When you think about winter in Finland, you probably imagine thick snow, freezing temperatures, skiing, and beautiful white landscapes.
That was exactly what we wanted our friends from abroad to experience when they visited us.
So in December 2024, we brought them to Levi, Finland, one of the most popular winter destinations in Finnish Lapland.
We wanted them to see what a real Finnish winter could look and feel like.
And Levi did not disappoint.
There was snow everywhere.
The temperature was below zero.
Skiers were coming down the slopes.
Families were enjoying the winter scenery.
And although we were definitely not experienced skiers ourselves, there were still plenty of ways for us to enjoy the mountain.
We rode the cabin lift up Levi Fell, spent time playing in the snow, watched the skiers, and let the kids enjoy sliding down the smaller snowy slopes.
It was a simple winter day, but it gave us another lovely family memory from our life in Finland.
A Little About Levi, Finland
Levi is located in the municipality of Kittilä in Finnish Lapland.
It is one of Finland’s best-known ski and holiday destinations, especially during winter.
Levi Fell reaches about 531 metres above sea level, and the ski resort currently has 44 slopes and 26 ski lifts. The area also offers cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, winter walking, reindeer and husky activities, and many other winter experiences.
Source: Levi
We were there mainly to enjoy the snow and experience the scenery.
We did not have an ambitious itinerary.
Sometimes that is actually the best way to travel with family and friends.
You arrive.
Look around.
Enjoy the weather.
Play in the snow.
And simply see where the day takes you.
Showing Our Friends a Real Finnish Winter
One of the reasons this trip felt special was because we were traveling with friends who had come from abroad.
We wanted them to experience Finland outside the cities and see the kind of winter scenery we had slowly become familiar with after moving here.
For someone who does not normally live around snow, walking into a landscape completely covered in white can still feel exciting.
And honestly, even for us, snow has not completely lost its magic.
Living in Finland means dealing with the practical side of winter too – icy roads, freezing temperatures, snow clearing, and all the layers of clothing.
But when you’re on vacation?
Snow suddenly becomes fun again.
Levi was the perfect place for that.
Watching the Skiers at Levi
One of the first things that caught our attention was the number of skiers around the fell.
Some looked very experienced.
They moved down the slopes so effortlessly that they made skiing look easy.
Meanwhile, there we were…
watching from the side because none of us were prepared to ski.
We didn’t have ski equipment with us.
And we definitely weren’t going to suddenly become professional skiers that day.
Thankfully, visiting Levi does not mean you have to ski.
That was one of the things I appreciated most about the experience.
You can still go up the fell and enjoy the beautiful scenery even if you’re not skiing.
Riding the Gondola Up Levi Fell (Levitunturi)
Since skiing our way up or down was clearly not an option, we took the much easier route.
We rode the cabin lift.
Levi has scenic cabin lifts that visitors can use to reach the top of the fell and enjoy the surrounding Lapland scenery without skiing. The official Levi information specifically lists the Gondola2000 and Express cabin lifts as options for sightseeing visitors.
Source: Levi
For us, this was perfect.
We could sit comfortably inside and watch the snowy scenery below as we slowly moved higher up the mountain.
The higher we went, the wider the landscape became.
Everything looked so white and peaceful.
Forests.
Snow-covered ground.
Ski slopes.
And views stretching into the distance.
Even without skiing, reaching the higher part of Levi Fell already made the trip worthwhile.
Seeing Levi From Above
Once we were higher up, the scenery felt completely different.
There is something special about looking at a winter landscape from above.
From ground level, you see snow around you.
From the top of a fell, you realize just how much of the landscape is covered by forests and wilderness.
It was cold, of course.
Very cold.
The temperature was already below zero, and being higher up made us even more aware of the winter weather.
But that was exactly what we had come for.
A proper Lapland winter experience.
No Skiing for Us – Just Enjoying the Snow
We may not have been skiers, but that didn’t stop us from enjoying the snow.
We brought some simple plastic sleds with us.
And for the kids, that was more than enough.
They enjoyed sliding down the smaller snowy slopes over and over again.
Sometimes children really don’t need expensive activities to have fun.
Give them snow and something to slide on, and they can entertain themselves for a long time.
The adults enjoyed it too.
Watching the kids laugh and run back up the snow made the cold much easier to forget.
The Kids Loved It
For the children, Levi was basically one giant snowy playground.
