Finnish National Championships in Skiing Bring Great Visibility to Imatra with Antti Tuisku as the Most Anticipated Skier

Finnish National Championships in Skiing Bring Great Visibility to Imatra with Antti Tuisku as the Most Anticipated Skier

Originally published in Yle on January 09, 2025

The Finnish National Championships in skiing will take place over three days, showcasing the challenging ski trails of Ukonniemi in Imatra.

Antti Tuisku, who has transitioned from pop stardom to skiing, will compete in the men's traditional style 10-kilometer event. Organizers believe his presence will attract new fans and increase attendance based on advance ticket sales. Competition director Kari Ahonen stated that Tuisku's involvement is expected to be economically beneficial for the event and the city.

The visibility provided by live TV broadcasts on Yle is also significant, with an estimated reach of 600,000 viewers. Imatra is preparing for this influx, with marketing efforts underway to ensure the city is prominently featured during the championships.

The trails at Ukonniemi have received positive feedback, yet some skiers have noted the challenging inclines, which may provide an added test for competitors. Ahonen reassures that the ski courses, while demanding, will adequately challenge elite level competitors without being overly harsh.

The National Championships are expected to leave a notable financial mark on Imatra, with projections of around 600,000 euros in economic benefit from the event, alongside more than 4,000 attendees at the venue.