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Are Lapland Ski Resorts Finnished?

Jarmo Aaltonen of Helsinki's Helsingin Sanomat looks at the high prices of Finland's Lapland resorts and wonders if Finns are being priced out of domestic ski travel.

Aaltonen's April 12 article focuses on Ylläs, a ski resort in western Lapland, where it appears that ordinary families are bringing their own food instead of purchasing grub at the ski resorts. Aaltonen's Finnish ski resort price index explains why: Hot chocolate with a shot of something strong goes for €8.20, a baked potato with garnish is priced at €5.50, and a burger, fries, and soft drink meal runs €8.50.

These costs might not be all that frightening on their own, but look at them in context. Three people traveling on a car-sleeper train from Helsinki to Kolari can expect to pay €313 for the journey. Additionally, Aaltonen estimates that a family of four will pay €920 for accommodation and ski lift passes for a week. Ouchy.

Thing is, Finns are very well off. If Finns won't be able to afford ski resorts in Finland, who will frequent them? Norwegians?

[Image via wilsonlosvitato/Flickr]

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