Ski Marathons Open the Door to the World

24. elok.

Worldloppet mass-skiing events offer cross-country skiing enthusiasts new challenges, memorable experiences and international encounters. For Sanna Mantere from Hollola, however, the journey into the world of international ski marathons began with the familiar Finnish Finlandia Ski Marathon.

She skied her first Finlandia Ski Marathon at the age of 18, from Lammi to Lahti. Her first participation resulted in a victory in the women’s under-18 category of the Finlandia Junior Ski Marathon. In 2015, Sanna and her sister Heidi Koivisto headed to their first international ski marathon, the Tartu Maraton in Estonia, just across Finland’s southern border. That marked the beginning of a Worldloppet journey that has since taken the sisters to destinations including Engadin in Switzerland, Marcialonga in Italy and the legendary Vasaloppet in Sweden. They have now completed nine Worldloppet races, with only a race outside Europe still missing from their Master Diploma.

Whole family hobby

The trips have also become a hobby that brings the whole family together. Their brother has joined them on several trips, their sister has taken part as a member of the support team, and their father has also participated as a skier on a few occasions. Every event has offered its own memorable experiences – from heavy rain and snowstorms to perfect sunny ski days surrounded by mountain scenery.

“The most memorable races are those where we have skied in terrible weather – heavy rain or a snowstorm – as well as those when the conditions have been perfect and the sun has been shining from a clear blue sky between the mountains. And, of course, I have to mention the ski marathon of all ski marathons, Vasaloppet in Sweden – 90 kilometres is a challenge in itself!” Sanna recalls.

Sanna welcomes international guests at the Worldloppet Lounge at Finlandia Ski Marathon

Sanna has found a rewarding role at the Finlandia Ski Marathon, where she welcomes international guests to the Worldloppet Lounge. Her own experiences from Worldloppet events around the world provide a natural basis for conversations, with many familiar ski destinations often coming up.

The Worldloppet Lounge has strengthened the international sense of community at the event. Skiers from around the world meet there, share their experiences and make plans for their next ski adventures.

“The Worldloppet Lounge welcomes cheerful and enthusiastic cross-country skiers from all over the world. People ask each other where they have been and which events they are planning to visit next. The Lounge is much appreciated – it is wonderful to have a place for these kinds of encounters,” says Sanna.

So why venture beyond your own country to take part in a ski marathon?

New events bring fresh goals and variety to the hobby – pursuing the Worldloppet Master Diploma, for example, adds an extra dimension to your personal fitness goals. At the same time, sports tourism offers a great way to see the world, meet new people and gain new perspectives on how ski events are organised in other countries.

At its best, a Worldloppet ski marathon is much more than a single day on skis: it is a journey that combines sport, travel, memorable experiences and an international cross-country skiing community.