We went to the viral snowy ski resort in Finland to see what it's like

[@saureeeegogo]

About the trees, the heavy snow pack forms on spruces mostly. It would need some really cold and windy weather to have it on pine trees also. And it takes just one warm day with plus degrees celsius to make them to "drop" their snowy sheets. So if you see a green forest instead of white, you already know there will not be those snowy trees. It's not an area specific thing, it's just weather. If the weather stays on minus temperatures with regular snow fall, all of the trees around you turn into to those we call "tykkylumipuu". So all in all, it's not instagram versus reality. It's just about what kind of a weather there has been lately. In a normal winter every spruce you find there is just like it is in the instagram posts. That's actually way more reality than the conditions you had in this video.

[@saureeeegogo]

To add to my comment, you can see in the video that the landscape has this dark forest to it, which indicates to warm weather lately or a really bad snow conditions that winter. Usually the landscape is all white until spring.

[@mamax7169]

thats absolutely bullshit😂 its not about minus degrees, its about special conditions regarding snow windspeed etc

[@saureeeegogo]

@@mamax7169 Nothing special about it in here. Yes it forms with windy weather, which is the normal weather around the fells in Lapland, but they will stay like it through the entire winter if the weather stays cold enough for them not to melt. The reason why I'm talking about the temperatures is because the snowy trees will automatically form in the weather we have in here in winter. So a spruce tree without a snowsheet is a clear indicator of recent warm weather.

[@helina-keijo9561]

@@mamax7169 i had to say that pricetag is right . In Levi they made a lot of artificial snow and it is affecting a weather around like 20km range. Around the slopes can be -20°C and moist mist which tackles to the trees. It is weird combination to have freezing cold weather where usually everyting freeze but snow cannons shoot out so much water that the air stays moist. Every year a snow tackles to trees and stays like december to mid january. But there is occasionally heavy storms which drops the snows off a trees. It can be only one afternoon and theyre all gone. (It allso snaps the tree tops in half) . If u come here in summer time u can see many fallen trees and snapped tops every year. I have been working on those slopes multiple years and it is a weird area which is surrounded by swamps. (Little extra info) . Sometimes it can be mixed weather too. Slopes are high enough to stop some of the clouds. Other side of the slopes could be sunny +2°C top and -20°C bottom while other side dark , cloudy and snow storm. Rare conditions but nice to witness.

[@shannenzitz6473]

@@saureeeegogo absent of abnormally warm weather or bad snow conditions, is it safe to say the snowy trees or tykkylumipuu are still common to see mid-march?

[@dunewalks5988]

We were there in December 2021. - 26 Celsius. Trust me… the trees were all covered in thick snow. Was absolutely stunning.

[@LordGrubby]

You were so close! The snowy trees that you can ski through are near South Point, I really love Levi! Its not like skiing in the Alps as there isn't the vertical drop, but it has a completely different atmosphere, empty slopes, no queuing, fantastic snow conditions and every slope has illumination for all day skiing (as there only a couple of hours of daylight!). Despite there not being an extensive range like there is in Europe, this is my favorite ski resort, going again January 2023 and can't wait. The nearby ski area of Ylläs has some good skiing too, but it doesn't have the lovely village that Levi has. I really recommend Finland, there are loads of other things to do if you want a break from the skiing, and you never know, you may get to see the northern lights!

[@therealfonzie]

Sounds great! We're booked for January 2023 too 👌

[@chrismills7226]

Still trying to choose between ruka and levi

[@leabelimenko8838]

You're right, but it's really personal choice. I accidentally bumped to this video which does not meet my expectations but... Lapland is beautiful and every little town or village is different. I like Muonio district and also Yllas over Levi. Levi used to be better resort, it's getting really busy with plenty of opportunities for the tourists. The slopes are empty with powdery snow like a fairy tale comparing to dry winter season in Alps.

