Spectator info
Come and cheer on the skiers at Ylläs-Levi Skiing! Ylläs-Levi Hiihto once again draws skiers to the peak of the ski season in the fell landscapes of Lapland. The distances are 70km (starting from Ylläs Ski Resort Ylläsjärvi) and 55km (starting from Äkäslompolo). The finish is in the center of Levi, in front of Restaurant V’inkkari. Hundreds of spectators are expected along the route and at the finish line, warmly welcome, for free!
We will follow the progress of the incentive on our social media channels, so be active: @yllaslevihiihto #yllaslevihiihto #levilapland #visityllas
Program
Public transportation
9:15 AM Ylläs Ski Resort Ylläsjärvi–Levi
10:30AM 55km start/Äkäslompolo Elementary School–Levi
Starting at 2:00 PM Levi–Ylläs return shuttle
On Sat 11th April 4. at 9:30 PM Levi–Ylläs
Bus ticket (20€) available for purchase at the race office or on the bus.
Use of the cross-country ski trail network
We hope that the Ylläs-Levi Hiihto ski trails will not be used on the evenings before the competition days, after the track has been maintained.
During the event, skiing in the same direction as the race route is allowed, but skiing against it is strictly prohibited.
The trails will opened after the last skier and emergency sled have passed.
Parking
Parking in Ylläs Ski Resort Ylläsjärvi
The Ylläsjärvi 70km starting point uses the ski resort parking area (Iso-Ylläksentie 44, Ylläsjärvi).
The Äkäslompolo 55km starting point and children’s race area is located on the ice of Äkäslompolo, in front of the elementary school, address: Koulutie 2. NOTE! The elementary school does NOT have parking spaces, only a quick drop-off area.
Parking in Äkäslompolo
Ihmisen rinki, Tunturintie 56, Äkäslompolo. Bus transportation to the 55km starting point starts at 8:30, non-stop. The shuttle runs from 8:30 to 11:30, so the remote parking also works for CamelBak Kids Race by SISU
Parking in Levi
There is no separate parking area in the Levi city center area (finish) and public parking areas are quite limited. We recommend parking in Gondoli2000 or South Point parking lot and use the Ski Bus.
Traffic and parking areas will be congested, so it is advisable to arrive early! Traffic and parking will be directed by specially trained personnel.
Viewing spots in Ylläs
70km start, Ylläsjärvi (map 1.)
The 70km starting point is at Ylläs Ski Resort Ylläsjärvi. It is possible to see the mass start right next to the starting area.
Ylläs Ski Resort Äkäslompolo and Ihmisen Rinki (map 4.)
From the Ylläs Ski Resort Äkäslompolo and Ihmisen Ring parking areas, you can easily get along the route to cheer on the competitors. The first service point of 70km is located at Ihmisen Rinki, and another good option to feel the atmosphere is from the Cafe Jokerikuppila’s terrace.
Skiers go by Ihmisen Rinki service point about 9.30–10.15 o clock.
Äkäslompolo lake: 55km start and 70km service point (map 5.)
The Lake Äkäslompolo’s ice is home to the 55km starting point and the 70km second service point. There is plenty of space on the ice to spread out along the route to encourage competitors to perform at their best. There is also the CamelBak Kids’ Race by SISU.
70km skiers will go by Äkäslompolo service point about 9.40–10.15 o clock. 50km starts here at 10.15 o clock.
Kukastunturi peak by snowshoes or by fatbike (map 6.)
You can admire the Ylläs fell scenery and event at Kukastunturi, for example on snowshoes or on a fatbike. From Äkäslompolo distance is around 8 km, 1–3 hours. First follow blue winter trail signs to Kukastunturi and for last km follow snowshoeing trail to the peak.
Skiers go by Kukastunturi about 10.00–12.30 o clock.
Cafe Kota & service point by ski, snowshoe or fatbike (map 7.)
Cafe Kota, Kotamaja is a wilderness café in Ylläs, from where you can watch the competition with a warm cup of coffee in your hands from the terrace and courtyard. You can get to Kotamaja, for example, by fat bike or snowshoes along winter trails. One route starts from Cafe Navettagalleria and the distance is about 7 kilometers. You can also get there by skiing via the Kesänkijoki–Hangaskuru–Kotamaja route. Because of the competition route, this is the only route to ski to Kotamaja – about 8 kilometers in one direction – along easy and moderate difficulty trails.
Skiers go by Cafe Kota about 10.05-12.30 o clock.
Cafe & service point Aakenuspirtti
Welcome to enjoy the great race atmosphere at Aakenuspirtti. Come cheer on the skiers and enjoy the delicious treats from the café on race day. The café is open from 10am to 5pm, so you can spend the whole day cheering on the skiers and enjoying the great atmosphere. Parking space (paid) is limited, that doesn’t matter, as you can also ski from Totovaara parking lot (9 km). On the way, you can enjoy the beautiful winter scenery and prepare yourself perfectly for the race atmosphere.
Skiers go by Aakenuspirtti about 11–15 o clock.
Cafe & service point Kätkän laavu
Welcome to the Cafe Kätkän laavu, located on the south side of Kätkätunturi. You can ski to the Cafe Kätkän laavu either via the Merkkinen or Kätkäjärvi ski slopes. Avoid skiing directly to the Kätkä lean-to, as you will encounter competitors. The Cafe Kätkä laavu has a drinking place for skiers, and there are refreshments from the ski café for spectators. You can watch the ski races and enjoy the peace of nature.
Skiers go by Kätkän laavu about 11.30–17 0 clock.
Viewing at finish, Levi
Come watch the exciting final battle in the center of Levi, in front of Restaurant V’inkkari, right by the finish line.
At the finish area you will find the Vandernet store with great race offers, the Ylläs-Levi product store and V’inkkarin afterski. The Mediateko Lounge has the Harriniva tent sauna (free, bring your own swimsuit and towel). At the finish you can see the finishers up close and cheer on your favorite. Admission to the area is free!
Skiers will arrive to finish 11.30–18.00 o clock.
After party at The Game Levi
On saturday join the after party in The Game Bar Levi 19–21 o clock. Free admission for everybody. Read more