A Lap Around the Slopes of Levi – Tanja Poutiainen-Rinne Shares Her Tips for a Perfect Ski Day
Levi offers skiers an exceptionally diverse mountain experience. Slopes open in every direction, catering to different skill levels and moods throughout the day.
One of the most popular ways to experience the fell is to ski it “around the clock” — completing a full lap either clockwise or counterclockwise in a single day.
Tanja Poutiainen-Rinne has completed this circuit countless times and now shares her best tips for a successful day on the slopes.
Levi – A Fell You Keep Coming Back To
Tanja visits Levi regularly throughout the winter season — practically all season long. Traditionally, Levi is part of her New Year celebrations, Independence Day and the season opening, but she often returns several times a month as well.
“Levi is incredibly versatile. There are steep, demanding slopes where you can carve expert turns, but also wonderful family slopes in the South area. The parks are world-class, and the long runs — especially around Levi Six — are just right: not too steep, not too flat. The slopes face different directions, so you can follow the sun throughout the day,” Tanja says.
The forest runs have also been an important part of the family’s ski days. When Tanja’s children were 4–5 years old, the family skied the 7B forest route together, where speed stays manageable and the surroundings feel safe. One favorite is 7B.3 – Sammu’s Forest Run, which offers a playful yet secure ride through the trees. As skills have developed, the family has expanded their adventures to other forest routes around the fell.
Why Is the Levi Lap So Popular?
One reason is simple: no two runs feel the same.
“During the lap you ski both short and long runs, use different lifts, and along the way you can take a moment to sit in the ‘rally bench’ at Levi West. The day flows naturally between skiing and breaks,” Tanja explains.
It’s this variety that makes the experience feel exciting rather than repetitive.
How to Prepare for the Lap
The most important tip is simple: study the slope map in advance.
“When you understand how the lifts and runs connect, the transitions are smooth and you don’t waste time wandering,” Tanja advises.
The starting point doesn’t matter much. Tanja often begins at the Gondoli2000 lift since the family cabin is nearby, but the key is to choose what works best for you.
“I like to start around 10 a.m. That way there’s plenty of time in the day, and you can return to your favorite slopes later or ski them multiple times during the lap.”
How Much Time Should You Reserve?
With lunch and breaks included, the family’s lap took about four hours. If you focus purely on skiing, it can be done in roughly two hours — but Tanja emphasizes that rushing misses the point.
“Breaks make the lap enjoyable and keep your legs fresh.”
Favorite Slopes and Pleasant Surprises
Tanja particularly enjoys the Levi West slopes, where the upper section is steep before gradually leveling out. The long runs at Levi Six also earn praise. The South slopes are sunny and family-friendly, and the nearby parks offer jumps and rails for all levels.
The natural snow runs on slope five are another favorite — typically opening around the winter holiday weeks.
How the Poutiainen-Rinne Family Completed Their Lap
Tanja, her husband Vesa, and their 9-year-old twins started their lap at Gondoli2000, skiing directly toward the Levi Six slopes. From there, they took the chairlift up and skied toward lift 7, continuing on to the South slopes.
“The new run in the South was absolutely beautiful in the sunshine. We also skied in Junior Park and South Park. From the South we continued to Levi West and took the lift up to the summit.”
From the top at West, the family skied toward Alpine Training Park and lift number 13, completing a couple of runs there.
“Even though it’s short, one side is steep and the other is rolling — a really fun combination.”
They then took lift 14 up again. If hunger hasn’t yet kicked in, it’s easy to ski a few more runs there, as they did. After another ascent on lift 14, they headed toward the Front Slopes for lunch at their favorite restaurant, Horizont.
After lunch, the family skied a few more runs on the Front Slopes, using the North chairlift for quick and efficient ascents. From there, they rode the Glacier Express chairlift and transitioned back to the Gondoli2000 lift, which carried them to the summit once more.
At the top, they enjoyed coffee and pastries at Restaurant Palovartija.
At that point, the lap was essentially complete — although this time slopes five and 7B were skipped in all the excitement. Energy was still high, so after skiing Levi Black, the family finished the day in the South Park area.
Who Is the Levi Lap For?
“I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys skiing for a full day. A solid basic skill level is enough, and it suits all ages — from children to grandparents. Our twins handled it wonderfully,” Tanja says.
One advantage is flexibility: you can stop at any time and return to your starting point. Levi isn’t as demanding as full mountain circuits in the Alps, and the lap can also be split into two days. You don’t have to ski every slope — for example, Levi Black can be skipped.
“The most important thing is to enjoy the day, not to perform,” Tanja Poutiainen-Rinne reminds us.
