Sometimes winter holidays arrive without much planning, or weather conditions change your plans at the destination. That’s why we’ve compiled a set of tips to help you organize enjoyable activities – even the night before or on the same morning. Many of these experiences are free or available at a very affordable price.
Things to do in Ruka-Kuusamo today or tomorrow
Tips for Finding Holiday Activities on Short Notice
Free or Low-Cost Activities
Sledding
A favorite for families – and often adults too – is sledding. If you don’t have your own sled, you can rent one from Piste Rental (starting at 6 €/3 hours). We recommend sledding only in designated areas, such as by Lake Kaltiolampi in Ruka Village, near Kids’ Club in Ruka Valley, and close to the Maston lower station. Ruka Village also has an ice slide you can enjoy without a sled.
Playgrounds and Parks
Playgrounds in the Ruka area are free to use even in winter. There’s one next to Piste Rental in Ruka Village and a smaller one near the Village-2-Valley gondola station in Ruka Valley. The school playground is also open when the school is closed – during evenings, weekends, and holidays.
Feeding Reindeer on Rosa & Rudolf’s Adventure Trail
As part of Ruka’s Fun & Games on the Slopes, you can feed reindeer for free on Rudolf’s Adventure Route every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday at 4 PM. The trail is accessible on foot from Vuosseli’s valley station along the edge of Ahonlaita slope (No. 27). You can also reach it by skiing or snowboarding with a valid lift pass.
Campfire Cooking at Rest Stops
A perfect winter day includes campfire treats like marshmallows and sausages. There are plenty of marked campfire spots at the base of Ruka’s slopes and along hiking trails; see slope map and luontoon.fi. Bring your own roasting sticks, as spots can get busy. If you forgot snacks, K-Market stores in Ruka Village and Ruka Valley have you covered.
Winter Walking
Walking on the local nature trails is of course free of charge! In addition to Ruka’s Scenic Trail at Saarua’s summit, popular routes include Valtavaara Winter Trail, Konttaisen Kuhaus, Pyhän Jyssäys, Juhannuskallio Winter Trail and Vuosseli Outdoor Trail. Many have campfire spots, and Vuosseli Outdoor Trail features three cozy ski cafés: Uuttusuo, Korpikahvila, and Lammintupa Winter Village. If you have a car, consider Pieni Karhunkierros, Kiutaköngäs, or Riisitunturi trails.
Only Vuosseli Outdoor Trail is machine-maintained, so snowshoes may be needed. Pieni Karhunkierros is so popular that the path is usually packed down quickly. Snowshoes can be rented from Piste Rental (20 €/3 hours).
Northern Lights Hiking on your own
Besides Aurora apps, you can check Ruka’s webcams for activity. When you spot a glow, dress warmly, pack snacks and a hot drink, and head from Ruka Village via the Ski Stadium to Talvijärvi’s ice for a magical light show.
Cross-Country Skiing
All Ruka-Kuusamo ski tracks are free if you have your own gear. Cross-country ski rentals start at 30 €/3 hours. Ruka Village offers the Ruka Loop for hilly terrain, while Talvijärvi’s track is flatter. Ruka area free SkiBus (free with a valid lift pass) takes you to Vuosseli Outdoor Trail, the area’s most popular route, which also allows walking and fat biking.
Ice Skating
If you have skates, you can skate for free at Ruka School’s rink. Currently, there are no options for tour skating or skate rentals.
Winter biking
Explore Ruka’s scenery by renting a fat bike (45 €/3 hours). Routes include Vuosseli Outdoor Trail (12 km), Hirsilampi (4 km), Pyhä’s Push (6 km), and Antinperä (4 km). Note: distances don’t include the ride from Ruka Village to the trailhead.
Lift Pass Perks Beyond Skiing and Snowboarding
Gondola Scenic Ride Over Ruka
With a valid lift pass, you can travel between Ruka Village and Ruka Valley and enjoy a gondola ride to Saarua’s summit for access to the Scenic Trail. Pack snowshoes just in case (rentals from 20 €/3 hours).
Kids’ Club and Rosa & Rudolf Family Park
Your lift pass grants free entry to Kids’ Club near Ruka Valley’s gondola station during lift operating hours (not during night skiing). It also includes Rosa & Rudolf Family Park with tubing, play areas, and a campfire hut.
Snow Racing on Slopes
After the slopes close, try snow racing! With a valid lift pass and your own snow racer, you only need a helmet, goggles, and warm clothes. Rentals cost 16 €/3 hours. This activity is popular, so arrive early.
Ruka's Fun & Games on Slopes
Free with a lift pass – includes reindeer feeding and fun competitions on slopes and in Family Park.
New Hit: Ruka Coaster
Experience Ruka’s front slopes from a mountain roller coaster! Free for season pass holders; half-price with a lift pass (tickets from 19 €). Dress warmly and wear goggles for the best experience.
Experiences you can book in a few hours' notice
Lammintupa Winter Village offers husky safaris (40 €), reindeer rides (25 €), ice karting (60 €), snowmobile safaris (97 €), kids’ snowmobiling (20 €), a free kids’ area, and a cozy ski café. Activities run Mon-Sat with advance booking 9-11 AM and non-stop 11 AM-3 PM (expect queues during peak times and note that husky safaris always require pre-booking). Free Lammintupa Bus operates from Ruka Village and Ruka Valley from January until March.
Kujala and Erola farms offer reindeer farm visits (from 27 €) and sleigh rides (from 29 €) with just a few hours’ notice. A highlight is feeding hundreds of reindeer at Kujala Farm (book 8 hrs ahead).
Try ice climbing on Ruka’s slopes (195 €) with 14 hrs’ advance booking.
Winter swimming in a hole in ice is available daily with sauna at Rukatonttu by Talvijärvi (14 €) and at Holiday Club Kuusamo Tropiikki’s lakeside sauna (12 €) on Wednesdays and Sundays.
Massage and spa treatments can be booked in Ruka Village with just a couple of hours’ notice.
Indoor Activities
Take the Ruka-Kuusamo SkiBus (12 € one way) to Kuusamo for Holiday Club Tropiikki’s spa (25 €), Angry Birds Activity Park (8 €/day), and bowling (30-40 €/hour/lane). In Ruka, enjoy glow bowling (35 €/3 hours/lane) or an escape room (30-35 €/person).
Published Dec 19, 2025
Text: Sari Kumpuniemi
Photos: Ruka-Kuusamo Tourist Association and Ruka Ski Resort