As winter slowly but surely starts turning towards spring, I decided to head to Levi to enjoy the winter one last time. This time, I embarked on my journey with Onnibus, as the nighttime trip north felt like an adventure in itself, and the possibility to bring skiing equipment without any extra charge made the decision even easier. For the bus ride, I packed plenty of snacks; a couple of sandwiches, some fruits, water, and of course, cocoa in a thermos. The price was not bad for three people. It was actually significantly cheaper to go by bus than by car. I noticed that Onnibus offers a group discount, which gave us a nice discount on our trip. Night Bus Atmosphere The journey began at night, and the bus's cushioned seats provided just the right amount of comfort and the possibility to sleep during the trip. Honestly, I didn't sleep as well as I do in my own bed, but it easily beat sitting behind the wheel or in the back seat of a car. Occasionally, I woke up and started watching shows on my phone. However, the bus's quiet hum and softly lit cabin created a surprisingly soothing atmosphere. Arriving at Levi Upon arriving at Levi as dawn broke, the first thing that struck me was the crisp, cold air. The weather in the south is already mild and above freezing. The air here felt almost sharp to breathe, but it was refreshing! It was so strange to wake up from the bus and notice the scenery had turned snowy. Winter here was definitely not over yet. No wonder the locals say late winter is the best time to travel to Lapland. Our first activity was a reindeer safari, which was something completely different than I had imagined. Close contact with these Arctic animals was heartwarming. The reindeer herder told us about the lives of the reindeer while we fed them lichen directly from our hands. Their soft muzzles gently touched my palms, and that moment seemed to stop time. Skiing at Levi was like a dream come true. Although I've been to Levi often, this was a completely different experience in the spring than in the middle of winter. Each lift ride offered a new opportunity to admire the sun-lit landscape and the deep blue horizons. Skiing down the slopes, I felt small ice crystals hitting my face, bringing a refreshing pinch to the skin. The huts located on the sides of the slopes provided the perfect stopping point, where one could enjoy hot cocoa and even chat with other skiers. The time spent at Levi was filled with small, but meaningful moments. One evening, I decided to stay outside to watch the stars. The sky was incredibly clear, and the constellations were distinctly visible. That moment alone, in the middle of a snowy landscape and infinite silence, was like a reminder of the world's beauty. Otto from Helsinki
