Ruka, Pyhä, and Finnish Ski Association join White Winters to drive sustainability in winter sports

Published 28.11.2025

The Finnish Ski Association and the ski resorts of Ruka and Pyhä are joining the White Winters program. The international collaborative network brings together stakeholders from winter sports to address sustainability challenges related to snow sports and winter activities, while raising awareness on these issues. The program is part of the International Ski Federation’s (FIS) strategic work aimed at securing the future of winter sports during rapid climate change and biodiversity loss.

White Winters is a program developed by Solved and Ski Sport Finland, built around practical, solution-focused collaboration: ski resorts identify concrete challenges, and the program’s international partner network develops practical solutions. The goal is to accelerate the adoption of climate and nature friendly innovations in ski resorts, the winter sports industry, and events.

Ruka and Pyhä lead the way in sustainable ski resort operations

Ruka and Pyhä have long been recognized for their committed sustainability work, which includes Green Key-certified accommodations, 100% renewable electricity, biodiesel-powered slope machines, electric snowmobiles, and energy and water saving snow management and building solutions. Joining the White Winters program reinforces this development and provides access to international expertise and solutions that help the resorts further reduce their environmental impact.

– White Winters helps us accelerate development and move toward next-level solutions. Our goal is to continuously improve energy efficiency, electrify our equipment, and increase our own clean energy production. This collaboration supports that transition and helps us make winter sports more sustainable in the long term, while ensuring top conditions for both athletes and winter tourists, says Antti Kärävä, CEO, Ruka and Pyhä Ski Resorts.

Finnish Ski Association strengthens its sustainability agenda

The Finnish Ski Association is developing its environmental program, and collaboration with White Winters brings international networks, new content, and opportunities for national teams and clubs. Key focus is reducing the climate impact of events such as Ruka Nordic and Lahti Ski Games competitions.

– Joining the White Winters network is a natural step. International collaboration brings together different stakeholders in winter sports to address sustainability challenges and raise awareness on the issue. The network’s experts help us develop our operations to be more sustainable, contributing to the preservation of snowy winters for future generations, says Marleena Valtasola, Executive Director, Finnish Ski Association.

At Ruka Nordic, snow production has been optimized with advanced snow storage and automation, reducing energy consumption by up to 90%. The aim is to further improve the energy efficiency of snow storage. At the Salpausselkä competitions, responsible procurement and circular economy practices are reflected in sourcing materials and food locally, recycling, plant-based choices, and equipment reuse.

– The White Winters collaboration supports the Finnish Ski Association’s strategy and strengthens our ability to build a more sustainable future in cooperation with key stakeholders. Our goal is to both reduce emissions and improve the quality and predictability of the conditions, Marleena adds.

World leading companies to participate in the program

The White Winters program connects the ecological challenges of winter sports with scalable solutions. Dozens of companies and organizations contribute leading expertise and solutions in their fields, including Nasdaq, Uber, A-Insinöörit, KPMG, Betolar, Snowsecure, Liski, and eSled.

– The core of the program is the rapid implementation of solutions. White Winters invites leading players in their fields, with whom we can build and scale the most impactful practices across the entire industry, says Santtu Hulkkonen, CEO, Solved and Program Director, White Winters.

Ruka White Winters event for industry leaders and innovators will be held today in connection with the Ruka Nordic World Cup.

Date: 28 November 2025, 10:00 – 11:30
Location: Vespino, Rukatunturintie 12, Kuusamo
Admission: Free for professionals and media