Skiing in Finland offers an unparalleled experience, with its breathtaking snow-covered landscapes and top-tier ski resorts. Skiing in Finland is not just about the slopes; it’s a combination of stunning natural beauty and world-class facilities. From the majestic Levi Glacier Project to the serene forests, skiing in Finland provides an unforgettable adventure, attracting skiers from around the globe. As Finland continues to grow in popularity, skiing in Finland has become a must-try experience, with its extended ski season and rising international interest. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned skier, skiing in Finland is definitely worth your while!
The evolution of skiing in Finland
Skiing in Finland has deep roots, with its origins tracing back thousands of years, when the Vikings used skis for transportation. Competitive skiing started to gain traction in the mid-1800s in Norway, and Finland embraced the sport with the formation of the Finnish Ski Federation in 1908. One of Finland’s standout features is its long ski season, which begins as early as mid-October and lasts until May. Despite its coastal plains and flat terrain, Finland’s highest point, Mount Halti, rises to 1,328 meters above sea level along the Finnish-Norwegian border. With over 1.26 million skiers and around 80 ski areas, including 22 resorts in Lapland, skiing in Finland continues to be a central part of Finnish culture. The country attracts an average of 2.56 million skiers every year!
Major ski resorts in Finland
Finland’s ski resorts, particularly in the north, offer an exciting mix of alpine skiing and Arctic activities like reindeer encounters, husky sledding, and viewing the northern lights. Some of the most notable resorts include:
- Levi: Finland’s fastest-growing resort, with 230 kilometers of trails and night skiing on 10% of its runs. Levi hosts major events like the Alpine Ski World Cup and was named Finnish Ski Resort of the Year for the sixth time in 2023.
- Ylläs: Known for its seven peaks and Finland’s longest ski run (3.5 km), Ylläs features 29 ski lifts and 61 trails.
- Saariselkä: The northernmost ski resort in Finland, offering 6 lifts and 15 slopes, with 7 slopes lit for night skiing.
These resorts, along with smaller areas like Peurunka, Koli, Kittilä, and Kangasniemi, cater to all types of skiers, from beginners to freestyle enthusiasts. Skiing in Finland’s diverse resorts ensures a perfect match for any skill level.
The Levi Glacier Project
In response to limited early-season skiing opportunities, Levi Ski Resort has pioneered Finland’s first artificial glacier, known as the Levi Glacier. This innovative project uses snow farming, snowmaking, and insulation techniques to maintain snow conditions. The Glacier Express chairlift, which began operating in November 2022, takes skiers to the slope in just over three minutes. The Levi Glacier guarantees reliable snow for early-season skiing, making it a critical training site for international competitions, including the Alpine Ski World Cup, which will return to Levi in November 2025.
Finland’s first indoor SkiMachine
In 2023, we had the opportunity to install Finland’s first SkiMachine at Huawei’s new Health Lab in Helsinki. This state-of-the-art lab recreates real-life sports scenarios across five areas, covering over 20 sports and tracking more than 200 physiological and biomechanical indicators. The goal is to advance health monitoring algorithms using wearable technology. Equipped with sensors, our SkiMachine allows Huawei’s research team to accurately measure an athlete’s speed, position, carving angles, forces, and overall performance. By collaborating with Huawei, our Treadmill SkiMachine contributes to advancing health and fitness research.
Potential of indoor skiing in Finland
With a skiing participation rate of 23%, over 1.26 million active skiers, and numerous national teams competing in prestigious events like the FIS World Cup and the Winter Olympics, skiing is a cornerstone of Finland’s sports culture. While Levi Ski Resort’s glacier project extends the ski season and provides valuable training opportunities, it does not offer a year-round solution. Currently, Finland lacks indoor ski centers equipped with treadmill ski slopes for training. This creates a significant opportunity to develop indoor ski facilities, making year-round skiing a reality and enhancing both athlete training and recreational ski training. Say goodbye to seasonal limitations and enjoy the thrill of skiing or snowboarding whenever you want – right at your feet!