[@dailycarfails6774]

@@chrismills7226 In general Ruka looks more spectacular early season because of all the "tykkipuita" snow cannon trees that they were hoping for, not a guarantee in Levi. Otherwise Levi has longer pistes, but both resorts are great if you ask me

[@jarnovilen5259]

Ylläs is by far the best ski resort in Finland. It has the biggest vertical, best runs and least people. And the villages are not made out of plastic and only for tourists. There is still the original Lapland feeling there. Yes, you have more distance between restaurants and other services, but it is all worth it. The best thing is that you have several high fjells around Ylläs and you can have so much fun with snowshoes, telemarks or with rando in the untouched nature in the neighbouring high fjells. Off piste is by far better than in Levi. And you don't need as ticket for that. Although very rocky, so it requires a lot's off snow before the back countries of Ylläs are safely accessible. Something Levi really does not offer.

[@mikrokupu]

The Levi resort hosts the Womens World Cup so it's not only for beginners :) January is off season in Lapland, kind of. Finns arrive later in spring, more daylight and less cold then. Normally, the Lapland resorts get a lot of Brits in mid winter.

[@alexsc01]

They also have the Mens on the same weekend. Because of corona one or two years running they only had the Womans event. Nice video!

[@Basheez]

We went there always in December/January: instagram snowy and a nice -15 degrees. It was us the Brits and Russians.

[@MillaExplores]

So fun to watch this as a Finn myself 😄 I lived in the US for a while and was shocked when I learnt that you don't always put down the safety bar at ski resort lift 😂🙈

[@PeterKocic]

that fact just blows my mind

[@leonschmidt4265]

Im shocked too, greets from Germany

[@martina2659]

Oops, wrong ski resort. ALL the Instagram clips you showed were from Ruka. Ruka looks more impressive, because it's further south and they blow a lot of snow there, hence the trees become giant snow monsters! Because it's further south, they also have longer days during the winter

[@kognak6640]

Snow buildups have nothing to with ski resorts or human activity. They occur when it's colder at lower elevations and warmer higher humidity air floats on top of colder layer. High enough hills(or fjells) reach this warmer air layer and humidity directly deposit onto anything sticking out. Like trees or buildings. Buildups can be massive if conditions are just right for weeks. However any warmer period(higher than 0C) will remove snow from trees. Which happened in January, that's why all trees in this video have very little or no snow on them.

[@axvers1ty646]

You’re completely wrong, it doesnt have anything to do with the resort, Pyhä is just simply not always as cold or have humid air, ruka has that since its in the south, as a Finn, i can convince you.

[@martina2659]

I've been in Iso-Syöte since November, and the snow buildup in the trees is definitely from the snow cannons. The surrounding hills have no buildup. I've seen this phenomenon happen right in front of my very eyes. I've lived in Finland for 42 years.

[@martina2659]

@@sannioksanen Not sure what you mean, everything looks great here with great snow buildups

[@i7Qp4rQ]

@@martina2659 Wrong. Despite my alias, Im actually from Lapland, the very hill this video is about used to be family property of mom's side. Up here we think Helsinki is basically the central Europe... Ive been to both Levi and Ruka dozens of times at every season. One famous hill around Ruka is Riisitunturi (1), with great snow build-up. Absolutely no cannons anywhere. Also you could visit Valtavaara next to Ruka, or Kätkätunturi next to Levi, and see for yourselves. Too bad it has became a lil too popular for our tastes, just like Levi or Ruka are "popular tourists resorts". It (1) used to be even nice hunting grounds, but now a hunter would be just shooting people (exaggerated, but close).

[@mariondiemert430]

So very beautiful. That sunset is amazing. Thank you for taking us along.

[@catherinehastings2063]

That red and white ski suit onesie!!! OMG. Fabulous 😍😍😍

[@zzzGOzzz]

Levi on the new year is the most beautiful place, i have ever see.

[@koolkoo111]

Man, you're so 'murican!

[@richardwild76]

In February 2021 we were skiing in Ruka, Finland, and the trees there looked like the Instagram shots.

[@taramcfarland3014]

Love watching you two, especially now, when I need an quick escape from the news/trauma going on in the real world. I wish you had your own show on a streaming service!

