Examples of Ruka's measures
Snow preservation and snowmaking
Ruka was experimenting a new method of snow preservation over summer for the first time in summer 2016, and as the technology turned out to be functional and developable, the preservation of snow has become an essential part of Ruka's snow certainty. The energy saving of snow preservation is based on the use of snow made in January under optimum conditions, which reduces the need for snowmaking during warm and humid conditions of early season. Learn more about snow preservation and Ruka’s snow certainty >
The automated snowmaking system is already existing in the slopes Vuosseli 24, Superpipe, Eturinteet, FIS slope and Saarua slopes 12, 13 and 16. Automated snow guns for example react to weather conditions to optimize energy efficiency and water use of snow production.
Machinery and equipment
Rinnehuollon käyttämät moottorikelkat on vaihdettu 2-tahtisista 4-tahtisiin, mikä on saanut niiden polttoaineenkulutuksen putoamaan noin puoleen. Rinnehuollon polttoaineenkulutuksessa on saatu aikaan myös merkittäviä säästöjä henkilökunnan kannustinohjelmalla ja lisäksi käytössä on muuta tekniikkaa, joka optimoi rinnekoneiden työnkentelyä. Esimerkiksi PistenBullyn -lumikissojen SNOWSAT-systeemi, jonka avulla kuljettaja näkee reaaliajassa lumivaipan paksuuden sentilleen, helpottaa lumen levittämistä ja tasoittamista rinnekoneessa, mutta myös työskentelyn suunnittelua saman datan ollessa käytössä myös Vuosselin huoltohallin työnjohdolla.
Our slope machines use renewable fuel oil
In November 2021, we introduced Neste MY Non Road Diesel™ which is made from 100% waste and residues. Switching to renewable fuel oil will have a significant impact on the climate, as it will reduce the greenhouse gas emissions of the Ruka and Pyhä slope machines by up to 90 percent compared to the use of fossil fuels. This means that greenhouse gas emissions will be reduced by more than 600 tonnes per year, which is equivalent to removing 230 cars from Finnish road traffic per year (The methodology for calculating life cycle emissions and emissions reduction is in line with the European Union’s Renewable Energy Directive (2009/28/EC).
In addition to greenhouse gas emissions, switching to renewable fuel oil will reduce local emissions, as Neste MY Non Road Diesel™ burns cleaner than fossil fuels.
Slope lighting
The slope illumination system, active in the polar night and dark evenings, is automated in order to optimise its energy efficiency, and the technology behind the system is replaced with new solutions whenever the equipment reaches the end of its service life. New lighting fixtures can be seen in the Saarua slopes and the Front slopes. We are also constantly monitoring the latest innovations in illumination technology in order to ensure that we have the best lighting fixtures suitable for arctic conditions.aamosaikaan ja iltamäessä valaiseva rinnevalaistus on automatisoitu mahdollisimman energiatehokkaaksi ja rinnevalojen tekniikkaa päivitetään uuteen kaluston käyttöiän tullessa loppuun. Uudenlaisia valaisimia voit nähdä Saaruassa ja Eturinteillä. Lisäksi tutkimme jatkuvasti kehittyvää valaistustekniikkaa löytääksemme parhaat mahdolliset arktisiin oloihin sopivat valaisimet.
Village-2-Valley scenic gondola
The Village-2-Valley Scenic Gondola, completed in early winter of 2018, is also an environmental accomplishment. Pedestrians, skiers and bicyclists can travel between the eastern and western sides of Ruka with the gondola and enjoy a carbon neutral journey from the Ruka village to the Rosa & Rudolf Family Park in Ruka Valley, for example. Previously, this journey had to be made by car or with the SkiBus. The SkiBus runs less frequently as international holidaymakers, in particular, seem to prefer using the energy efficient gondola to travel to the slopes designed for families and beginners. The gondola also reduces the need for cars and taxis by allowing people to access the services of Western Ruka from Eastern Ruka by foot. People who need to access Ruka by car can park their cars in the Ruka parking garage and use the gondola to access the services of Eastern Ruka. Parking your car in a semi-heated parking garage reduces the emissions caused by a cold start.