The 5 most unique ski destinations in Scandinavia

With a love for skiing comes a love for the outdoors, but those mapping out upcoming ski trips can quickly fall into the routine of visiting the same destinations, resorts, and chalets, time after time. Many fall in love with a special ski spot for its sense of familiarity, but if you're a true snow bunny, make your next trip an opportunity to see the one-of-a-kind environments that Scandinavia offers up with its slopes.

With the chance to see the northern lights during aprés-ski in Finland or the midnight sun over the free-ride mountains in Sweden, the Nordics should be top of your list for your next skiing sojourn.

Here, we narrow down the 5 best destinations for the most unique Scandinavian skiing experience.

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If you're seeking something far from your average ski resort, the Norwegian destination of Narvik is a strong contender. Situated almost as far north as you can get in Scandinavia, the slopes offer what is possibly the best view that you can get from lift access skiing – being one of very few ski spots in the world that offers up perfectly groomed slopes with visibility of the ocean at the same time.

Take the lift from its base in Narvik, which takes you 1000m above sea level with views over the city, the towns and fjords. If you're really lucky, you might even catch the northern lights during an evening session of skiing.

Venture across the border from Norway to Sweden – just two hours drive from the aforementioned Narvik – and you’ll find yourself in Riksgränsen: the freeride skiing paradise of Sweden and the home of the annual Scandinavian Big Mountain Championships in spring.

In addition to the overwhelming natural beauty of Riksgränsen, what truly makes this destination unique is its huge quantities of snow, and therefore its ability to remain open late into the season. Schedule a visit after the end of May, and head to the slopes after 10pm in the evening, to enjoy a backdrop of the midnight sun.

Siglofjördur is a small fishing village nestled amongst the Troll Peninsula of northern Iceland. The small-scale ski resort has only three lifts but guarantees a ski experience out of the ordinary for those willing to adjust to a slower pace. The resort itself is located deep amongst Siglo's fjord but offers breathtaking views from its lofty summit. Nearby hotels offer geothermal hot springs for an indulgent close to a day on the slopes, or braver visitors can head to the fjord for an icy plunge. If you're seeking even more adventure in Siglofjördur, Iceland's best heli-ski operation are based out of Siglo and ensure unforgettable views of the unique Icelandic surrounds.

Åre is well known – and for good reason. In many ways, this destination is the biggest and the best when it comes to skiing in Scandinavia – but the scale and popularity doesn't detract from the unique experience. Add this to your itinerary to enjoy the highest vertical drop, the most slopes, and possibly the best après-ski that the region has to offer.

Imagine cruising in fresh powder snow, between trees that are so blanketed in snow that they are completely white. That’s the incredible experience that the Finnish ski destination of Ylläs boasts. The best time to visit in early January when the sun is low, creating a stunning golden glow through the trees throughout the day – while also being prime time for catching a glimpse of the Northern Lights during aprés-ski. Ylläs is the biggest ski resort in Finland with no less than 18 lifts. But be warned – its location, deep in the Finnish Lappland, calls for the warmest of thermals and ski gear.