Instructions when the gondola is closed

Due to exceptional weather conditions or a technical fault, we may need to temporarily close the gondola lift. On this page, you will find instructions on what to do in this situation.
Village-2-Valley Gondoli kesällä Rukalla. Kuva Harri Tarvainen

You can check gondola opening hours and exception on the Slopes and lift page as well as at the end of the this page.

Summer season (June–September)

 

During the summer season, when the gondola is closed, there is no replacement transportation available.

You can still reach BASE Eat & Heat at the top of Saarua, as well as travel between Ruka Village and Ruka Valley, on foot by following the routes shown below (see map).

From Ruka Village, you can walk up the Kuru slope via the service road. Please note that walking on the Ruka Rally track, which is marked by car tires, is not permitted.

From Ruka Valley, we recommend following the service road to the Vuosseli plateau. At the junction on the plateau:

  • Turn right to reach the top of Saarua and BASE Eat & Heat.
  • Continue straight if you are heading toward Kuru and onward to Ruka Village.

Please note that walking on the marked Bike Park trails is prohibited for safety reasons. Pedestrians must use the designated service roads and walking routes.

 

Early Season (early October–mid-November)

Replacement transportation for skiers runs between the front of Piste Rental and the top of Saarua. A user of the replacement ride must have a valid ski lift ticket. 

Pedestrians can use the uphill walking trail on the left side of Kuru slope from the village side. From the Saarua side, pedestrians can use the Saarua Express lift.

Winter Season (excluding peak periods) approx. Nov 15–May 3

For skiers and pedestrians, the replacement connection is the Village Express chairlift and the Vuosseli Express chairlift. To reach the top of Saarua, use the Saarua Express chairlift. A user of the replacement ride must have a valid ski lift ticket.

Please note that you cannot carry snow sports equipment on your lap when using the Vuosseli Express, Saarua Express, or Village Express lifts. Equipment racks are available near Village Express and Vuosseli Express, where you can leave your gear for staff to transport if needed. 

Pedestrians can use the uphill walking trail on the left side of Kuru slope from the village side.

SkiBus line 1 operates regularly between Ruka Village and Ruka Valley. See more details here:

SkiBus timetables

Peak Season (Christmas, New Year, winter holidays, Easter)

For skiers and pedestrians, the replacement lift connection is the Village Express chairlift (up) and the Vuosseli Express chairlift (down for pedestrians). To reach the top of Saarua, use the Saarua Express chairlift. A user of the replacement ride must have a valid ski lift ticket. 

Please note that you cannot carry snow sports equipment on your lap when using the Vuosseli Express, Saarua Express, or Village Express lifts. Equipment racks are available near Village Express and Vuosseli Express, where you can leave your gear for staff to transport if needed. 

Pedestrians can use the uphill walking trail on the left side of Kuru slope from the Ruka village side to BASE Eat&Heat.

Additionally during peak seasons: Nonstop bus service between the Kumpare roundabout in Ruka Village and the Ski-Inn Valley Hotel roundabout, with a loop duration of about 30 minutes. A user of the replacement ride must have a valid ski lift ticket. Please note that the start of the replacement bus service may vary depending on availability, and it may take up to 1–2 hours to start after the gondola closes. If you are in a hurry, it is recommended to call a taxi (note: normal taxi rates apply).