Europe’s Longest Sledding Hill: Saariselkä, Finland
Updated: 21 hours ago
I thought I knew sledding.
I grew up sliding down neighbourhood hills on plastic bags, crashing into snowbanks and laughing until my face froze. So when I heard that Saariselkä, the little village in Finnish Lapland where I was living, had one of the longest sledding hills around, I had to try it.
How different could it really be?
Quite a lot, actually.
The run starts at the top of Kaunispää Fell, overlooking Saariselkä and the surrounding Arctic landscape. And unlike the little hills I grew up on, this one is long enough that you actually have to think about how you're going to get back up.
Getting to the Top of Kaunispää
There are two ways to reach the top. You can take the chairlift from the ski resort, or you can do what I did and walk. The walk takes around 30 minutes from the village, depending on your pace and the conditions. If you have time to spare, I'd highly recommend it.
You follow a path through a small forest. You're completely surrounded by trees covered in snow. Everything looks like somebody came along and sprinkled white powder over the entire landscape. As you climb higher, the trees begin to give way to views of Saariselkä and the surrounding fells.
Honestly, the walk is an experience on its own.
It's also free, since you don't need a lift ticket to walk up. Just make sure you're going through a designated walking route rather than the ski tracks. Of course, taking the chairlift is much quicker, especially if you're planning to go down several times. Because as beautiful as that walk is, after climbing the hill once, you might not be so enthusiastic about hiking again.
And don't forget your sled. You can rent one from Saariselkä Ski & Sport Resort, check whether your hotel has any available, or bring your own. Just make sure you have it before heading up, because there aren't any waiting for you at the top.
The Way Down
Now comes the interesting part. The first section is the same for everyone. You sit down, push yourself forward, and start sliding down the hill.
At first, I thought it would be like any other sledding experience. Then I started picking up speed.
And I mean, really picking up speed.
That was probably what surprised me the most. I hadn't expected to go so fast on a plastic sled, especially with the turns coming up along the way.
Naturally, I also wanted to film the experience. Because what's the point of doing something ridiculous if you don't have a video of it? Well, trying to film while controlling a sled turned out not to be my brightest idea.
I fell.
Nothing dramatic, luckily. I wasn't going particularly fast when it happened, but it was enough to remind me that perhaps keeping my attention on the hill would be a better idea.
Two Routes, Two Different Experiences
After the first part of the descent, the track splits into two routes. The easier route takes you towards Saariselkä Chapel, much closer to the village centre. It's a gentler ride and a good option if you're not looking for anything too crazy.
I actually took this route quite a few times, especially when I was cold or tired after a day out. It's quite convenient because you finish close to the village instead of having to walk all the way back from the ski resort.
The other route is the more challenging one. It has faster sections and sharper turns, and it takes you down towards the ski resort. Just remember that when you reach the bottom at the resort, you're not quite back in the centre of Saariselkä. You'll still have some walking to do.
A Few Things Worth Knowing
First, wear ski goggles. I didn't, and I regretted it. Snow and freezing air in your face aren't exactly the most enjoyable combination when you're speeding downhill. A helmet is worth considering too, especially once you realise how fast you can go.
Second, check the opening hours before going. The sledding run is maintained by the ski resort and is only open during its permitted operating hours. There is also an illuminated experience called Aurora Tobogganing, which allows you to sled through the specially lit route when the resort is operating. It's worth checking if you're visiting during the darker winter months.
And even if you don't go sledding, Kaunispää is worth visiting after dark. Away from some of the village lights, the views across Saariselkä are beautiful, and if you're lucky, you might even catch the Northern Lights. I actually saw them there myself one night, and it's a view I still remember. Standing on top of the fell, surrounded by snow, with the lights of Saariselkä below and the Northern Lights dancing above. It was beautiful.
Just remember that sledding outside the resort's operating hours is forbidden because maintenance vehicles use the slopes.
Would I Do It Again?
Absolutely.
By the time I reached the bottom, I was covered in snow and my face hurt from smiling. And that's probably what I like most about it. You can spend half an hour peacefully walking through a snowy forest, enjoying the views and the silence of Lapland. Then you sit on a piece of plastic and come flying back down.
And the ridiculous part? I was already thinking about walking back up.
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