Finlandia Ski Marathon Distances Shortened – 16 km Loop on Lahti Ski Trails

Due to weather conditions, the Finlandia Ski Marathon routes have been shortened. The event will now be held on a 16 km loop on the Lahti ski trails.

Despite a cold winter across Finland, planning the Finlandia Ski Marathon routes has been challenging. The limited natural snowfall has not adhered to the ground, and the course has been fully prepared using artificial snow. The organizers produced approximately 10,000 cubic meters of snow, transported in over 350 trailer and truck loads, to prepare the 16 km loop on the Lahti ski trails.

The route runs from the Lahti Ski Stadium to the Tapanila trail station and continues toward Messilä, turning back before reaching Messilä. The return to the Sports Center follows a different trail, allowing skiers to complete multiple laps. A new lap begins past the trail station behind Suurmäki, as in last year. Skiers finish by passing the competition flame hill and the J-turn.

The route has been prepared using artificial snow, and the cold temperatures have helped harden it,” says Heikki Kivikko, course director of the Finlandia Ski Marathon. “Given the conditions, the trails are in excellent shape and will easily accommodate thousands of skiers. The route is also scenic, and services at the trail stations are running smoothly.

Trail stations
Skiers will be served by Tapanila and Ski Jumps when starting a new lap. In the relay race, exchanges take place at Ski Jumps. For spectators and supporters, Tapanila is recommended, as skiers approach it from three different directions.

Distances Shortened – One, Two, or Three Laps

The long course (originally 62 km) is now 42 km, the medium course (32 km) is 29 km, and the short course (20 km) is 16 km. Skiers on the long course will complete three laps, the medium course two laps, and the short course one lap.

"Lapped skiing may concern some participants, but we’ve addressed crowding by staggering start times. Most skiers in the first group will reach the final lap before the next starters, and we’re confident everyone will finish smoothly over both days," says event director Markku Levanen.

With the plans changing, event director Levanen praises both the flexible Finlandia Ski organization and partners such as the city of Lahti and its sports services for their major snow preparation efforts. The city handled snow coverage at the sports center, while Finlandia Ski took care of the first-snow track and the Tapanila routes.

A lot of work has gone into this, but we’re confident the event will be a great success. Over 3,000 skiers will enjoy well-prepared tracks and services at the Lahti Sports Center and two trail stations. The race will also be highly competitive, with top national team skiers among the participants," Levanen says.

For more information:

Course Director Heikki Kivikko, heikki.kivikko@outlook.com
Event Director Markku Levanen, markku.levanen@finlandiahiihto.fi