Autumn Break Can Also Be Skiing Break

Originally published in Yle on October 15, 2024

Autumn Break Can Also Be Skiing Break

Early snow tracks have opened in Finland for skiing, with Kuopio's Tahkovuori and Vuokatti launching tracks last week. This week, the opportunity to ski will also arrive in Kontiolahti in Eastern Finland. By November, skiers can expect to ski at Puijolla in Kuopio and Pärnävaarassa in Liperi.

Ilmo Kurvinen, who oversees Pärnävaaran tracks, expressed optimism but acknowledged that weather can be unpredictable, noting that tracks shouldn't be planned during rain.

The opening dates at Tahkovuori vary each year, and this year they aimed to offer skiing at the start of the autumn break. The daily ticket for the nearly two-kilometer-long track costs 20 euros.

Iitu Vuorma, a competitive skier from Liperin Hiihtoseura, came from Joensuu to experience the first skiing of the autumn season. She praised the track's condition, noting its cleanliness and smooth surface, which are often concerns with early snow tracks.

Pasi Laitinen, a long-time visitor, mentioned that early openings have not always happened, raising concerns about whether the track would hold up until the real snow arrives.