Near the town of Rovaniemi in Lapland, is the ski resort of Ounasvaara. It is a small hill, with three lifts and a few ski runs. Nothing at all for an experienced skier, but a great area for beginners. The location is in Finland, and was intended as a key part of our Northern Europe Tour, but more on why that changed, later!

Getting There

We were staying in Rovaniemi at the Arctic Circle, and the previous day we got to the nearby Santa’s Village by a very convenient and cheap bus (only €3,50), but there is apparently no direct bus to the ski area. When we looked on Google, it stated that to get there by bus would take 57 minutes, but to walk would also be 57 minutes. This is because Google recommended a bus to the hospital, a change, and then a hike OVER the hill. The hotel recommeded a taxi for €19 instead.

Christian arrived at 10:10 am. The sun was just starting to rise, and the ski hire shop was closed, and both ski lifts were off. Christian paced around for about twenty minutes, picked up the pre-arranged ski pass and hired ski equipment, and headed to the slopes. Only, Christian was too fast, and the slopes and lifts do not open until 11am!

Skiing

Once the lifts opened, Christian was the first person on the slope, where the snow was freshly groomed and smooth. There was no exposed ice or rocks, and both slopes at Ounasvaara were wide and open.

With more than a five year gap since the last skiing, it was best to start with the blue slope, as that is easier. However, like riding a bike, it was easy to get the feel back.

Due to the weather, there was only enough snow on two slopes, so only the T-bar drag lift was open, to service a blue slope and a red slope. However, the two slopes are very similar in grade, so the red is very easy.

Change in plans

Christian learned to ski over 40 years ago, but Bianca has never skied before. So, the plan was to come to the ‘basic’ resort so that Bianca could learn. The slopes are not really a challenge for Christian – it is six minutes to take the drag lift up, and 90 seconds (or less) to ski down.

However, Bianca had slipped on some ice the day before, and broken her wrist. Of course, this meant that she could not have a ski lesson!

Broken bones and lost opportunities

So, whilst Christian was getting his skis and smashing the (two) slopes, Bianca was in hospital getting x-rays and a cast! Christian was not being selfish and unsupportive, it was just worked out for Bianca to do the doctor’s appointment solo.

So, after the cast was put on, Bianca caught a taxi to the small ski area, and set up at the tiny cafe / restaurant and had a hot chocolate and Finnish Glögi. Bianca was not happy to miss out on the opportunity to learn how to ski, but was able to watch Christian ski instead.