Important updates on ski tracks in Ruka and Kuusamo:

Updated on 17.4.2013:

• Updated information is available in www.mski.fi/kuusamo_eng/.
• Please note: ski tracks are maintaned only when needed from 16.4.2013 onwards (not daily as during 15.2.-15.4.). Please check maintenance conditions via link above. All ski track cafes are now closed for winter 2012-2013.
• Please note when skiing in Ruka area: S-Market Ruka/Ruka Adventures parking place is reserved for customers only. When skiing in Ruka area routes and arriving by car, please park on parking areas on Talvijärventie, Rukatunturintien/Rukajärventie crossroads or Vuosseli area.
• Kumpuvaara cafe is open only by pre-orders; the ski and snowmobile track leading to this cafe are not maintaned during winter 2012-2013.
• Changes/renovations: New route to Kivilampi was taken into use at Ruka during ski season 2012-2013. Alakylä tracks are now opened on 15.2. (instead of the beginning of ski season) and are suitable for Nordic style only. One-way traffic rules have been returned to certain routes due to safety issues. Based on customer feedback, there are new signs and maps on Ruka round route.
• See our online trail conditions and trail map for up-to-date information.  

SKI TRAIL MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE

• Ski trails in Ruka area: Saarua Lit Trail, Ruka Ring Route and Vuosseli Route Ski trails
• Valtavaara Route, Talvijärvi Dog Trail Ski trails
• Pyhävaara Route
• Kuontivaara Route (dog trail), Ski Stadium Trails Ski trails

Ski trails are maintained within 12 hours after snowfall and daily during 15.2.-15.4. Other routes will be maintained usually on Thursday or Friday. In case of a snowfall the trails will be maintained after the snowfall has ended.

Maintenance: Snow Track 0500 282 668
Feedback about ski trails: Kuusamo town 0400 296 110
Information about ski trail maintenance: www.mski.fi/kuusamo

The possibilities for cross-country skiing in Kuusamo are excellent. The total length of cross-country ski trails is no less than 500 km, of which 40 km are illuminated. Northern Finland is one the most exceptional places on earth for cross-country skiing.

Ski trail infomation:
- Online trail conditions, trail map and weather forecast 
- Descriptions about ski trails
- Ski Track Finder helps you to choose the most suitable route
- The pocket map for ski routes is on sale in the information desks.

At the beginning of the winter, about half of the marked trails are maintained, but from the middle of February all trails are maintained. Along the trails, there are resting places, e.g., fireplaces and lean-to shelters. The lights are on along the lit trails daily until 9 pm.

Car parking areas along ski tracks in Ruka area

• Talvijärventie and Hiihtostadionintie crossroads (for Stadium, Talvijärvi, Salmilampi, Alakylä, Pyhävaara and Kuontivaara tracks)
• Rukatunturintie and Rukajärventie crossroads (for Saarua, Ruka ring, Pyhävaara and Kuontivaara tracks)
• Masto and Vuosseli slopes parking areas along Vuosselintie road (for Saarua, Vuosseli and Valtavaara tracks)

Please note: Rukanportti (Ruka-Ko, S-Market Ruka, Ruka Adventures and Rukan Lomapalvelu) parking areas are reserved for customers visiting these premises. Parking is not allowed along roads.

Skiing with your dog
There are four routes in Ruka-Kuusamo are that allow dogs:
- Talvijärvi dog trail 2 km (Ruka)
- Kuontivaara route 20 km (Ruka); this track can be skied to both directions, so a shorter route is also possible.
- Kuusamo ring route 17 km (Kuusamo)
- Aurinkolatu "Sunny Trail" 27 km (Kuusamo)
The owner of the dog must take care of dog droppings. Dogs must not cause disturbance to other skiers or break the Nordic skiing trail. Dogs must be kept in leash.

Ski trail café opening hours (updated 19.4.2013):
Reindeer Farm & Ski Trail Cafe Lammintupa (Vuosseli route): closed from 18.4. onwards. 
Vuosselin Pirtti (Ruka round route): open, variable opening hours
Uuttusuo cafe (Ruka round route/Vuosseli route): suljettu. Tel. +358 40 7468 905.
Korpikahvila (Vuosseli route): closed from 15.4. onwards.
Rukajärvi Kotakahvila (Pyhävaara route): closed from 13.4. onwards.
Kuontivaara hut (Kuontivaara route): closed from 15.4. onwards.
Kultala at Rukan Salonki (Kuontivaara route): closed from 6.4. onwards, tel. 040 5640 937/Marjo Määttä.
Kumpuvaara scenery cafe (Kumpuvaara route): open according to pre-orders (ski and snowmobile tracks are closed).
Basecamp Oulanka (Juuma wilderness route): open Tuesday-Saturday at 10-16, closed on Sundays and Mondays
Iivaaran Eräkartano (Iivaara route): closed from 7.4. onwards
(Cafe owners: please send your opening hours to muutos@ruka.fi or call Sari Kumpuniemi/Ruka-Kuusamo Tourist Association, tel +358 40 5600 067)

Also Juomuskota (at Ollilan lomamajat) offers lunch by pre-order.
The locations of the ski trail cafes can be found in the Ski Route info. We reserve the right for changes in opening hours.

A number of cross-country skiing events are arranged, such as the "border to border" skiing excursion— the longest in the whole world (444 km). The route starts in Kuusamo close to the eastern border and ends in Sweden at the City of Haparanda, just across the western border of Finland.

If you don't have your own cross-country skiing equipment, our ski hire shops are glad to help you with the right equipment!

Enjoy your ski trip!