[@swissjack7953]

Good job guys. Love the idea of showing the behind the scenes of the worlds most instagramable spots. Or showing how to get to them. Could be a good idea for you

[@jaredb9281]

If it makes you feel any better, this wasn't a case of Instagram fakers... we've been to Saariselka and Ruka the last two Februarys and all they had was the ice and snow caked Spruce trees. It needs to get the right conditions and preferably be later in winter (Feb to Msrch). Glad you still enjoyed this beautiful country. We're doing Levi this year. 👍🏻😊

[@Vetyhhhh]

Actually opposite, you need to visit in december/january to see trees covered in snow. Late february and forward is too late

[@jaredb9281]

@Vetyyy except that I just said that it's not, after experiencing this two Februarys in a row... but hey, whatever.

[@Vetyhhhh]

@@jaredb9281 if someone visits levi during march only thing they will see is green trees

[@dailycarfails6774]

@@jaredb9281 They're right though, the chance to see snow cannon trees is greater early season, but February is usually still pretty safe bet... but not always

[@j.m.3020]

Snow quickly drop from those snow covered trees if weather go over 0 celcius. so there may have been couple warm day at somepoint.

[@rafabeton609]

I went to Levi in 2014, it was incredible.

[@marykent4380]

So beautiful! Thank you for sharing be safe take care

[@indylaura99]

The downhill at sunset.....WOW!!!!!!

[@sket179]

Did you open up the cupboard above the sink and notice that you can put plates etc to drip down onto the sink.

[@stoo2k]

Looks like a below average snow year for Levi there. Both times I've been there the trees have been absolutely covered. But all the clips you showed were Ruka which is also awesome, and I actually prefer personally.

[@TravelSmallLiveBig]

Ha ha - the separate beds! Sleeping alone is so underrated. The footage at the top of the gondola - perfection!

[@lassehaggman]

We like our privacy, even in bed.

[@kentsundstrom4245]

Great video! I just wanted to comment because I'm from Finland and I visit Levi ski resort every year and I just wanted to mention a few things for your next trip to Finland maybe 😌 Some of the clips you showed from Instagram is from another ski resort called RUKA, that's where they skied between the trees with snow. That being said, it is possible to ski between similar trees in Levi as well but you need to find the right spot. The snow in the trees sometimes fall off the trees due to the weather, for the best chance of skiing between those snowy trees in sunset I would go there late December - mid January. Fun to watch the video when the place is so familiar, would have been nice to guide you around the mountain 😂 Keep up the good work!

[@timandfin]

Thank you!!!

[@jamesm8538]

I agree with Kent here. Having worked a season in Levi and having visited on 10+ occasions, January is the best time to visit Levi - if you want the prettiest scenery and skies. Also the added bonus is that is usually quiet then.

[@NICOLEGOESEXPLORING]

Hoping to learn to ski sometime, loved the “endless” sunset views you showed! Thanks for sharing 😄

[@timandfin]

That made it all worth it! 🌅

[@margoomahony9565]

wow his is one of the biggest insta de-bunks Ive seen. Thanks for sharing, still looks 🤩

[@jacquitwine8600]

Guys the trees are like it everywhere even at the bottom when it’s recently snowed. These trees have thawed or the wind has blown it off.

[@colesky33]

The michigan skiing analogy! New subscriber from me!

[@sandy89107]

Very pretty footage. Glad you had fun and a hot sauna to go home to. 😊

[@spleenful]

Which month was it? Usually not so many white frosty trees in March. Dec-Feb should be pretty white

[@bettinastebner]

O my goodness, this was so beautiful! (New subscriber from Midland, Ontario! 🇨🇦 just north of the big TO.)

[@jauhojengii158]

Ylläs is super cool mountain for free skiing

[@kittykat7618]

Can't wait for this video!

[@jupu8162]

This year here was alot green trees not same every year i was week ago in ruka and when you went up tress were completely on snow never been in levi tho.

