⛷️ Ski early: the start of the season in Levi/Ruka + what to do when there is little snow

Sometimes winter arrives quietly — without blizzards and knee-deep snowdrifts. And yet, in Lapland, skis are already clicking into bindings in October. The secret is not magic, but "varastolumi", snow that is carefully stored from spring and rolled back onto the slopes when there are still puddles below. This article explains how early skiing works in Levi and Ruka, which slopes open first, where to save energy and money, and what to do if there is little snow and you are already here.

When and how Levi and Ruka open

Both mountains stretch into October. Ruka officially launches the season in early October on the "snow reserve" in the Saarua area; in 2025, it will be on 3–4 October (lifts from 9:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.).
Levi starts in early October and has the longest winter in the country — about seven months. At the start, the front slope and "ice" lanes are open, and the Glacier/Express chairlifts are connected.

Why is it so stable? Snow is stored in large "domes" under geotextile and thermal insulation; by autumn, up to 70% of the mass remains. Then, a few cold nights are enough, and the ski "ridge" is ready.

Which slopes and lifts are open at the beginning

The first weekend offers 1–3 main slopes, training slopes, a fun park, and a training belt. At Ruka, Saarua + gondola and a couple of chairlifts will be open; at Levi — Front Slope + Glacier chairlift and/or North chairlift, depending on readiness.

I like to "warm up" on flat terrain, without rushing to cover kilometres. In October, rhythm is more important: an hour and a half of skiing → hot chocolate in a warm place → another hour and a half.

Ski passes, schools, rentals: prices and details

Ski passes.
— Levi 25/26: 1 day — €68 adult / €45.5 child; "5/7 days" — €293 (adult). Buying online is often cheaper.
— Ruka 25/26: regular and early season prices apply (for online purchases). Season pass: €513 for adults (advance purchase before 15 December — €461).

Schools.
— Levi Ski School 25/26: private lesson 50 min from October — €66 (1 person), 1.5 hours — €105. Seasonal lessons start on 13 October.
— Ruka Ski School 25/26: 50 min — €67 (1 person), 1 hr 45 min — €134. There are mountain, snowboard, cross-country and adaptive lessons.

Rental.
— Levi: standard set at Zero Point / Elan rentals — approximately €39/day (options).
— Ruka: standard set €34/day; 3 hours — €25.5; lower prices for children and seniors 65+.

How to get there without unnecessary transfers

Levi: fly to Kittilä (KTT) — 15 km to the resort, airport bus and taxi available.
Ruka: main entrance — Kuusamo (KAO); airport shuttle and local buses operate. (The historic Rovaniemi–Ruka shuttle will be discontinued in spring 2024.)

Plan B for low snow

If the forecast is positive and windy, I rearrange my day:
— morning — school (technique + safe carousels),
— afternoon — "dry" activities (trekking on boardwalks, spa, sauna),
— evening — night skiing on a compacted strip.

I also keep in mind Finland's winter sports and saunas in winter — so as not to "waste" the day.

Summary table Levi vs Ruka (early season)

Source of data — official websites of resorts and their shops.

Early skiing checklist

If you found this helpful, share the link with your mates and tell us in the comments what worked for you in the early season: school in the morning or skiing in the evening on velvet snow. I'll add your life hacks to the checklist.