The History of Ylläs and the Ski Resort
Early 1930s
In the early 1930s, the first ski tourists began arriving in the Ylläs area. Unlike the local people, who skied out of necessity for hunting, reindeer herding and other everyday tasks, the visitors came to ski simply for pleasure.
1954
A road is built to Äkäslompolo.
1957
The first ski lift is built in Varkaankuru. The lift is powered by a Volkswagen engine.
1963
The lift cable breaks, and the Municipality of Kolari discontinues the lift operation as unprofitable.
1967–1971
- Yleisradio’s TV mast is built high up on the fell, close to the summit, along with a service road to the mast.
- Electricity arrives in the village of Äkäslompolo.
- After a few years without a lift, skiing returns to the fell when Yllästunturi Oy builds a new ski lift at a slightly different location. This time, the lift is electrically powered.
Early 1980s
Regional marketing cooperation begins in the Ylläs area.
1982
Ylläsjärven Tunturikylä Oy opens the first ski lifts on the Ylläsjärvi side: the Alahissi Lift and the Huippuhissi Lift.
1983
Finnair begins trial flights to Kittilä Airport.
1986
VR begins passenger train services to Kolari railway station.
Late 1980s
Major investments are made in new lifts and slopes, including Aurinko, Sportti, Perhe and Länsiraja, as well as double lifts for the Alahissi Lift and Huippuhissi Lift.
1985–1986
Kuru Lift, Ylläs Lift and Tenava Lift open.
1991
- The first snowmaking system is built in Äkäslompolo.
- Ylläs is named Ski Resort of the Year.
2002
Ylläs is named Ski Resort of the Year for the second time.
2003
- The first phase of a semi-automatic snowmaking system is built on the Ylläsjärvi side. The system is expanded in 2005.
- Ylläksen Matkailuyhdistys ry (Ylläs Tourist Association) is established.
2004
New forest slopes open on the Äkäslompolo side.
2005
- Ylläs Scenic Road opens.
- Pallas–Yllästunturi National Park is established.
2007
- Ylläs is named Ski Resort of the Year for the third time.
- The Aurinkokuru area and the Ylläs Aurinko Express chairlift open in Äkäslompolo.
2008
Gondola, Taiga Service Centre and Ylläs Bike Park open on the Ylläsjärvi side.
2021
- The ski resorts of Ylläs adopt the shared Ylläs Ski Resort brand.
- A fully automated snowmaking system is introduced on the Ylläsjärvi side.
2022
The Ylläs Express chairlift opens.
2024
A ski coaster track opens in Äkäslompolo and is expanded to a second slope the following winter.
2024
Ylläs is named Ski Resort of the Year for the fourth time.
2024 and 2025
Ylläs Bike Park is named Bike Park of the Year twice in a row.
2027
Ylläs celebrates its 70th anniversary season!
Photo above: The Schauman brothers / Kariniva Lodge