[@Valtteriiii7460]

Christmas in Levi looks absolutely magical in January and part of February, but when the first plus weather comes all the snow melts from the trees and it doesn't look magical anymore

[@timandfin]

Good to know!

[@FosterMedia]

looks like you closed the aperture adn the iso went up to compensate.

[@rosen12]

At crystal mountian in Michigan they have a system where you scan your pass

[@lassiisola4712]

U can find the snowy trees in christmast times better becouse its volder and then there is the biggest snow Rains and i would recommend to go to Ruka in Finland in the christmast becouse then there is every tree u see covered in snow. And sorry for my bad English❤

[@picaza31]

Hi guys, great video, if you don´t master T-Bar in Europe you are not a skier :D. And T-Bar is the easy one, Tatrapoma which can be sometimes very vicious is the ultimate skier test. Especially when you are a kid weighing about 30 kilos, you are flyiiiing- ultimate skier test :D

[@paulsammy2365]

About the T-bars. I asked about why there were so many when I first went to Levi. The ski instructor (whom I was sharing the T-bar with) said that the mechanism worked better in the very cold weather in the Arctic. The chair-lifts and Gondolas are more fragile. For context, that year it was -33 C (-27 F) at the summit.

[@tuukkasilventoinen8961]

Also the high winds may cause the chair lifts to be closed for safety reasons.

[@jarnovilen5259]

@@tuukkasilventoinen8961 yes, T-bars are much more robust and can operate in almost any conditions. And as the verticals are not huge the T-bar rides do not get too long. I prefer T-bars often since they are much more efficient in short lifts. Simple, reliable and fast. I hate gondolas in Finlands short ascents, they are very impractical here. They are good for longer lifts, not very well suited for our little "mountains".

[@mikkolaine4883]

And fun fact: the T-bar they took is now replaced by a modern chairlift 😄

[@YHT81]

It is great information. Can you please let me know which apartment you did stay?

[@stuartorme8760]

I love it, its not for safety, thats just common in Europe! Its listed because too many people cant find it. Doh!

[@dunewalks5988]

Also, have a go at calling it Lapland too.

[@68vette11]

I should be pressing in a wheel bearing but nooo you have to post a new video which I can't resist. Thanks lol. Do a short sometime on that Triumph I saw hiding in your garage in a video if you can. I just had to add this- Peace not war.

[@killavision4068]

The trees look like that on TikTok because of heavy snowfall + around 0 degrees celsius prior to the TikToks for the snow to stick like that on the trees! 🌲

[@Nicole.Sisson]

Looks like a fun adventure!! Interesting to see the differences & similarities between the ski resorts there and the states. Great content!! 😁

[@TheBlackClockOfTime]

The dryer is for e.g. your wet gloves, beanie, jacket, pants and ski-boots after skiing the whole day. The butt towel is called "pefletti" in Finnish. At 4:00 there's a Shaman Drum on the wall with a "sun center" in the middle of a heliocentric world. In Finland Levi is not a mountain, it's a "Tunturi", which translates to "mountain in Lapland" - while "mountain" translates to "vuori" in Finnish.

[@lassehaggman]

English translation for "tunturi" is "fell". A hill becomes a fell if it is high enough for the top to be above the treeline. Beyond the Arctic Circle, that elevation is not very high.

[@pietarihonkakoski7341]

U cant find that place from Levi, those videos are from Ruka ski resort. Also u were too late for those trees.

[@paterikki]

is there a normal cabinet over the kitchen sink or like most Finnish a drying closed?

[@Milalainanen]

Awesome video. Thanks from Finland :)

[@amyfollis1816]

Loved this! ❤️ y’all are Fun!

[@kage88]

I laughed when she talked about the dryer as a cool feature.Its such a standard thing i Sweden too. We call it "torkskåp". Sauna is also so common. The "hidden" drawer in the kitchen is standard Ikea. Cheap stuff.

[@Jason-q1f]

Yes, the hidden drawer is not about safety. It is about cost and look. One large drawer front look better than two smaller ones and just one drawer pull is needed.

