Date: April 9, 2022
Place: Yllas-Levi, Finland
Active years: 7
Record number of participants: 1,357
Distance: 70 km Classic technique
Number of VSC sprints/climbing points: one sprint at 15 km in Akaslompolo and two climbs at 8 km in Kellostapulinkuru and at 22 km in Kukastunturi
Start times: Men 7:40 CET, women 7:35 CET
Website: https://yllaslevi.com
Highest peak: 481 m
Total climb: 1159 m
Over the years, many recreational skiers have skied from Yllas to Levi in the Finnish Lapland, but the route was not utilized for ski racing until a small group of ski fans put together an actual Yllas-Levi ski race in 2016. The following year, it was already a part of the Visma Ski Classics Pro Tour.
This winter, Yllas-Levi will be the finale of Season XII, where normally all Pro Team athletes and their teams are present celebrating the end of the season. Many Pro Team athletes say that the race is one of their favorites as it really has a bit of everything a skier could hope for.
The 70 km course starts at the Yllas ski resort and goes over several fells with breathtakingly sensational views. But there are also easier parts of the track to enjoy the charming and captivating sceneries. The race ends on the main street in the center of Levi, and skiers can soak up the atmosphere and enjoy the warm welcome from the surrounding spectators.
The Yllas-Levi region is a great place for cross-country skiing offering a variety of ski courses with over 500 km of groomed trails. Since Yllas-Levi takes place in early April, there is a great chance for a lot of sunshine on the day of the race.
Both Yllas and Levi are famous winter ski resorts attracting not only domestic visitors but a growing number of foreign nationalities. Kittila Airport is very close to both locations, and the capital of Lapland, Rovaniemi, is about a two-hour drive away.
Finnish Lapland, the land of Santa Claus, has become a magical winter location where tourists can encounter herds of reindeer, indigenous Sami culture, dashing northern lights and a lot of snow!
Season IX (2019) top three:
Men
- Andreas Nygaard, Team Ragde Eiendom, 2:58:07.3
- Oystein Pettersen, Team BN Bank, 2:58:41.3
- Oyvind Moen Fjeld, Team Ragde Eiendom, 2:58:41.8
Women
- Astrid Oyre Slind, Team Koteng, 3:28:01.6
- Lina Korsgren, Team Ramudden, 3:28:42.1
- Britta Johansson Norgren, Lager 157 Ski Team, 3:28:42.2
