Thought we'd try northern Finland as an alternative to western Europe this year and was pleasantly surprised. Pyha's slopes are quite challenging especially for a beginner or early intermediate with a lot of gradient changes. The south blue slope is more like a red - quite steep in some places and the wind blew the powder off one day leaving it as sheet ice. The adjacent red is pretty good. There are 2 family slopes and a magic carpet for beginners. Not all of the slopes were open (during New Year period) so I couldnt try out the fantastic looking black runs on the south side.
The main pros of Pyha are: Uncrowded slopes (i.e. sometimes there is only you on the piste!). No lift queues. Challenging pistes - aparently some of the steepest in Finland and great for skill improvement. Friendly Finns. Beautiful unspoilt wilderness. Great snowpark. Nice accomodation.
Cons: Not many. Perhaps not the best place to learn: My niece who has been skiing 4 times found the blue too dificult. Not good if you want lots of apre.
