Q&A - Frequently Asked Questions

This article collects frequently asked questions about the Finlandia Ski Marathon. If your question is not listed, you can send it to us via Instagram @finlandiahiihto, Facebook /finlandiahiihto, or contact the Communications Manager at soili.hirvonen@finlandiahiihto.fi.

1) Is there a temperature limit for the Finlandia Ski Marathon?
If the temperature drops to between -17°C and -20°C, the jury will convene and make decisions regarding the event. Start times may be postponed if the forecast shows warming conditions.
For youth categories (under 16 years), the temperature limit for convening the jury is -15°C. The jury will convene and make a decision on the start time of the race on the morning of the event day.

NOTE! Jury will have a meeting early in the morning. Information about the possible changes in schedule will be announced at 6 am.

Dress warmly – pay special attention to your face, fingers, and toes

In cold conditions, it is especially important to protect parts of the body that are sensitive to cold. A wool base layer and a partially insulated ski suit are recommended. The face should be protected by taping the cheeks and nose or by using a face-protecting buff or similar scarf, along with ski goggles. For gloves, lobster-style gloves or mittens are recommended, as they keep fingers close together. To prevent toes from getting cold, use wool-based socks and protective covers worn over ski boots.

2) Until when can I change my race distance or start group?
You may change to a longer distance by paying the price difference between distances, and to a shorter distance free of charge, until Thursday.
From Friday onwards, changes can only be made at the race office, and a €10 change fee will apply.
Changing the start group is possible, but we cannot fully guarantee your preferred group if it is already full.
All change requests must be sent by email by Thursday to info@finlandiahiihto.fi.

3) Until when can skis be brought in for waxing?
Skis can be brought to Vauhti ski waxing service during race office opening hours:

• Friday until 7:00 PM

• Saturday until 6:30 PM
  For the Saturday and Sunday 12:00 starts, skis can still be brought in on the morning of the race, but please be prepared for queues.

4) Catering and saunas
Food services are available at the race center on both days until 6:00 PM.
Saunas are available:

• Women: Lahti Swimming Hall, Svinhufvudinkatu 8 (show your race bib at the cashier)

• Men: Ski stadium grandstand sauna and shower facilities
  Both are open until 6:00 PM.

5) How many ski tracks are there on the course, and are there any untracked sections?
There are generally 2–3 tracks along the course, and 4–5 tracks in some sections.
Even in freestyle starts, at least one track is set for the entire distance.

6) Where are the feed stations located along the course (km)?
An updated map will be published soon at:
https://www.finlandiahiihto.fi/ohjelma

16 km service station

29 km service stations

42 km service stations

7) I have rented ski equipment from CustomSki. Where can I pick it up?
The equipment can be picked up at the CustomSki store along Lahti’s first snow track. By car, navigate to Vaskelaisenrinne 9.

On foot from the Sports Centre: walk to the base of the large ski jump tower, then follow the side of the track under the ski bridge and continue straight ahead on either side (path on the left, winter outdoor route on the right).

8) When the route will be closed and is there any testing sport near the stadium?

Route will be closed later Friday evening, when it will be maintenanced. Returning track from Tapanila service station towards Sports Center will be closed already on Friday morning. There will signs.

Ski stadium will be closed, but very near, actually after the first uphill over the bridge there is a spot for testing. Same area will be open also on Saturday and Sunday mornings. 

Ski test spot is located in Karpalo small hills area.

Returning track from Tapanila service station towards Sports Center will be closed already on Friday morning. (see the arrows on tha map)

9) Is personal service team allowed to come to the stadium at the start?

Support staff may come to the stadium to collect the outermost clothing before skiing. Access for the support staff to the stadium is from the opposite end from where you skiers enter — that is, under the large scoreboard and through the underpass tunnel. Guardians can take the clothing from your left-hand side (from your perspective), so they do not need to cross the ski tracks. Crossing the tracks is prohibited.

10) In Case of Sickness

In the event of sickness, a participant may apply for a reimbursement. The reimbursement is 50% of the participation fee paid, provided that an official document (e.g. a doctor’s or nurse’s certificate) is submitted by email to info@finlandiahiihto.fi.