Snowshoeing and ski trekking

During winter time, snowshoeing and ski trekking are ideal activities to explore Finnish nature by yourself. If you are more interested in the less frequented areas, those activities will allow you to go off the beaten paths and get to places that you cannot reach with cars or on foot. Moreover, they are accessible even to beginners, so don’t be afraid if you never tried before, you will get used to it in only a few steps.

For snowshoes, their way of working is very simple.  Just attach your shoes to them and you just have to walk. Yet be careful to not get them too close to each other or to cross them when walking to avoid you from falling. Few tips, if you find yourself uphill, it is better to put your weight more on the front of the snowshoes to help you mount. On the contrary, when going downhill, you should do the opposite, put your weight at the back of the snowshoes for a better grip and to prevent you from slipping.

As for the backcountry ski (or called in Finnish, “sliding snowshoes”). They are designed to let you glide on deep snow. On them, there is a skin that allows them to both hike uphill and slide downhill. However, be careful this is a completely different activity from cross-country or Alpine skiing. Their usage is also simple, instead of walking you just have to slide. When you are going down hill, don’t forget to bend your knees. If you’re not comfortable that way, you can always try to go on the snow beside the tracks to avoid you from falling. Moreover, when you are going off track in untouched snow, it will require more effort since you will have to sometimes lift the skis.

Those equipment can be used for long day expeditions or only a few hours hike into wild nature. The rental of snowshoes or backcountry skis is available at our Nordic Odyssey office or online on our website.

Below you can find our selection of recommended hiking trails for snowshoes and ski trekking around Rovaniemi. We have mentioned the official walking path as a safe trail to refer to (especially if you feel tired or not confident enough), but we recommend hiking off the beaten paths with your snowshoes and skis, for a more unique and personal adventure into the white landscapes! 

1. OUNASVAARA HILL, THE NATURE IN THE MIDDLE OF ROVANIEMI

Ounasvaara winter hiking trails are an ideal destination for a day-trip hike because of its accessibility. The beginning of the trail is located just 3km from the city center of Rovaniemi. You can choose to walk there or if you prefer, you have the option to take the bus nr 9 to get close to the hill (the bus stop in Ounasvaara is situated at the sport institute).

In Ounasvaara you will find 2 trails, a circular trail of 4 km and if you want to extend your hike, there is also a longer one of 8 km. Yet those two are accessible to all levels even for beginners.

The trail passes through the middle of the forest and goes around the edge of the hill. If you want to have a little break we recommend you to stop at a lean-to shelter called “laavu”. There you will be able to light a fire to prepare your snack. If you want to try the Finnish way, buy some sausages, bread and cheese and warm them by the fire. You will find firewood next to the shelter, but don’t forget to bring a knife and a firestick or matches to prepare the fire.