The cold spell around the turn of the year and the existing natural snow cover are accelerating the opening of the ski trail network in the Lahti and Hollola region in Finland. Snowmaking is currently underway at several points along the Finlandia Ski Marathon route. Well-prepared trail bases will reduce the need for snow earlier than usual for the event, which will be skied on 7–8 February.

Snow making machines have been at work in Heinsuo service station.

The January cold period brings a true winter feel to the Lahti area and boosts confidence in the preparation work for the Finlandia Ski Marathon route. While natural snow is still limited in places, forecasts indicate occasional snowfall for the Salpausselkä area, where the Finlandia Ski Marathon trail runs through beautiful forest landscapes.

The route partly utilizes the public ski trail network of Lahti and Hollola, and partly consists of trail sections prepared and snowed exclusively for the event. Snow production is underway, and Course Manager Heikki Kivikko looks ahead to the coming month with confidence.

“We already have a light snow cover along the entire route—not yet sufficient, but some. During the autumn, the bases have been leveled extensively, so the amount of snow needed is less than in previous years. About 25 centimeters of snow is what’s required,” Kivikko estimates.

Snow making machines have been operating at the Lahti Sports Center and at Heinsuo service station. Next, snowmaking will move to the Messilä, where critical sections of the route were snowed last year.

“Snowmaking is currently in full swing on the Hollola side during these good freezing temperatures, but the Lahti city crews have already brought the stadium end, the start and finish areas, and the nearby routes into good condition,” Kivikko continues, while noting that natural snowfall is still very much welcomed.

Registration Can Be Done with Confidence – Full Effort Underway to Prepare the Route

The slow start to winter has been reflected in skier numbers, but Event Director Markku Levanen believes registrations will now pick up as ski trails have opened across Finland, including the capital region.

In addition to the individual distances of 62 km, 32 km, and 20 km, the Finlandia Ski Marathon also offers a relay race for teams of three skiers. Exchanges take place at the easily accessible service stations of Hälvälä and Heinsuo, resulting in leg distances of approximately 20, 31, and 11 kilometers. Levanen encourages participants to join with a good group and a relaxed mindset.

“The Finlandia Ski Marathon is an event with a positive spirit and a relaxed atmosphere. Skiing 62 kilometers as a relay is quite a different experience compared to the individual race. If training has been limited due to a weak early winter, the relay is an excellent choice with a good group,” says Levanen, and continues:

“And you can register with confidence. We are working hard to get the route into top condition, and we have a solid plan as well as excellent partners in the City of Lahti and the Municipality of Hollola.”