[@strudzeil2082]

Just it looks nice but try checking Zugspitze also tbh with all that sun it’s impossible to ski your eyes are gonna be bleeding

[@daisykash3887]

Hi can you share the name of the apartment? Thank you!

[@TheHellis]

Having a drying just inside the door is very common in ski resorts, but not in general homes.

[@pamelakilponen3682]

Another advantage of having your own blanket and duvet cover is one might be a cold sleeper and want a warmer blanket inside. One person can sleep cool, and one can sleep warm. PLUS no blanket wars! Did your apartment come with a dish cupboard over the sink? That is a Finnish invention.

[@awaywego1071]

Crazy how much it did look like the midwest! But those sunset views were beautiful!😍 I loved the concept of Instagram vs. Reality!

[@TheRobkob]

Absolutely positively fantastic 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@sinjinmonsoon9055]

Great video. Looks fun.

[@michal-molka]

I'm always curious why people wear clothes under the helmet. It's weird. Helmet is so thick to protects against cold. I'm definitely slim and even being on -25degrees, always only with helmet(without clothes under) I have never felt cold in my head.

[@brendalogan3784]

"Wilson" made me literally LOL!

[@Pinja04]

i think u just got unlucky w the weather if it had been warm there because when i was there this crhistmas, all the trees were covered in thick snow literally everywhere and it was like-10 to -30c during my visit

[@kaltask1]

Everywhere is a instagram spot in Levi when there is loads of snow on all trees. The weather was not on your side. When I was there just now, everywhere looked like that IG clip.

[@christianwestling2019]

Great video! If you return to the nordic countries and want something more alp-like, I highly recommend Åre in Sweden, the biggest ski resort north of the alps. Btw, interesting with the similarities between Finland and Wisconsin; maybe thats why finnish immigrants to the US went there? Looking most similair to home. :)

[@nansaid9263]

Your videos are amazing. The drone shots and editing are pro level!!

[@theozhang0203]

So when was this video taken please? The end of February?

[@GunSlinger565]

February 27

[@Jerseymikephoto]

I cracked up at the realization that the ISO was sky high. We've all been there!

[@mightyelf7281]

The viral videos you guys show is accualy from another ski resort in Finland called Ruka

[@awakentiedyecompany3968]

Looks like y'all had a gnarly time!

[@veritylily1787]

It’s crazy that you don’t have to put down the safety bar in America 😧

[@costasworldofmusicmemories5792]

Harriet and I spent a little time in Helsinki and experienced the Northern Lights. Did a little skiiing just north of the city. .Helsinki is a big college town. The video was beautifully done with stunning views of amongst the ski slopes. As always, we love you guys💖💖 and continue to support as Patreons. Sending you lots of love. 💖💖Jim and Harriet. Richmond, Va.

[@berk835]

Nice upload. Really nice

[@Tube_9]

Finland is beautiful country.

[@Prof_Prokrastination]

39 Euros for 3 hours is not insanely cheap - skiing in the States is insanely expensive 😅 There are really nice resorts in the alps that offer day passes for this price, although they might not be as big as the main ones in Switzerland and Austria.

[@jauhojengii158]

You need only one or two snowy day to get those threes back. It’s usually best time to see those threes during february! You just were not lucky enough. Levi has suggested from Covid because almost everybody fly or take train to Levi and it’s still difficult to get there because there are no cheap companies like Norwegian flying everyday Helsinki-Levi. were there almost alone I guess.

[@haubels]

Love you guys and you ARE ready for prime time.

[@pamelasupanick2620]

lovely

[@harrynutz4550]

Super new

[@sqb_]

just go to Ruka during dec-feb and the trees will always be covered like that, not Levi!!

[@NoOverhead]

Tim’s shirt may be the best thing on KZbin lol

[@TheRobkob]

What equipment you guys use? Drone,camera…..

[@Alexandros.Mograine]

did you also do normal skiing or only downhill skiing?

