The ski resort sits on the Kaunispää fell at the south end of the village, with 15 downhill runs and a vertical drop of 180 metres. It is small by Alpine standards but the season is long (often November to early May) and the lifts run directly from the village, which makes it relaxed and family-friendly. The longest run is a little under 1.4 kilometres.
What sets Saariselkä apart is the cross-country trail network — over 200 kilometres of groomed loipe radiating from the village, much of it lit for skiing in the polar night. Equipment rental, lessons, and snowboarding terrain are all on hand. A separate sledding hill and snowtubing area sit beside the alpine slopes.