YLLÄS-LEVI

 
"Not far from the Swedish territory, Mount Ylläs rises majestically, fortified by several other small, lunar-looking fells. Further east, on the banks of the Ounas River, Mount Levi appears almost solitary amidst the immense taiga. Each is in its corner and lives its life as a ski resort. Certainly, they share a common thread in winter thanks to the legendary Ylläs-Levi cross-country ski race, but only a few are interested in connecting the two summits the rest of the year. Therefore, the local agency Lappitrek has imagined and crafted a beautiful trekking itinerary that takes you from one to the other. In a wild, Nordic, and autumnal setting, we progress on the gentle slopes of mineral and wooded hills. We leave Ylläs with a light rucksack. Five days later, we return with minds laden with lifelong memories. The memory of nights spent under a small tent or at the bottom of a hammock surrounded by nature only, of the first steps of the day walked in the refreshing and crispy air of the morning, of a coffee break taken at that nature café in the middle of nowhere, of a route that offers wide horizons at the top of Lainiotunturi, of the magnetic remoteness at each peat bog or deep valley we go in, of the joy we have every evening when we gather around a wood fire lit under a kota or a laavu. So, come and let's build all these memories and much more! In this way, we will make the two mountains closer."
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WHEN: In September and October

DURATION: 6 days

MEETING POINT: In Kittilä or Levi

DISTANCE: 60 km

ENVIRONMENT: In the wilderness. Alternation of sections hiked in the Arctic fells and the boreal forest. Mostly rocky trails and uneven terrain. A few sections on forest paths. Exposure to winds on the top of the fells. Total elevation gain: about 1400 m. There is access to several eco-toilets and shelters along the trail.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Ability to trek over long distances and for several days in a row. Perfect health condition. Must handle efforts well, especially carrying a rucksack and hiking the elevation gain indicated above. Must accept the minor discomforts of life in nature.  

1482 euros/individual 
1209 euros/individual if 2+ bookings
929 euros/individual (13-18 years old; suitable for late teens) 

Price includes: the private mode of the trip (= not mixed with other people or groups), local transportation, accommodation in a chalet on night 5, the gear for trek (3 seasons sleeping bags, sleeping mats, sustainable Kupilka dishware, stoves, backpacks, hiking poles...), hot drinks and snacks, all meals from dinner on day 1 until lunch on breakfast on day 6, pictures, guiding work in English or French, permits and taxes

Price does not include: your round trip home to Lapland, the meals not mentioned above, health coverage and insurance, your souvenirs, your clothing adjusted to the season and activity

Payment: Bank transfer. 20% at the time of booking, then full payment up to 45 days before departure
Discount: for children up to 18 years old, single parents, students, and individuals in ministry or clergy. Contact us.
Free of charge: all additional programs related to the specificity of our agency. On request. Contact us.

Day 1:
Welcome to Kittilä Airport (or Kittilä bus station, or to the train station in Kolari), Lapland, Finland!
Let's not wait any longer to start this adventure! Transportation to the trailhead.
Packing time (Lappitrek has already prepared most of the gear)
We hike up in the fells and have our first camp night on the top of a rocky promontory.
Installation and dinner.
Presentation of the trek.
Observation of the Northern lights weather, and specific conditions permitting.
Good night!
Stage 1: 3 km. 140 m elevation gain.

Day 2:  

Good morning! Breakfast and packing time.

The first part of the stage takes place on a mountainside passage offering extensive views of the wild spaces of Yllästunturi National Park. Then, our trail plunges towards a lake nestled between two mountains. We take a short break on the shores of this lake where purse seine fishing has its history. Then, our route takes us into the forest. Right in the middle of it, if it's open, we stop for lunch at a Lappish café, a surprising place of local life yet so far from everything. At the entrance to the Hangaskuru Valley, we begin the major climb of the day. We find ourselves back on the mineral and desert-like slopes so typical of the mountains of the Arctic regions. The summit offers a magnificent 360° view where a beautiful feeling of freedom transports us. To reach our camp for the night, we take a pretty valley where reindeer sometimes like to wander.

Setting up camp. Rest.

Dinner in the kota hut.

Observation of the Northern lights weather, and specific conditions permitting.

Good night!
Stage 2: 14 km.  450 m elevation gain.

Day 3: 

Good morning! Breakfast and packing time.

This third stage begins peacefully in a valley inhabited by the melodious sound of a small stream that we follow until it disappears into the peat bogs of Pikku-Molosjänkkä. We arrive on the shores of the "Holy Lake", where an adorable old reindeer herder's hut welcomes us for lunch. After this break, we regain altitude. We are now moving on the longest mountain in the park, shaped like a lunar crescent. Already, we have the privilege of contemplating the entire path we have traveled. On the other side of the pass, the descent is gentle. Further down, the yellow splendor of the larches, a rarer tree species in Lapland, amazes us. We find the shores of the "Holy Lake", which seems to disappear into a sort of marshland, which sometimes is a haven of peace for birds. This is where we set up camp.

Dinner in a kota hut.

Observation of the Northern lights weather, and specific conditions permitting.

Good night!

Stage 3: 15 km.  275 m elevation gain.

Day 4: 

Good morning! Breakfast and packing time.

Day four of our trek! This is the longest stage. We leave our lovely camp and take a wide, flat forest path. We cross the bridge and the small rapids of Kallio, and head towards a lake popular with local fishermen. We take a short break there before returning to a narrower path. Duckboards allow us to cross the Jänkkäsenvuoma peat bog. Then, a few small hills rise in front of us. After a sort of small labyrinth of paths, we find a little rest at the "Elk Cabin." A few kilometers further, on the shores of a pond, we arrive at the "Muse Cabin." where we put up our tents.

Dinner in the cabin.

Good night!

Stage 4: 17 km. 170 m elevation gain. 

Day  5: 

Good morning! Breakfast and packing time.

Before embarking on the final leg, we explore a charming hamlet of old buildings and cabins. From there, "Wolverine Fell" appears as the last barrier to cross. We skirt its northwest face, then enter a narrow, steep valley. A few wooden steps encourage us to continue and reach the summit. A shelter awaits us for a well-deserved break. The last few kilometers are a pretty path that winds between mountain birch and fir trees, while offering breathtaking views of Mount Levi. The final descent is steep and fast. The shores of Lake Immel are our gateway to the pretty ski resort of Levi.

Transportation to a cottage where we stay for the night.

Installation and rest.

The guide cooks a special dinner.

Sauna time or/and walk in Levi

Good night!

Stage 5: 10 km.  350 m elevation gain. 

Day 6: 

Breakfast and packing time.

Transportation to Kittilä Airport (or Kittilä bus station, or the train station in Kolari)

End of the program.