Ruka is a compact fell ski area near Kuusamo in northern Finland, with 39 runs and 20 kilometres of piste between 291 metres and 492 metres, a vertical of 201 metres. The grading is 47% beginner, 38% intermediate and 15% advanced, with no expert-rated runs. That gives it a slightly more even spread than many Finnish resorts, with a bigger share of steeper pistes than you might expect from such a modest fell. The lifts include a gondola, an eight-seater chair, two six-seaters, a quad, a triple and a good number of T-bars and surface lifts.

Ruka's slopes are spread across several low fells, so runs tend to be short, quick laps rather than long descents. Floodlighting covers a large portion of the pistes, and night skiing makes good use of the long, dark Arctic winter. The season is among the longest in Europe, often starting in autumn and running into spring. The terrain parks are a drawcard for freestyle skiers and snowboarders, while beginners and families get plenty of easy ground near the village. Advanced skiers will exhaust the steeper runs quickly, so Ruka suits relaxed, high-mileage skiing.

Experience one of Europe's longest ski seasons at Ruka, spanning from early October to mid-May. The resort's location near the Arctic Circle creates unique skiing conditions, with illuminated slopes during the polar night period and spectacular spring skiing under extended daylight hours. Summer transforms Ruka into an adventure hub, offering hiking trails, mountain biking routes, and bear watching experiences in the surrounding wilderness.

Daily snow reports at Ruka go back to 2025, 3 winters on the books. Open the record to compare winters, lifts and piste.