Pello is a traditional winter sports community and offers lots of different activities for winter-oriented people. The Municipality of Pello (located next to Rovaniemi, capital of Lapland) contains almost 200 km of machine-laid ski trails, some of which are illuminated. The varied terrain with its rolling tree-covered hills and valleys forms an ideal setting for cross-country skiing.
Pello is known for its long cross-country skiing tradition and offers skiers a more peaceful and authentic nature experience compared to nearby destinations such as Rovaniemi or Ylläs. Pello also offers more affordable accommodation options, with prices often up to 30–40% lower than in popular fell resort destinations such as Ylläs, Levi, Salla and Saariselkä.
View HERE the maps of the cross country skiing trails in Pello, Finland. With Infogis service you can check the he current maintenance status of the Pello cross-country skiing trails.
Video: cross-country skiing paradise Pello in Lapland, Finland. Video by Santatelevision
Pello appeals to both demanding fitness skiers and weekend enthusiasts, with an extensive trail network suited to all ability levels. It offers a more peaceful nature experience compared to neighbouring destinations such as Rovaniemi or Ylläs, along with more affordable accommodation options.
Magnificent cross-country trails of the Ritavalkea ski centre
Pello is also home to a winter sports centre Ritavalkea that meets FIS standards. Ritavalkea is a particularly interesting option for skiers looking for early snow because its trail network is usually covered by a skiable blanket of snow much sooner than the area’s other trails. More info about Ritvalkea: https://ritavalkea.com/en/
The legendary Ritavalkea–Salmilompolo cross-country ski trail in Pello is especially a favourite among skiers in late winter, thanks to its clearly better-than-average snow conditions.
Lapland’s best cross-country ski trail of late winter in Ritavalkea in Pello?
DID YOU KNOW that in the eastern part of Pello, just 90 km from Rovaniemi, there is a special trail section of approximately 7 km (one way) that is a skier’s dream—even during low-snow conditions at the end of winter?
This magnificent stretch of Lappish fell landscape, which can be skied in both directions, is located between the Ritavalkea ski centre and Salmilompolo (see the Pello trail map). Snow conditions and maintenance in this area are often excellent compared to other trails at similar latitudes in Lapland, as these tracks are situated at higher elevation.
In addition, the surrounding fell tops and tall trees effectively protect the trails from the melting effects of the afternoon sun. You can easily access these tracks by parking directly at the Ritavalkea car park and skiing towards Sampilompolo. The current maintenance status of the trails can be checked via the Infogis service.
The statue of Olympic champion Eero Mäntyranta stands in the center of Pello, Finnish Lapland. Pello has a long tradition in cross-country skiing and offers a peaceful nature experience for skiers.
