The Ruka-Kuusamo region has four cross country ski trails, on which you can ski with your dog, and plenty of hiking trails that are also suitable for pets.
Skiing and hiking with your dog
Many trails for enjoying the great outdoors with your dog
Pets must always be on a leash on marked routes, and you must stay on the paths, especially in protected areas. When getting around elsewhere in the woods, dogs must be on a leash from 1.3.-19.8. Many native animal species are found in the forests of Ruka-Kuusamo, including approximately 10 000 reindeer. When we all work for sustainability together, we will all have space to enjoy the spectacular scenery.
Ruka-Kuusamo’s dog skiing trails and ski trail cafés that welcome dogs:
- Talvijärvi ski trail 2 km (Ruka, Restaurant Rukatonttu)
- Kuontivaara ski trail 20 km (Ruka)
- Ski trail around Kuusamo centre 18 km (Kuusamo)
- Toranki ski trail 7.5 km (Kuusamo)
- Käylä lit ski trail 2.5 km (Käylä): dog skiing and sledding is allowed during winter 2023-2024 on Saturdays and Sundays at 18-23 until 31.3.2024 (except on Sun 28.1./ski competition).
When skiing with a dog, your dog must be on a leash, and it cannot disturb others on the trail or break the cross country skiing tracks. Owners must pick up their dog’s droppings from the ski trail. You can find more information on the Ruka-Kuusamo ski trails from the section Cross country skiing.
Please note: Walking with a dog is allowed on Vuosseli Outdoor Trail only during summer, but unfortunately not during winter (based on safety and usability issues). More information about this trail on page Cross-country ski trails.
Let’s keep the trails clean
It’s smart to collect all animal droppings right next to trails and paths. There are mixed waste containers in the Ruka village area, where you can leave your dog poop bags, too. Unfortunately, there are no dog poop bins along the hiking paths from Ruka village down to Rukan Portti or to the other side of the fell.
Heading to excursions on a bus with your dog
Pets are welcome on the Karhunkierros Trail bus that operates from Kuusamo to Oulanka National Park via Ruka (lines operated by Ruka Charter). If you’re taking the SkiBus to your ski trail, you can also take your pet with you.
When starting from the other side of the Ruka fell, pets are also welcome aboard the Village2Valley scenic gondola.
