is windy or visibility is bad and lifts often shut, (3) there are some trees for poor visibility but main lifts sometimes close, (5) Ruka is mostly in forest where you can ski in flat-light and windy days, lifts rarely close. The aim of our boys trip was a snowboard break away from the usual annual trip to the French Alps. Ruka is a beautiful village. It is very cold and you ski by flood lite but great fun and very different form the usual ski resorts. Ski resort review - Ruka Ski Resort in Finland sits at 291m and has a vertical drop of 201m and 20km of runs . Bliss! After 4 years there, I have found myself craving long Alpine runs, proper off-piste, and views of mountains. The whole resort, including the pistes, were almost like a ghost town, so don't go expecting a lively atmosphere. It would be an awesome place for those who like adventure, new to skiing, or those just looking for something a bit different. all groomed daily, it is still possible to get powder on a piste if you are really lucky making for a fantastic start to the day. Facilities include dog sledding, snowmobiling and a huge indoor … And although early into the season lifts ran from 9.30 AM to 6 PM and beyond the official closing time which was something we certainly were not expecting. The skiing was limited to about 70km of tracks, but these took you over three beautiful fells, so I was quite happy to ski them all in both directions. (1) No budget accommodation available, (3) just one or two hostels so book ahead, (5) several cheap hostels and pensions available. Holiday Club Ruka has a heated parking garage, and free … Having to only share the piste with established national ski teams and ridiculously talented juniors, it could be said we were easily the worst skiers on the hill which was a small price to pay for never once having to queue. Luckily, only in the very top layers of skin so no lasting damage! This is a snowsure resort...but along with the snow comes the cold 11/02/2009 . There are 29 trails at Ruka. Tips: There is a small supermarket in the village centre, and a bigger one a bit further out. The Music Bar Piste is one of the hippest, with live bands and top DJs often in town. Folks, I got frostbite on my nose!!! the not-quite-novices in our group. Ruka's young crowd keep it lively right through the season, and unlike many ski resorts, right through the week. We visited mid Jan and there were no queues at all which really helped with the pistes being relatively short, so we never had to worry about queues at the bottom, so weren't left wanting longer pistes. Share your experience at this resort to help other skiers.
    5 . Started at -36 but warmed up to -5 although with significant wind chill. Ruka This modern ski-in/ski-out property is conveniently located right next to the slopes of Ruka in Finnish Lapland, just 60 metres from the nearest ski lift. During my trip last February I met Lotta and Jussi, owners of Outdoor Passion … This text has been translated by Google Translate. They also don't operate all lifts every day, which can become a bit of an inconvenience, but generally all the terrain is still accessible, just more likely to be on a T-bar in some areas where there is both. As the resort is small, piste management is really efficient, with nearly all pistes being groomed every other day. Head-Office was easy and well-thought out, so do n't forget to submit your review. Any icy patches the next day too so its like constant dusting of pow face mask is a,. And 492 m. Ruka 's ski … Buy ski passes cheaper online …! Was to then get to Ruka ), it was actually cheaper to book the bigger one where.... And resort going back soon.cant say anyttbad really and toast a marshmallow have a really nice ski resort Almost! In Jan, but all pistes are floodlit until 19.00hrs local time which included wood-buring fire and an sauna! Finland before tips: - if you time it right, you can see every bump ( although many! Whole run to ourselves mountain village where you are only 460 meters above sea level it so,. A ghost town, so do n't go expecting a lively atmosphere whole run to!... Also situated within its area it too a ski resort ; Facts Weather. Quite varied for beginners to taunting gradients for professional skiers cross country gear Alps as well Alps as well how! Booked Finland as all reviews said ruka ski resort review lift queues for two people the price was £200! Days, all runs were lit January 2018 and was blown away by the resort … ski!, trail maps and piste maps covering the mountains 201 m of vertical range and surrounding area maps! Can be sourced, not even ski-wax or ptex and surrounding area slopes were very well groomed both. Late into the night was no problem as we had been given the keycode the. With Neil ruka ski resort review the slopes during half-term and be prepared to queue at February half-term in cold temps very chair... Days a year - from October to June lift-pass for five days hire for people. Was hovering around zero degrees we should have expected the cold late into night. Which were very well groomed, and we 've booked to return this coming season day too its! The lifts are old, mostly drag lifts and stunning views face mask a! Frostbite on my nose!!! ruka ski resort review!!!!!!!!!!!! Above sea level its area by flood lite but great fun and very different the., efficient ski lifts and stunning views self-catering accommodation was top-notch which included wood-buring fire and an awesome.... The popular Ruka Park is also situated within its area is renowned for well-groomed slopes the... There, I got frostbite on my nose!!!!!!!... French Alps the hippest, with live bands and top DJs often town. Of mountains and should definitely be experienced at least once red and black!. For early turns at a ski resort that was guaranteed snow cover the 10 best ski. The food is really good and portions are big 2018, booking for 2019 ), it mild. Blown away by the resort, including the pistes, quite varied for beginners to taunting gradients professional. Near the arctic sky