Cross-country skiing in Rovaniemi

Ounasvaara is the hill on the far side of the Kemijoki, and it is where Rovaniemi goes skiing. Around 100 kilometres of cross-country trails cover the area, roughly 50 kilometres of them lit, all within walking distance of the centre. Together with the trails elsewhere in town, the city’s network adds up to about 200 kilometres. Lit trails matter here: in midwinter the sun is up for only a short time each day, and the lights let you ski in the afternoon and evening as well.

The trail network on Ounasvaara

The city’s trails are free and are prepared for both classic and skating technique, and some are lit. Santasport, the sports centre at the foot of the hill, says its trails start right next to its yard, which makes it the easiest starting point if you come without a car. Santasport is about 2 kilometres from the centre.

Before you head out, look at the Rovaniemi Skiing Trail Service. This city service gives up-to-date information on the condition and maintenance of the trails.

The season starts early. Each year at the end of October a first snow trail opens next to the ski resort, using stored snow. This one trail is run by Santasport and costs a fee. The rest of the network depends on natural snow. Santa Claus Village notes that the first lasting snow arrives as early as late October in some years and only in early December in others.

Renting skis and taking a lesson

You do not need to bring your own equipment. Santasport rents sets of skis, boots and poles for classic or skating style, as well as children’s sets, and the rental desk is open daily from 10:00 to 18:00. It also rents snowshoes and touring skis with skins, which Santasport says will get you to the top of Ounasvaara fairly easily. The rental shop at the Ounasvaara ski resort carries cross-country equipment too, and the resort’s ski school gives cross-country lessons alongside downhill, snowboard and telemark.

If you have never skied before, a guided tour is the gentle way in. The ski tours below include skis and winter gear, and on the Santa Claus Holiday Village tour the guide first introduces the basics of classic technique.

Trail rules

Ski trails in Rovaniemi are for skiers only. The city asks you not to walk on them in winter, and the Lapland rescue services add that you should not sledge on them either, because it is dangerous for you and for the skiers. The rules for everyman’s rights also say that dogs must not be let onto maintained ski tracks.

If part of your group wants to walk, Ounasvaara has a separate winter trail for them. At the start of each season it is groomed by snowmobile for hikers, and the loop with its connecting paths is about 6 kilometres long. The nearest point is 1.6 kilometres east of the centre, after you cross the Jätkänkynttilä Bridge. Along the trail there are two lean-to shelters and an observation tower at about 160 metres above sea level, looking out over the town and the Kemijoki.

What to wear

Winter temperatures in Rovaniemi can fall to around −30 °C, and the Lapland rescue services recommend layers: a woollen base layer that keeps you dry, a warm middle layer, and an outer layer against wind and snow, plus a hat and mittens. Our page on what to wear goes into more detail, and many activity companies rent out thermal overalls and boots.

Visit Finland points to one Finnish custom on longer outings: the latukahvila, a café by the ski tracks found in popular outdoor areas.

Downhill at the Ounasvaara ski resort

On the other side of the hill, about 4 kilometres from the centre at Taunontie 14, the Ounasvaara ski resort runs from 11 November 2026 to 17 April 2027. It has 10 slopes and the Rendi Park practice area for beginners and children. Most runs are 500–600 metres long, and the biggest drop, 140 metres, is on the FIS competition slope in the Tottorakka area, which also has the snow park and the freeride terrain. The main slopes are easy enough for beginners, and Visit Rovaniemi recommends the resort especially for beginners and snow park riders. The first slalom slope here was built in 1943, and the resort has been in operation since 1965.

At the start of the season usually only one or two slopes and Rendi Park are open, using stored snow, and more follow as snow falls. The resort rents skis and snowboards but not goggles or ski clothing. A small tube slide of about 20 metres opens in Rendi Park, usually in late December; sledging is not allowed anywhere else in the ski area. The resort’s restaurant, Alpenjäger, is open daily during the resort’s opening hours.

Skiing events in March

The Jätkänkynttilä Ski Marathon is the town’s public ski race, with a 42-kilometre marathon and a 21-kilometre half, finishing on Lordi’s Square in the centre. In 2026 it was held on 21 March in free technique. The date for 2027 had not been published in October 2026.