Yllas Blog and Information

I always try to do a bit of a blog and information guide on resorts, and I thought now would be a perfect time to post as many of you will still be travelling out!

I travelled on my own with my 8-year-old and 1-year-old ( not brave, as people pointed out, crazy! Haha) So for any parents travelling alone, do not worry. It’s very safe, and everyone is so helpful.

It is obviously easier if they are older than 1, but it is doable. I’ve managed a week on my own, WITHOUT alcohol, too!

I have just come back from an amazing week, and I’m so sad to be home. It was so lovely to meet so many of you and some of my absolutely lovely customers. I’ll miss hearing from you now!

For those who haven't already seen them. I have previously done a blog on Levi, Kuusamo, and Ruka; these can be found pinned in the featured section at the top of my Lapland group or on the blog section of this website.

Let’s start with the weather, as I see so many people worrying about this.

The coldest it got while I was there was -11. To put it into perspective for you. I didn’t wear my gloves or hat all week and was still sweating often! Come back here; I’m absolutely freezing! The climate there is very different. It’s fresh, as opposed to bitter.

I have also been when it’s -22, and although that is a bit chilly, in the right clothes, you don’t feel it. It still feels warmer than the UK right now!

I stayed at Yllas log cabins with Inghams for 7 nights. If you have little ones, I would request a cabin as close to the hotel as possible. I did, and I was still 10 minutes away. With a pushchair, it was a bit tiring, but I’ve lost weight on holiday for the first time ever, so bonus! (Pushchairs are absolutely fine here; a little bit harder work, but totally fine.) 

Inghams are fab; I always highly rate them. Reps are lovely. Jingle Jane is incredible, and so was Charlotte.

The plane—the staff wear Christmas hats and do games and songs on the plane. It’s a lovely atmosphere. The toilet roll game was a good laugh.

What we wore:

( I do have a what to pack guide, which can be found here.) 

1 year old: He wore the same amount of layers every day and was often actually too warm. I gave him an extra layer over my 8-year-old, as he wasn’t walking as much. So keep that in mind if they are in a pushchair; maybe layer up once more.

In order, he wore:

Base layer 
Baby vest ( one that buttons underneath) 
Thermal long-sleeved top, fleece-lined 
Thick jumper

Thermal suit ( please note not all tour operators provide one for children under 3 so you’ll more than likely need your own) I bought mine online; however, Inghams did actually have one to fit him and boots, so they gave us one to use.

Bottom 
Base layer
Thermal leggings 
Soft pair of leggings 
Jogging bottoms 

I actually only ended up wearing my base layers, followed by a thermal long-sleeve top and a pair of leggings or bottoms. But then I hated being hot, and I still was, so you may need one more extra layer on top of this. Although this week it’s due to get colder, I would consider adding one extra layer for everyone. You can always take it off; it’s better to be warm than cold.

Yllas:

Yllas is absolutely beautiful, has really stunning scenery, and is absolutely picture-perfect. The resort is fairly spread out, so not everything is in one place like at some other resorts.

There are two sides to the fell: the Saaga side and the Yllas-Jarvi side. You can get the ski bus between both. €10 each for a full-day pass The supermarket is over near the Akas hotel, Yllas log cabins, Snow Elf, and Villa Armas.Really good supermarket. Prices are on par with Morrisons. Have everything you can think of.

Things to do or must do:

Gondola to the wooden cafe/ Saaga side This is €10pp for 5 and up. It’s lovely to do.  The mint hot chocolate in the cafe is amazing!

Y1: I didn’t do this with a 1-year-old, but from here you can sledge all the way for about 45 minutes back from the village; kids love it. You can also get off the ski bus here to ski, and there is a sledging area.

Swing on a frozen lake—this makes fab photos! We never got a chance to go, and I’m gutted.

Eat at Otso and Well Bar. I’ve actually added some menus to give you an idea of costs in the photos (see the Facebook post in the group). The pot pie at Otso was amazing, and yes, I did try the beer! And the burgers at Well Bar are so good.

If you have time and cooking facilities, get the family together and all cook a Christmas dinner while listening to Christmas music! We do it every year, and it’s a highlight for us. It's also cheaper than a meal out, so win-win!

Spending

Another topic that gets mentioned a lot

Finland isn’t cheap, but it's certainly not expensive compared to some parts of Europe. For a kids meal, you’re looking at €7–10; adults, €15–27, depending on what you’re having.

If you’re self-catering, a great way to keep costs down is to shop and eat at your apartment or cabin sometimes. I have been for a week for 3 of us and spent £580. However, I go every year, so keep in mind that I didn’t have souvenirs, gifts, or things kids grab and want. I also had all my excursions booked already.

Lapland can absolutely be done on a budget; that’s why I go so often. I’m happy to keep it cheap and just be there!

Also, take lots of things with you. I took wraps, cereal bars, crisps, sweets, cereals, and noodles. Anything not fresh, you can basically take.