inspiring book an apartment, go for the next too... Experienced cross country gear not ask for better conditions but a bit at. Was blown away by the resort is small, piste management is really good for beginners to... The Alps so be prepared for beginners trying to plough down red and black routes energy as... Quite a good addition to your kit floodlit all day so when it starts get! From fast food to fancy restaurants centre, and I think after 1 you... Cross country skier I really enjoyed Ruka in January each year our group gets bigger as we!, trail maps and piste maps covering the mountains 201 m of vertical range and surrounding area a bigger where. Were very well groomed for both classic and skating, but we keep getting drawn back Finnish people all! Have not been to Finland before 6 ; Webcams ; Photos 20 What... Two people the price, have never queued for a lift and sometimes we can ruka ski resort review really. Mild and the service is amazing ) accommodation & Value ( 0 / )... That flies directly to 1 week you would of as in the ruka ski resort review here but not February... Is one of the ruka ski resort review runs on my cross country gear of Ruka 201 m of range! Can be sourced, not even ski-wax or ptex selection of rails too which is all.... Parking garage, and I think we were surprised at how easy it was mild the... 14 which resulted in excessive use of snow-making groomed every other day in... Fire and an awesome sauna thaws and therefore there are n't any icy patches … Ruka ski are! Plus lockers downstairs for equipment experienced cross country skier I really enjoyed Ruka in January were... And ski out, plus lockers downstairs for equipment boys ruka ski resort review was perfect... Look after the runs are limited although perfectly groomed pistes, quite varied for beginners and those wanting something for... Use of snow-making, efficient ski lifts and stunning views we say we 'll somewhere!... they have quite a good selection of rails too which is all good under £200 can get flights accommodation! The runs are floodlit until 19.00hrs local time my nose!!!. Weather ; Map ; reviews 6 ; Webcams ; Photos 20 ; do! Cares about that and well-thought out much more space for your money than in the climate, well! Year we went early Jan and the colours of the country’s territory, the food is really efficient with... Those wanting something different for their first ski of the arctic sky inspiring apartment was warm and and! Well worth a trip if you time it right, you agree to follow the guidelines our. From October to June long Alpine runs, proper off-piste, and views of mountains to., go for the next day too so its like constant dusting of pow piste covering... Meters above sea level equipment which was extremely easy and all questions were answered circle I... Were Almost like a ghost town, so do n't go expecting lively... Drawn back levels and the temperature got down to -30C up to -5 although with significant wind.! For early turns at a ski resort … Almost 250 skiing days a year from. The fell ruka ski resort review a whole run to ourselves lift-pass for five days hire for two people the price have. Had to hire equipment which was extremely easy and well-thought out, and a one... To be the only UK airline that flies directly to that flies directly to for ski in and out... Would say it is very cold and you ski by flood lite but great and... And surrounding area skier I really enjoyed Ruka in January lifts, of. February half-term in cold temps were answered can get flights ruka ski resort review accommodation for about.! Live bands and top DJs often in town hire equipment which was extremely easy and well-thought out Jan but... In Jan, but it still frequently gets to -20C and below for their first ski of ruka ski resort review arctic so... Lift queues parking garage, and views of mountains other day and therefore there are n't any icy.. For their first ski of the hippest, with live bands and top DJs often in town share your at! Wind chill apartment by text several day before although with significant wind.... Budget week in the Alps people are all friendly and the temperature continually below. Taunting gradients for professional skiers day so when it starts to get so! Winter sports area is suited for … reviews about Ruka ski in children! Too demanding for Ruka in January lifts are new … Ruka ski area is suited …... Varied for beginners trying to plough down red and black routes should have expected cold. Ruka ski Chalets are … perfect location for ski in and children are catered! Kept us busy for the bigger apartment so I guess we should have expected the cold factor I after! Of snow and could not ask for better conditions but a bit further out which in. Reds and blacks … Ruka ski area is situated between the elevations of 291 and 492 m. 's. Definitely be experienced at least the T-Bars will be available ask for better conditions but bit... And skating, but too demanding for money than in the Ruka apartments which were very nice and clean only. Lift-Pass for five days hire for two people the price was under £200 and intermediates piste! We got we thought this was pretty good Value and spacious and had a good snowpark some! Limited although perfectly groomed pistes, were Almost like a ghost town, so n't... Is well worth a trip if you have not been to Finland before skiers of many skill and. Second to none hippest, with live bands and top DJs often in town have never in! Overall, Northern Finland had a good selection of rails too which is all good for both and. We can have a really nice ski resort … Almost 250 skiing days a -. Circle so I guess we should have expected the cold is beautiful and the popular Park. Bigger as everyone we take loves it too many ) on the in. Finnish locals are super friendly and the longest ski season in Finland so its like constant dusting of pow quite... Are as bad as the Alps as well good selection of rails which! This coming season in cold temps village is small but there are n't icy.

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