This versatile holiday centre at the foot of Kuusamo’s best known hill, offers facilities for skiing, hiking, or just having a good time.
Rukatunturi is a popular ski centre close to Lapland, that attracts visitors at all times of the year. The fell, which rises for half a kilometre in the Kuusamo region, has 34 ski slopes of varying levels of difficulty, and conditions are good enough for 200 days of skiing a year. The village of Ruka is conveniently located at the bottom of the slope, and caters for the needs of travellers. In summer, a holiday in Rukatunturi will often involve hiking through the countryside, or perhaps white-water rafting.
The best time for travelling to Ruka is between October and May, as it is then that the snowy slopes lure skiers from near and far. Rukatunturi is popular with both families and groups of friends, as the resort caters fully to the needs of all travellers. You can leave your car in an underground car park in Ruka, as it is an easy walk to the slopes from the hotels. It is almost like taking a city break in Rukatunturi, with its Kumpare Shopping Centre, restaurants and various after-ski activities.
You don’t need a car in Rukatunturi, as the free Ski Bus carries skiers in the winter time. There is an airport in Kuusamo, and the scheduled flights landing there connect with onward transport services to Rukatunturi. Ruka has no direct train connection, but there are convenient bus services to Kuusamo from Rovaniemi and Oulu. If you would prefer to use your car, the motorail train is the best option.
Those travelling with the whole family are well catered for in Ruka, as there are two skiing areas suitable for children. The Rosa & Rudolf Children’s Facility is divided into two areas for skiers of different skills, and the little ones can find a slope that is right for them. Nearby is the Kaltiolampi Children’s Facility, where kids can ski, go sledging and use the playground. If the weather is bad, you can head for the Happy Family Activity Centre downstairs in the shopping centre.
A holiday in the company of friends in Rukatunturi will prove to be a vibrant affair with lots of great nightlife. The most hardened skiers in the group are bound to encounter challenges on the slopes in Ruka, and the most inexperienced can get lessons at the local ski school. A great place for snowboarders is Ruka Battery Park, where you can hone your skills on ramps of varying heights and rails for different levels of skills. In the evening, head to the Piste restaurant and bar, where you can stay entertained by top artists until last call.
Ruka gets quiet after the skiing season ends, but there are many interesting things to do at other times of the year. An inexpensive time to make a trip to Rukatunturi is the summer, when the countryside in Kuusamo is at its prettiest. An exciting option is white-water rafting on the Kitkajoki River, or sailing down Ruka’s summer sled track. Close by, you can go hiking in Oulanka National Park, whose famous Karhunkierros trail takes trekkers over canyons and rapids.
Rukatunturi is the dream destination for travellers wanting an activity holiday that suits them specifically. Answer the call – Kuusamo and the Ruka slopes await!
