Ruka Pond Hockey Tournament generates €1.5 million for the Ruka-Kuusamo region

Published 17.4.2025

Held in January, Pipolätkä has proven to be one of the most significant winter events in the Ruka-Kuusamo area, creating a substantial economic boost over a single weekend. The event attracts around 3,000 players, along with their support teams and enthusiastic fans.

“Pipolätkä is an excellent example of an event that has successfully combined timing, target audience, and the unique characteristics of the area. The groundwork has been well done, and now it’s bearing fruit for the whole region. The event has a long life cycle ahead,” says Niina Kukka, event manager at Ruka-Kuusamo Tourist Association.

A well-functioning event concept benefits the entire region and local businesses. It would be extremely difficult to replace this level of economic impact through any other single activity.

Pipolätkä will continue in Ruka for at least the next three years, thanks to an agreement between Ruka-Kuusamo Tourist Association and the event’s producer.

“Ruka remains the home of Pipolätkä, and the area suits this kind of event perfectly. All services are close by — accommodation, restaurants, and the skating rinks. Of course, winter events always come with their own challenges when it comes to snow and ice — sometimes there’s too much, sometimes too little — but we’ve always managed well thanks to great cooperation,” says Jesse Koivurova, producer of Pipolätkä.

The next Pipolätkä tournament will be held in Ruka from January 15–17, 2026.