[@dabneyoffermein595]

In my addicted to skiing days i would drive up to Michigan to boyne mtn. / boyne highlands / nubs nob and ski for an entire day or just an entire morning until I was sore as hell. There was nothing better than going in dead of winter there because mornings were always fresh snow and in the 20's (which is the temp I would always want to ski in). I wonder how it is up there now (20 years later)? You reminded me of Michigan when you brought it up as a comparison. Thanks so much for this video, I'll be checking out your other vids now and I'm subscribed!!!

[@bobsnabby2298]

You have chosen the worst time to get there, January is obviously the most coldest time of the year hitting often minus 30 Celsius. Go there on March and you have beautiful sunny days and warm, and more people.

[@fastbloommessi7211]

Wow great video, good music good theme!

[@McNulty030]

That appartment is nice, Link please?

[@Rocksolidyt1]

Dude, that pink Godzilla top. 😮 Where is it from?

[@dermlover1]

For the Obermeyer snow suit, how warm is it? I have it in a size 4 but not sure if I should get a 6 so I can layer under it more. I’m petite 5’4 110lbs but with layers the 4 feels a bit snug. With just my smart wool thermals it’s not too tight, but if I need to add more layers then maybe. Thoughts on your experience with the suit and warmth level?

[@mreppen1]

I’m 62, I could do that, and I’ve ski’d before at Tahoe and Big Bear (20 years ago)

[@yeetusfetus4503]

Just make sure you dont go down the slope next to the gondola, since the women’s world cup is raced on that slope so it’s quite a steep hill. 👍🏼

[@seanpkelly1]

tim, love the godzilla shirt

[@berk835]

Really nice

[@kimberchick8527]

Did Tim set his stance back on the board? It would help if he wants to give it another go in the Instagram powder zone.

[@Vetyhhhh]

You need to visit during december/january to see the whole levi area covered in snow. Late february is too late to see that :/

[@sandersson2813]

No, it's not. I went in late March in Narvik, Levi, Yllas, Riksgransen and a few others and there was tons of snow.

[@Vetyhhhh]

@@sandersson2813 You mean to tell me that all the trees were covered in snow in late march? Thats not possible since the trees have already started to melt right now. I visit couple times a month

[@Vetyhhhh]

@@sandersson2813 kzbin.info/www/bejne/q5bRh59sjd1rkKc this is a video from mid march. All tress are almost green in the whole area

[@sandersson2813]

@@Vetyhhhh I thought you were meaning snow in general. They are weak resorts and that snow you get early is all that make them noteworthy

[@Vetyhhhh]

@@sandersson2813 Depends what you compare them to obviously

[@rodysummertje]

is 39euro cheap?! Damnn... what are the prices in America then? It's 25euro in Austria in the resort i always stay.

[@sandersson2813]

When I was in Tahoe, it was $180 a day (and it's shit)

[@karenhanson359]

Boyne Mountain, the similarly sized mountain here in Michigan that she referenced, currently runs roughly $60-115USD/day. It varies based on demand and day of the week. I don’t go there frequently but am headed there in a couple of weeks and these prices are current as of today.

[@sandersson2813]

@@karenhanson359 $115 a day?🤣🤣🤣🤣.That's ridiculous.

[@navyretired230]

So very Ikea. love it

[@BeetsByHometownBrew]

Yes'sir.

[@sergelainesse7893]

Absolument Magnifique, as we say in french. ....!!!!

[@mgullatte]

Ha ha I need ski poles for the flat spots for my snowboard. Never seen that before.

[@avlehtine]

Check your local snowboard shop, they have collapsible ones for when you are climbing on a splitboard.

[@ivindvagen8815]

one time the t bar broke , anad I LOST the lift

[@simosesiina]

You landed on a unlucky week, normally you got wayyyy more snow

[@geniusmighty6483]

Pressed sub button for moar bathtowels

[@ChichillasGM]

I’m confused why did you go to Levi if you were looking for Ruka…

[@mikkolaine4883]

You can’t go wrong with Levi though 😄❤