Winter biking with fatbikes and e-fatbikes

Mountain biking is fun in the winter, too!

The oversized tyres of fatbikes make cycling possible also in winter conditions on designated trails. You’ll pedal even lighter if you choose a fatbike with electric assistance, more commonly called an e-fatbike.

News about winter bike trails

Winter bike trails will be opened for winter 2022-2023 as soon as the snow conditions allow.

New: Vuosseli Outdoor Trail, in test use during spring 2023 (multi-purpose trail). More info below! Closed for the Winter 2022-2023.
Pyhän Jyssäys Fatbike and Winter Hiking Trail: No maintenance, available for hikers and bikers all year round.
Hirsilampi Fatbike Trail: Closed for winter 2022 - 2023.
Lammintupa Fatbike and Winter Hiking Trail: Closed for winter 2022 - 2023.
Antinperä Fatbike Trail: Trail is closed for winter 2022 - 2023.
Oulanka Wilderness Trail for hikers and fatbikes: Closed for winter 2022 - 2023.
Riisitunturi fatbike/multi-purpose trail: Closed for winter 2022 - 2023.

Multi-purpose Vuosseli outdoor trail will be tested during spring 2023

Vuosseli ski trail around Ruka's Vuosselijärvi and Rokova area will be turned into a year-round multi-purpous outdoor trail, and the multi-use will be tested during spring 2023. In addition to skiing, you can ride a fatbike and walk on the route, and temporary signs have been installed on the route. In the testing phase, experiences are gathered both in the use and maintenance of the route. Each mode of transport is assigned its own "lanes" and the joint responsibility of route users is emphasized.

Joint use will be successful with a positive attitude towards the multi-use of the route and respect for other users. However, during the testing phase, the modes of transportation are limited so that only skiing is allowed on the section between the newest underpass and Uuttusuo. On the rest of the route, in addition to skiing, you can ride a fatbike and walk.

In the Vuosseli outdoor trail project, the city of Kuusamo invested in Ruka to convert Vuosseli's old skitrail into a year-round outdoor trail with the support of the European Rural Development Fund managed by the North Ostrobothnia ELY Center. The approved funding for the project is 819 896 €, divided as follows: EU 344 356 €, State 299 571 € and the city of Kuusamo 245 969 €. The three-year project will be completed in 2023.

About the route project: Pasi Rääpysjärvi, tel. 040 860 8039.

Winter fatbiking trails

Winter bike trail etiquette

At the start of the season, the trails are still somewhat soft, even after repairs, and can only be cycled with wide tyres and low tyre pressure (so-called soft tyres).

As the trails harden with use, they can be ridden on after some snowfall also with harder tyres.

After heavy snowfall, the trails can be ridden only with low tyre pressure, even after the repairs. Take into account any possible trail-specific instructions and comply with them!

If the trail is a so-called multipurpose trail (winter biking and snowshoeing), stick to the right-hand side. On winding sections with many turns, bikers are recommended to maintain a pace with which it’s possible to overtake others in case someone comes along.

Winter biking is increasing in popularity, and new trails are being built to meet the increased demand. Remember to stay on trails that are designed for bikes, and be considerate when sharing a trail. Cycling on ski trails is not permitted.

Fatbike or e-fatbike hire and guided fatbiking trips

There are many high-quality bike hire companies and rentals in the Ruka-Kuusamo region that can provide you a fatbike, with electric assistance or “organic”. Get to know the bike selection and book yours well in advance. Some bikes can be rented online, some by calling the bike hire company directly.