WHY YOU´LL LOVE IT
Start from the top of Levi fell - ride the gondola to 531 metres and begin your snowshoe journey high above the resort instead of climbing the fell from below.
See Western Lapland from above - on clear days, the summit opens views towards the surrounding fells of Kätkä, Ylläs and Pallas, with visibility extending much further across the landscape in good conditions.
Snowshoe downhill through changing Arctic scenery - move from exposed fell terrain into snow-covered forest as the route gradually descends from the summit.
Stop at Levi's famous Santa’s Cabin - photograph the small log cabin on the fell that became widely known as a filming location for the Finnish Christmas movie Joulutarina.
Get the views without hiking all the way uphill - the gondola does the climbing, leaving your energy for the scenic snowshoe route down the fell.
THE EXPERIENCE
Snowshoeing from Levi Fell Summit to Santa’s Cabin
Ride the gondola to the 531-metre summit of Levi fell, then snowshoe downhill through open fell landscapes to the famous Santa’s Cabin from the Finnish film Joulutarina, stopping for a fireside break along the way.
Take the gondola up. Snowshoe back down.
This snowshoe tour starts where most winter walks would finish - at the top of Levi fell.
After meeting your guide and getting fitted with snowshoes, you travel to the gondola station and ride to the 531-metre summit. There is no long uphill climb before the adventure begins. Instead, you step out at the top of the fell and start your journey downhill through one of Levi’s most scenic winter landscapes.
On clear days, the summit opens wide views across Western Lapland, towards the surrounding fells of Kätkä, Ylläs and Pallas. The landscape feels very different from the forests around Levi village: open, elevated and exposed to the changing Arctic light.
From here, the snowshoe descent begins.
From the summit into the winter forest
The first part of the route crosses open fell terrain before gradually descending towards the tree line.
Snowshoeing downhill is an experience of its own. The snow softens every step, the landscape changes as you lose elevation, and the open views of the summit slowly give way to snow-covered forest.
The route is mostly downhill, but this does not make it effortless. Walking on uneven snow requires balance, and a sustained descent puts more strain on the legs and knees than an easy forest walk. The tour is therefore rated Moderate and is best suited to guests who are comfortable walking outdoors on uneven winter terrain.
Santa’s Cabin from Joulutarina
Partway down Levi fell, the route reaches one of the area’s best-known photography locations: Santa’s Cabin.
The small log cabin became widely known as a filming location for the Finnish Christmas film Joulutarina. Sitting alone on the snowy fell, surrounded by winter forest and open scenery, it has since become one of Levi’s most recognisable places to photograph.
There is time to stop, explore the surroundings and take photographs before continuing downhill.
In December, the landscape can look completely different from one day to the next. Around the polar-night season, the route may take place in the soft blue, pink and violet twilight known in Finnish Lapland as kaamos. The exact light depends on the time of day, weather and cloud cover - which is part of what makes winter photography on the fell so unpredictable.
A fireside break on Levi fell
Further down the route, the group stops at a traditional kota hut.
The guide lights the fire, and there is time to take off the snowshoes, rest and warm up. Sausages are grilled over the open flames and served with hot berry juice before the final part of the descent.
From the kota, the route continues downhill towards the lower meeting point, where transportation back to Levi is waiting.
Who is this tour for?
The tour works particularly well for active couples, families and small groups who want to explore Levi fell beyond the ski slopes. It is also a good choice for photographers and visitors interested in seeing Santa’s Cabin and the Joulutarina filming location as part of an outdoor winter experience rather than simply visiting it by car.
No previous snowshoeing experience is required, but participants should be comfortable walking on uneven snowy terrain. Because much of the route involves a sustained downhill descent, the tour is not recommended for guests with significant knee problems or mobility limitations.
If the gondola is not operating
The tour normally begins with a gondola ride to the summit of Levi fell.
If the gondola is closed because of weather or operating conditions, transportation is arranged as high up the fell as conditions allow. A short uphill walk of approximately 500 metres may then be required to reach the snowshoe starting point.
The guide may adjust the exact route according to snow, weather and safety conditions.
Private tour
The experience can also be arranged privately for couples, families and small groups.
A private departure includes your own guide and transportation, with the walking pace and stops adapted to your group. It is particularly suitable if you would like more time for photography at the summit or Santa’s Cabin.
