Beat Climate Change, Ski in Lapland

There’s nothing more frustrating than shelling out hundreds of pounds for a ski holiday, only to discover that the snow conditions are poor. Unfortunately, global warming means that a winter holiday disaster is becoming more and more likely – many European lower altitude slopes have suffered this winter from limited snow fall and thinly-covered slopes. So, why not beat the slush on your ski holidays this year by tracking down a high altitude Alpine resort on a site like Alpine Elements, or by heading further north to the white-blanketed and magical resorts of Lapland, where snow is guaranteed until as late as June.

The most popular Lapland resort is undoubtedly Levi, which offers some of the best skiing in the area. Well-groomed slopes, small crowds and a host of English-speaking ski instructors combine to make this an excellent destination for families. In between hitting the slopes, you can enjoy activities like dog-sledding and reindeer safaris – you can even take a trip to visit Santa at his nearby grotto.

Less well-known but just as spectacular are the neighbouring resorts of Riksgransen and Bjorkliden. Located in the sparsely populated expanse of Swedish Lapland, they remain open until late June. Riskgransen, in particular, is frequented by committed skiers who want to continue the sport for as long as possible, and it’s not unusual to see parties shooting down the slopes in summertime when darkness never falls.

In Bjorkliden the snow melts slightly earlier, but it’s still possible to ski comfortably until late May. The resort advertises itself as ‘family friendly’ – it boasts several ski schools, a network of nursery slopes and good quality ski instruction. Kids will also love the mini snowmobiles that can be driven by juniors. For more experienced skiers, the numerous off-piste opportunities available in and around Bjorkliden will provide hours of entertainment.  

One of the most popular winter activities in Lapland is cross country skiing, and if this is your thing then you’ll find plenty of challenging tracks in Finnish Lapland. Cross country ski holidays are a great way to enjoy the area’s stunning scenery, so it’s no surprise that Danes and Swedes are reputed to be among the most talented cross country skiers in the world. You can also combine cross country and piste skiing by booking a tailored holiday, and experience the best of both worlds.