They could walk through deep snow.
Slide down small slopes.
Watch skiers pass by.
Ride the cabin lift.
And simply enjoy being outdoors.
These are the moments I really enjoy when we travel as a family.
Sometimes adults are busy thinking about destinations, schedules, costs, and transportation.
Children experience things much more simply.
Cold Weather, But Worth It
Since we visited in December, the weather was naturally cold.
The temperature was below zero, so dressing properly was important.
Warm jackets.
Winter trousers.
Gloves.
Hats.
Winter shoes.
And enough layers underneath.
Living in Finland has definitely taught us that winter becomes much more enjoyable when you’re dressed properly for it.
If you’re freezing from the moment you step outside, it is difficult to appreciate the scenery.
But once you’re warm enough, you can actually enjoy being outdoors.
And in Levi, there was plenty to enjoy.
More Than Just a Ski Destination
Before visiting, it would have been easy to think of Levi only as a place for skiers.
But our experience showed us that you don’t need to ski to enjoy it.
The area offers scenic lifts, winter walking, sledding opportunities, restaurants, cafés, and many other activities. Levi also promotes experiences such as snowmobiling, reindeer visits, husky activities, and Northern Lights excursions.
Source: Levi
We didn’t try everything.
And that’s okay.
For this visit, riding the lift, playing in the snow, and enjoying the scenery were already enough.
Sometimes leaving a few things undone just gives you another reason to return.
Would We Visit Levi Again?
Definitely.
Actually, I think Levi is one of those places that deserves more than one visit.
There are still so many things we haven’t tried.
Maybe next time we could experience more winter activities.
Maybe we could finally try skiing.
Or maybe we would simply return to enjoy the snow, scenery, and peaceful Lapland atmosphere again.
There is also something interesting about visiting the same place during another season.
Levi is open year-round, and during summer the landscape changes completely, with hiking trails and long northern days replacing the snowy winter scenery.
Source: Levi
For now, though, I will always remember our first winter visit.
Friends.
Family.
Freezing weather.
Snowy mountains.
Kids sliding down the slopes.
And another small adventure from our life in Finland.
More From Our Journey to Finland
Being able to show visiting friends places like Levi reminds me of how different our own life has become since moving here.
Finland was once a country we barely knew.
Now we are slowly exploring it ourselves and even showing some of its beautiful places to the people who visit us.
You can also read:
Moving to Finland: Why It Wasn’t Part of Our Original Plan
How We Actually Got to Finland: Our Recruitment and Residence Permit Journey
From Dubai to Finland: Our Adventure in Migration
Every trip gives us another chance to discover the country we now call home.
Important Note: This post is based on our personal winter visit to Levi. Lift schedules, ticket prices, slopes, activities, weather conditions, and opening hours can change throughout the season. If you’re planning a trip, check the official Levi website and current lift information before visiting.
“Winter reminds us that even the coldest seasons can still be filled with beautiful moments.”
“He giveth snow like wool: he scattereth the hoarfrost like ashes.”
- Psalm 147:16 (KJV)
Our day in Levi was simple, but it gave us exactly what we hoped for – real Finnish winter, snowy views, time with friends, and happy memories with the kids.
Sources & Useful Links
🔹 Visit Levi – Official Website
https://www.levi.fi/en/
🔹 Levi – General Information
https://www.levi.fi/en/info/general/
🔹 Levi Ski Resort – Scenic Cabin Lifts
https://www.levi.fi/en/ski/levi-ski-resort-services/scenic-lifts/
🔹 Levi – Places to Visit and Things to Do
https://www.levi.fi/en/activities/places-to-visit/
This is sooo amazing! You are living in a winter wonderland. I CANNOT wait to see photos when Christmas rolls around.
I think a laid-back pace is the best way to travel. I get the most out of a trip when my itinerary packs in as little as possible.
I just love the snow. When I can visit and leave it, that is. I am not a fan of driving in it, but I can surely visit and sled! Then I’ll return home where there’s NO snow.
Wow, I love your images! Levi looks like a winter wonderland, and the gondola ride sounds like a wonderful way to take in those snowy views. I love that the kids had so much fun with simple sleds. What a special memory to share with your visiting friends!
I’ve heard so much about Levi and skiing in the Lapland region. Over the years, friends have gone there in the winter to ski. Your photos are beautiful and I would go back too. Such gorgeous terrain.