Ruka Coaster: The Most Unexpectedly Fun Thing we did in Ruka

When we planned our school holiday trip to Ruka with Crystal Ski, we expected skiing, snowy walks and time exploring the village. What we didn’t expect was one activity completely stealing the show — and becoming our son’s favourite part of the entire trip.

That was the Ruka Coaster.

If you’re planning a Lapland trip to Ruka, this is one experience worth building into your itinerary. It’s simple, easy to fit in, and one of those activities kids talk about long after the holiday ends.

We booked our trip through Crystal Ski, which made organising activities like this really straightforward. If you’re comparing options, we’ve linked the exact package we used here. Or if you are planning a trip to Ruka with kids? Start here: → Crystal Ski Ruka Review (Lapland): With Kids

Some links in this guide are affiliate links, meaning we may earn a small commission if you book through them, at no extra cost to you. We only include experiences we’ve personally used and genuinely enjoyed, to help make your planning simpler and more confident.

What is Ruka Coaster?

The Ruka Coaster is a 767‑metre‑long alpine coaster that twists and turns down the hillside, reaching speeds of up to 40 km/h. The key detail for families is that you control the speed yourself using a brake lever, making it suitable for both cautious riders and thrill‑seekers.

The ride starts near the summit. After hopping into your sled at the lower station next to Piste Rental, the lift system carries you up to the top before the downhill run begins. Each sled fits two people with individual safety belts, and children aged 3+ can ride with an adult.

If you’re already planning your Ruka itinerary, this is one of the easiest activities to slot in — no special equipment or ski pass required. You can find out more or book on line via the Ruka Coaster website.

Ticket Information and Discounts

Here’s everything you need to know about tickets:

• Winter season pass holders can ride for free.

• Other lift pass holders (3-hour passes or longer, excluding Family Park and Family Park + Gondola) can get 50% off Ruka Coaster tickets by showing their valid lift pass at the ticket desk.

• Single, 2-ride, and 5-ride passes are available.

• Online purchase now available: receive a digital ticket with QR code to show at the gate.

• So how much does Ruka Coaster cost? 19 euros for adults, 14 euros for kids, but 50% off if you have a ski pass

Important restrictions for Ruka Coaster:

• Minimum age: 8 years (ages 3–7 must ride with an adult)

• Minimum height: 135 cm (riders under 135 cm must ride with an adult)

• Maximum speed: 40 km/h

• Maximum weight per sled: 150 kg

• Ruka Coaster is closed on Fridays

Why It’s Perfect for Families

What makes the Ruka Coaster a standout activity for families during the school holidays:

• Accessible for younger children: Kids aged 3–7 can ride with an adult.

• Thrill or gentle pace: Older kids and adults can go full speed, while younger or nervous riders can control a slower ride.

• Spectacular views: The coaster winds through the snowy fells, giving families a unique way to enjoy Ruka’s stunning winter landscape.

• Flexible ticketing: Single, 2-ride, or 5-ride passes mean you can ride once or make a day of it.

If you are weighing up activities for your Lapland trip, our full guide on what's worth booking in Ruka covers everything we did and what we'd skip - Top 10 Things to Do in Ruka with Families

For us, this kind of activity made a big difference — it gave us something fun to mix in alongside skiing, without any pressure. That flexibility is what made the whole trip work so well with a child. → See how our Ruka trip was set up

Tips for Making the Most of Your Ride

1. Get there when it opens: The coaster can get busy

2. Dress warmly: Even though the ride isn’t long, you’ll be outside for a bit in cold Lapland air.

3. Use lift passes for discounts: If you already have a 3-hour lift ticket or longer, don’t forget your 50% discount.

4. Take photos and videos: The coaster is smooth enough to capture memories — use a go pro or similar secured to a helmet or body strap

When to Go

The Ruka Coaster operates Saturday to Thursday during winter, so plan around the Friday closure.

Where to Stay in Ruka

We stayed in Ruka Chalets (see: Ruka Chalets Review: The Perfect Family Base for a Stress-Free Lapland Ski Holiday), it’s just a short walk to Ruka Coaster and right on the base of the slopes, making it super convenient.

Why We Recommend It

• Fun for the whole family: Everyone from toddlers (with an adult) to adults can enjoy it.

• Easy to fit into a family itinerary: Perfect for afternoons after ski school

• Affordable with lift pass discounts: A 50% discount makes it a budget-friendly thrill.

• Safe and well-managed: Individual sleds with safety belts, clear instructions, and smooth lift systems make it worry-free.

Bottom Line - is Ruka Coaster worth it?

Absolutely. If you’re visiting Ruka with kids, the Ruka Coaster is one experience we wouldn’t skip. It was easy to fit around skiing, didn’t require any special equipment, and ended up being the activity our child talked about most after the trip.

If you’re not staying in Ruka and are wondering whether it’s worth travelling specifically for the Ruka Coaster, we’d probably say no. It’s not something we’d plan a separate trip around — but it’s a great experience to include if you’re already in Ruka.

Ruka as a family destination

If you’re planning a Lapland trip with kids, it’s these simple, unexpected moments that often end up being the highlights. We found having everything else organised — accommodation, skiing and logistics — gave us the flexibility to enjoy things like this without overthinking it.

planning lapland with kids?

Start here — these guides answer the key questions we had before booking

About Plan Family Escapes

We’re a UK-based family sharing real, experience-led travel guides based on trips we’ve taken with our school-age son Joshua across destinations like Lapland, Turkey and India.

Everything we share is based on what we’ve personally experienced — with honest advice on what actually works when travelling with kids, focusing on making family travel easier, more comfortable and genuinely enjoyable.