Forecast today: Generally clear
Although the vertical drop is modest and barely tops 200m, there is good variety in the Ruka ski area and access to the slopes was improved significantly with the new Village Express Chair and Scenic Gondola – both built for the 2018/19 season. Most of the slopes are equipped with snowmaking (the resort also stores snow throughout the summer to help open even earlier) and the vast majority are floodlit to ensure they are skiable even in the depths of winter. For beginners, a nice zone is located near the new Ruka Valley development – don’t worry if you’re staying in Ruka Village as you can now take the Scenic Gondola up and over to the other side.
Intermediates then have the pick of the resort’s runs to choose from. The Masto and Pessari reds are often less busy than the main runs so are good bets if there are lots of people about. Advanced skiers and riders will be frustrated here unless the park is their thing – if so Ruka is home to one of Finland’s top freestyle areas, as well as a halfpipe.
Most people tend to base themselves in Ruka Village, the original heart of the resort. Here is where much of the accommodation can be found, as well as the best restaurants and bars – which can become lively at weekends and when the resort is busy. New accommodation has been springing up at Ruka Valley, where it is hoped 1700 new beds will be created in the coming years, creating an attractive alternative base to the main village. Lots of cabins are also available.
As with other Scandinavian resorts, the off-mountain activities in Ruka play as big a role in your winter holiday as the skiing. A staggering 600km of snowmobile routes are ready for visitors, as are 159km of prepared cross country trails – 40km of which are floodlit. To make the most of your stay, be sure to check out the weekly activity programme (click_here) which includes reindeer safaris and traditional wood-fired sauna experiences.
Flights are available to Kuusamo from which is less than half an hour from Ruka.
Tue 19 Mar | Wed 20 Mar | Thu 21 Mar | Fri 22 Mar | Sat 23 Mar | Sun 24 Mar | Mon 25 Mar | Tue 26 Mar | Wed 27 Mar | Thu 28 Mar | |||||||||||||||||||||
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AM | PM | Night | AM | PM | Night | AM | PM | Night | AM | PM | Night | AM | PM | Night | AM | PM | Night | AM | PM | Night | AM | PM | Night | AM | PM | Night | AM | PM | Night | |
Weather | Generally clear |
Mainly cloudy |
Mist | Broken clouds |
Rather cloudy |
Occasional snow | Occasional snow |
Rather cloudy |
Broken clouds | Mainly cloudy |
Light snow |
Light snow | Light snow |
Occasional snow |
Occasional snow | Rather cloudy |
Rather cloudy |
Rather cloudy | Occasional snow |
Occasional snow |
Occasional snow | Rather cloudy |
Broken clouds |
Occasional snow | Partly cloudy |
Broken clouds |
Occasional snow | Rather cloudy |
Mainly cloudy |
Mist |
Wind | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Snow expected | 0 cm | 0 cm | 0 cm | 0 cm | 0 cm | 0.2 cm | 0.4 cm | 0 cm | 0 cm | 0.3 cm | 1.3 cm | 1.6 cm | 1 cm | 0.5 cm | 0.5 cm | 0.4 cm | 0.3 cm | 0.8 cm | 0.5 cm | 0.5 cm | 0.5 cm | 0 cm | 0.5 cm | 0.8 cm | 0.3 cm | 0 cm | 0.2 cm | 0 cm | 0 cm | 0 cm |
Max temp | -3°c | -3°c | -6°c | -1.6°c | -1.4°c | -1.8°c | -0.2°c | 0°c | -1.8°c | -0.8°c | -0.6°c | -1°c | -1°c | -0.8°c | -2.2°c | -3.6°c | -3.6°c | -5.4°c | -4.2°c | -4.2°c | -6.2°c | -3.6°c | -3.6°c | -6°c | -2.2°c | -2.2°c | -4.2°c | -1°c | -1°c | -2.8°c |
Min temp | -7.8°c | -6.2°c | -6.2°c | -6°c | -2.6°c | -2.6°c | -2°c | -1.8°c | -4°c | -3.6°c | -1.2°c | -1.2°c | -1.4°c | -2.2°c | -4.6°c | -5.2°c | -5.4°c | -7°c | -8°c | -6.2°c | -6.8°c | -6.8°c | -6°c | -6.4°c | -5.4°c | -4.2°c | -5.2°c | -4.6°c | -2.8°c | -3.4°c |
Feels like temp | -15.9°c | -9°c | -13.1°c | -12.9°c | -7.6°c | -9.2°c | -7.9°c | -5.4°c | -7.2°c | -8.8°c | -6.4°c | -6.8°c | -6.1°c | -5.9°c | -7°c | -10.7°c | -8.5°c | -10.6°c | -12.6°c | -8.5°c | -11.8°c | -12.4°c | -8.7°c | -11.5°c | -10.7°c | -7.1°c | -9.1°c | -9.4°c | -5°c | -6.7°c |
AM | PM | Night | |
Weather | |||
Wind | |||
Snow expected | 0 cm | 0 cm | 0 cm |
Max temp | -3°c | -3°c | -6°c |
Min temp | -7.8°c | -6.2°c | -6.2°c |
Feels like temp | -15.9°c | -9°c | -13.1°c |
AM | PM | Night | |
Weather | |||
Wind | |||
Snow expected | 0 cm | 0 cm | 0.2 cm |
Max temp | -1.6°c | -1.4°c | -1.8°c |
Min temp | -6°c | -2.6°c | -2.6°c |
Feels like temp | -12.9°c | -7.6°c | -9.2°c |
Snowfall | Last Snowfall | 14/03/2024 |
---|---|---|
Next 3 days | 1.7 cm | |
Depths | Upper piste depth | 40 cm |
Lower piste depth | 40 cm | |
Snow conditions | Snow quality | Hard packed |
Lifts | Lifts open | 20 out of 22 |
Resort opening date | Fri 06 Oct 2023 | |
Resort closing date | Sun 05 May 2024 |
Very little activity expected for Scandinavia this weekend and into the new week, as high pressure dominates the region. This does mean cold temperatures (albeit not by Scandi standards) and plenty of sun, with fine, dry and bright conditions prevalent. A few flurries can be expected at more southerly resorts but nothing particular to write home about.
There will be no Snow Overviews next week (w/c 11 March 2024) as the Info & Advice team is away. Please check back on Tuesday 19 March for the next update.
The most up-to-date avalanche forecasting for this region is provided separately by agencies in each country
The most up-to-date avalanche forecasting for this region is provided separately by agencies in each country
The most up-to-date avalanche forecasting for this region is provided separately by agencies in each country
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