“A holiday surrounded by snow and frost is the best Christmas gift” – why does the Kujala family return to Levi year after year?

Skiing, cabin life, outdoor play and precious time together. The Kujala family from Helsinki has travelled to Levi almost every year, and the tradition continues this year as they spend Christmas in the north. What makes the family return to Levi time and time again?

Around 1,000 kilometres lie ahead. The route is familiar, however, as the Kujala family has headed north almost every year. What makes this year special is that they plan to spend Christmas in Levi.

“When I look out the window of our home in Espoo, I find myself wondering when I should mow the lawn next,” laughs the father of the family, Matti Kujala (40).
“I long for a real, snowy winter. That’s why our trip to Levi is so important to our whole family.”

The family of four packs their car almost to the brim. Along with downhill and cross-country skis, they bring skates and sleds. There are also plenty of base layers and sportswear, as the weather in Lapland can never be taken for granted. Upon arrival, the thermometer is expected to show around –7°C.

“We’ve travelled to Levi by car, train and plane,” Kujala explains. “But when you’re bringing a lot of gear, driving is the most practical option, even though the kilometres add up. We usually stay overnight along the way to recharge both the travellers and the car.”

The Kujala family consists of Matti, his wife, their 12-year-old daughter and 9-year-old son. Upon arrival in Levi, they head straight to their rented cabin, unload their belongings and then go out for a good meal after the long journey. It’s also the perfect moment to plan the grocery list for the week ahead.

“The kids always want reindeer sauté when we’re in Lapland, which we’re happy to cook in the cabin. Even though we eat out occasionally, it’s important for us to stay somewhere we can cook and spend time together, for example playing board games. Luckily, Levi always has great cabins for that – just like this time.”

The Kujala family’s children have been skiing since a very young age, and trips to Levi are especially dear to both of them. “Especially this winter, when there’s hardly any snow in the south,” Matti Kujala points out.

A SLOPE DAY STARTS WITH AN EARLY WAKE-UP

When the Kujalas’ first holiday day begins, the children are awake earlier than usual.

“They barely finish breakfast before they’re already putting on their ski gear and loading the skis into the car. It’s not uncommon for us to be among the first in the lift queue,” Kujala laughs.

The children are most often found skiing on the South Slopes, thanks to their long profiles and wide runs. From time to time, the parents head to the North-East Slopes, where they can really carve and pick up speed.

“I’ve been skiing since I was five years old. The kids started young too and have attended ski school. They’re already quite skilled on the slopes. What’s great about Levi is that there are slopes for all levels.”

When hunger strikes during the day, the family heads to one of Levi’s many slope restaurants – most often Restaurant Sivakka due to its convenient location. Another firm favourite is Restaurant Horizont, located at the top of the Front Slopes.

“I value high-quality food. It’s wonderful that Levi’s slope restaurants offer tasty and nourishing meals for the whole family,” Kujala says.

Levi offers a wide and varied selection of slope-side restaurants where you can stop to refuel during a day on the slopes. “One of our absolute favourites is Restaurant Horizont, where we often have lunch. The kids always find something they enjoy on the menu as well,” Matti Kujala comments.

During the day, the family may also stop by the South Slopes’ lean-to shelter to grill sausages and enjoy their own snacks.

“I’ve noticed that people in Levi often seem more relaxed. It’s nice to chat with others and ask how they’re doing while enjoying a snack.”

CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING, SKATING AND LONG SLED RUNS

When the family isn’t on the slopes, they are likely cross-country skiing, skating or sledding with friends.

“When we go cross-country skiing, you get to see the landscape from a different perspective. The journey itself is what matters, not the speed. We pack snacks in a backpack and stop at a lean-to shelter along the way. Levi’s trail network is diverse and well-lit, so skiing works beautifully even during the darkest time of the year,” Kujala notes.

If the Kujala family isn’t on the slopes, they are most likely sledging or spending time at the cabin playing board games. “The tubing hill was also a fun new experience,” they say.

The active family can also often be found skating, as there are several ice hockey enthusiasts among them. Levi’s well-maintained outdoor ice rinks are easy to find.

“This is exactly one of the reasons we enjoy Levi so much. There’s so much to do with children and a wide range of services. Sometimes it’s nice to be active, go sledding, shop, eat out, or simply walk in nature and enjoy Lapland’s stunning landscapes and tranquillity,” Kujala lists.

THE PEACE OF NATURE INVITES YOU TO PAUSE

One particularly memorable moment for Kujala comes from a past trip to Levi, when he was riding the gondola up the fell with friends.

“It was cloudy and foggy, but as we ascended, the clouds stayed below and the air cleared. Only the fell tops pierced through the cloud layer,” he recalls.

Even though the Kujala family has visited Levi many times, the beauty of the surrounding nature continues to amaze them time after time. “The scenery on the slopes is absolutely stunning.”

“Even on this holiday, we often just stop to admire the surrounding nature together as a family. The first words that come to mind are purity and peace.”

Beyond nature experiences, what matters most to the Kujala family is being together and stepping away from everyday routines. The distance from home helps the whole family slow down and be truly present with one another.

“It feels like we’re all in a slightly different state of mind. We’re able to rest differently and let go of daily routines – and most importantly, pause for a moment.”

For the Kujala family, the most important part of a holiday is being together. “Every year you really notice how quickly the children grow. Traveling and creating memories together are incredibly precious.”

SPRING ALSO DRAWS FAMILIES TO LEVI

Although the Kujala family is spending Christmas in Levi this year, the destination is familiar to them in other seasons as well.

In spring, Leevi’s Family Weeks bring families together to enjoy sunny slope days, a relaxed atmosphere and a wide range of activities. For many families, spring is actually the best time to visit Levi.

“Based on years of experience – and our children’s comments – I can say that Levi is quite a perfect place for families,” Kujala sums up with a smile.

LEVI – A PERFECT FAMILY RESORT

Levi is a safe and exciting destination for children in the heart of Lapland – without forgetting the parents’ holiday experience.

For younger visitors, Levi offers 10 dedicated children’s slopes, a Mini Park, the Leevilandia activity area, and plenty of guided activities. Levi’s ski school provides children with a smooth introduction to different snow sports.

Read more: www.levi.fi/en/ski/families