A Snowy Escape to Levi, Lapland

I have just come back from an unforgettable short break in Levi, Finnish Lapland, travelling with a group of fellow Travel Counsellors. It was the kind of trip that reminds you exactly why we do what we do: that mix of adventure, connection, and those pinch‑me moments that clients remember for a lifetime.

If you are dreaming of a proper winter wonderland, Levi delivers in the most magical way.

Day 1: Arriving in a Snow Globe

After a very early flight, we landed into deep winter. Heavy snow was falling in thick, soft flakes, and the landscape looked like it had been dusted in icing sugar.

We checked into our chalet near the ski slopes: a cosy base with easy access to everything, perfect for early starts and lazy returns after a day in the snow. Once we had warmed up and unpacked, we did not waste any time.

Our first adventure was ice skating through a snowy forest track, lit by twinkling lights. Gliding between snow-laden trees with fairy lights guiding the way felt truly magical. It was calm, atmospheric, and a lovely way for us as colleagues to unwind, chat and soak up the Lapland mood after a travel day.

Day 2: Finding Our Ski Legs & Discovering “Santa’s Cabin”

On day two we headed into town to hire ski gear, then caught the ski bus to the south slopes. This area is ideal for beginners and those needing a confidence boost, with gentle runs, tubing and sledging. It is also fantastic for families travelling with children or mixed-ability groups.

We started off in the beginner area and on green runs, building confidence and having plenty of laughs, before heading higher for a long blue run. As we skied, the sun began to set, casting soft pinks and golds across the sky. The view from the slopes, with the fells stretching away beneath us, was simply breathtaking and gave us that wonderful mix of adrenaline and awe.

After a few hours on the snow, we swapped our skis for a scenic gondola ride. From the top, we set off on a short trail towards the so‑called “Santa’s Cabin”: a beautiful wooden cabin tucked among trees and deep snow in the fells. Standing there in the stillness, surrounded by white, felt almost otherworldly. We took a quiet moment just to absorb the scenery and the peaceful atmosphere.

That evening, we decided to walk out towards the lake to try our luck at spotting the Northern Lights. Unfortunately, the weather was not on our side. Fog rolled in, and after about an hour’s hike in the snow, we admitted defeat and called a taxi back to town.

Then came a classic spur‑of‑the‑moment decision. Instead of heading straight back, we asked the driver to take us higher up into the fells to escape the fog and give the aurora one more chance. It was absolutely the right call. As we gained altitude, the sky cleared, and suddenly the Northern Lights appeared: bright, dancing and more vivid than any of us had seen before. Greens rippled across the sky in a spectacular display that left us speechless. It was a true “wow” moment, and one we will all be talking about for years.

3: Snowmobiles, Silent Forests & A 2 am Aurora Hunt

The next morning we swapped skis for snowmobiles and headed out into the wilderness. The landscape felt untouched: huge blankets of snow, trees weighed down with white, and that crisp Lapland light. Riding through this scenery was exhilarating, but there was also a real sense of calm and remoteness.

We paused partway through at a campfire in the forest, where we warmed up with hot berry juice, hands wrapped around our mugs, chatting and laughing while the snow gently fell around us. It was simple, but incredibly special.

Later in the day we pulled on our boots again and walked out onto the frozen lake, following a path through the woods to a lean‑to shelter hidden among the trees. There we enjoyed a camp fire and toasted marshmallows, enjoying that cosy, comforting contrast of cold air and warm flames. After days filled with fresh air, snow and non‑stop activity, we were ready for an early night

Except, Lapland had other ideas. In the very early hours, at around 2 am, we layered up again and headed back out onto the frozen lake for another attempt to see the Northern Lights. It was around -19 degrees, the kind of cold that makes your eyelashes freeze and your breath hang in the air. Standing out there in the silence, on the ice, felt incredibly atmospheric. Unfortunately the mist closed in and the aurora stayed hidden this time, but the experience itself was unforgettable, and a perfect example of the lengths people will happily go to in Lapland for the chance of one more glimpse of the lights.

Day 4: Final Hike & a Farewell Aurora

On our last morning, we were determined to squeeze in one more adventure, so we set off on a hike up to the Panorama Hotel in Levi. The trail wound its way upwards through snowy steps and trees, with beautiful viewpoints along the way. It is a manageable but rewarding walk, and a lovely way to see Levi from a different perspective.

That evening, as we flew home and looked out of the aircraft window, Lapland had one final surprise for us. The Northern Lights appeared once more, softly dancing above the clouds. Seeing the aurora from the plane felt like a perfect farewell and the most fitting end to an already magical trip.

Why Levi Works So Well for anyone?

Travelling with other Travel Counsellors, we naturally spent the whole trip viewing Levi through our clients’ eyes. What stood out was how versatile and atmospheric it is:

• A true winter playground, with skiing, tubing and sledging for all levels.

• Magical, softer experiences like forest ice skating, hiking to storybook cabins, and campfires in the woods.

• Big bucket‑list highlights: snowmobile safaris, frozen lakes, and some of the brightest Northern Lights we have ever seen.

• The very real possibility of multiple aurora attempts, including those memorable “up at 2 am in -19 degrees on a frozen lake” kind of stories.

It suits couples, groups of friends, colleagues on an incentive escape, and families alike. With the right planning, you can blend high‑energy activities with peaceful, scenic moments that really allow you to slow down and connect.