What Does It Feel Like to Ski the Ylläs-Levi for the First Time?
Being a first-timer can be nerve-wracking, but also incredibly rewarding. This is something Johanna and Satu can attest to. Their experiences open a window into the fascinating world of this event through fresh eyes.
Spontaneous Decision to Join Ylläs-Levi
Johanna had dreamed of taking part in the Ylläs-Levi Hiihto for a long time, but it was only now that the timing felt right.
“I’ve dreamed of it for years, but illness or lack of fitness always got in the way. This time I thought I wouldn’t have enough ski kilometers or skill. But then I just decided—1.5 weeks before the event—that it’s now or never. I can make it to the finish,” she shares.
That spontaneous decision brought a mix of excitement and nerves. It also sparked some gear speculation—should she go with skin skis or grip wax?
Satu, on the other hand, has been skiing since childhood and competed in biathlon as a teen.
“I met my fiancé Niko a little over three years ago, and we started skiing together in Lapland during spring. We skied parts of the Ylläs-Levi route and first heard about the event then. Now, participating felt like a natural continuation of our tradition of taking part in one mass ski race each winter,” Satu says.
The decision to take part had been forming for a while, but the actual registration happened on a whim—right before the end of the year using expiring employee wellness benefits.
Training with a Relaxed Mindset
Neither of them followed a structured training plan for the event. Johanna relied on her general fitness, maintained through regular exercise like freeriding and an active lifestyle, to carry her through the 55 km classic route.
“I actually hadn’t skied actively since school. I started learning again after moving to Levi four years ago. It’s still slow and clumsy,” she admits.
Satu trained for the 70 km free tehnique by combining short weekday ski sessions with longer weekend ones. A poor winter in southern Finland and frequent work travel between Lahti and Sweden cut her skiing short this year—but her running shoes always came along.
Both set a simple goal: finish the race with good vibes and no pressure. Their main concerns beforehand were the weather, the route's potential difficulty, how their equipment would perform, and proper race-day fueling.
“We’ve never skied that long before. Success means reaching the finish on time and enjoying the experience,” Satu summarized the week before the event.
A Bit of Nerves—and a Nap on the Car
“On the bus now—feeling good! Nervous, but not too much. The weather’s a bit questionable. Kukastunturi is out of the route due to conditions, so at least I don’t have to worry about that downhill,” Johanna messaged just before the start.
On Friday, Johanna was in high spirits at the 55 km start line.
Friday’s classic race brought challenging conditions for Johanna: slippery skis, three falls, and sore arms from double-poling. Still, crossing the finish line within her goal time gave her a real winner’s high. And the cherry on top? A chance to relax in a tent sauna at the finish.
“I had my skis waxed beforehand, but since the tracks were icy, the skins froze. I didn’t think to ask for help at the service stations. Lack of grip got frustrating and led to a few curse words. But overall, my mood stayed positive. I chatted with other skiers along the way and was cheered on by great volunteers at the service stops,” Johanna reflects.
Saturday morning started off equally relaxed—Satu even managed to nap on the car from Levi to Ylläs. She was only slightly worried about potential congestion at the mass start and the icy downhills. Her first impressions at the finish were nothing but positive—amazing vibes and joy at making it.
Satu also encountered her own physical challenges along the route.
“The beginning went smoothly. We powered up Kukastunturi without stopping. But then Pyhätunturi caught me off guard—I hit a physical wall. Mentally, I could’ve kept going. I had to take multiple breaks to get to the top. Niko really encouraged me. Usually I’m the stronger one on long routes, but this time he cheered me on. Reaching the finish actually felt surprisingly easy in the end,” Satu summed up after hitting her time goal.
Satu and Niko at the finish line in Levi on Saturday after a successful race.
Post-Race Recovery and Reflections
Both Johanna and Satu were surprised by how easy recovery felt.
“No blisters at all. My body recovered super quickly with no lingering strain. Sauna, proper refueling, and a good night’s sleep,” Satu recommended the following week.
Johanna felt the fatigue hit a day later on Sunday, but avoided any serious injuries despite the falls.
“The bruises from the downhills will take time to heal. The slipping skis really worked my hip flexors. Since I mostly used double-poling, my legs weren’t as tired as expected. During the race, I cramped in my left tricep and hand, but those didn’t bother me afterward,” Johanna explains.
Both highly recommend the experience—especially to fellow first-timers. The unique ski adventure, with its climbs, scenery, and encouraging atmosphere, made a lasting impression.
“The route was great, enough climbing to be challenging but also easy sections to balance it out. The aid stations were a pleasant surprise. At the finish, I actually felt like I could’ve skied a bit more—that says a lot about how good the event felt overall,” Satu concludes, already planning to return to Ylläs-Levi.
Ylläs-Levi is more than a sports performance—it’s a holistic experience. It suits many kinds of skiers, and a bold decision to join might just reward you in unexpected ways.
“I wish I could always feel this good about myself! I was so happy and proud—it’s been a long time since I’ve felt like this. Falls, cramps, and still I couldn’t stop smiling. Next time, I want to try free technique and go faster,” Johanna says, already looking ahead.
Johanna and Satu’s Three Tips for First-Timers:
“I broke the distance down into segments (5 km + 5 x 10 km). That made it easier to manage, and it didn’t feel so long.”
“I dressed lighter than usual for the race—and it was the right choice. I would’ve overdressed if I hadn’t seen last-minute tips on Ylläs-Levi’s Instagram.”
“I recommend going with a friend for your first time—it gives you extra motivation and helps with nerves. But honestly, it went just fine solo, too.”
If you’re dreaming of stunning fell landscapes, pushing your limits, and joining a unique ski event—maybe you are the next first-timer at Ylläs-Levi. Johanna and Satu show that the right mindset and a touch of preparation are all you need to unlock an unforgettable adventure on Lapland’s spring snow.
Photos: Christer Ådahl, Rami Valonen, and participants
