Joensuu's local hill: 2 snow parks and lit slopes 23 km from town: Mustavaara sits in Selkie, Kontiolahti, 23 km east of Joensuu and about 460 km from Helsinki.
Mustavaara sits in Selkie, Kontiolahti, 23 km east of Joensuu and about 460 km from Helsinki. 4 slopes and 3 lifts on a 90 m vertical, the longest run 720 m, with 2 snow parks and lit slopes for evening skiing. It has run since December 1986 as the region's after-work and family hill rather than a destination resort.
The 90 m vertical is modest, but the 720 m longest run gives beginners a proper descent, and 2 snow parks carry the park crowd. Of the 4 slopes, 2 are green transfer runs, 1 easy and 1 intermediate; all 4 are lit. Cross-country skiers get 12 km of trails from the same car park.
From Joensuu, drive 23 km east along the Ilomantsi road; Joensuu has an airport with Helsinki flights and a railway station. From Helsinki it is about 460 km by road.
There is no resort village. Stay in Joensuu, 23 km away, where the hotels and restaurants are, or in a cottage around Kontiolahti and the Koli road.
Green transfer slopes, a rope tow for the smallest and 2 snow parks for the older ones; evening lighting makes a school-night visit realistic.