Espoo has the right ski track for beginners and veteran skiers alike
Espoo's extensive ski track network offers skiers about 150 kilometres of tracks at various difficulty levels every year. Beginner-friendly tracks are available in parks and on fields, while the most challenging sections are closer to Nuuksio National Park.
These days, the skiing season in Espoo begins in late November and may last up to April, depending on how fast the sun melts the snow in the spring. The first-snow track in Oittaa is the first to open in November.
"With our snow-making system, we are able to blast the snow directly on the kilometre-long skiing route in Oittaa. We won't need to move the snow around like we do in Leppävaara and Central Park. The first-snow track usually opens in later November," says Sports Manager Tapio Taskinen.
The next tracks to open, after the temperature drops below zero, are in Leppävaara Sports Park and Puolarmaari. If there is no natural snow, the tracks will be created with artificial snow. There have been a few winters recently when it has not been possible to make tracks out of natural snow.
Espoo has an extensive ski track network, and many residents can go skiing almost from their home yard. The high-quality tracks are being maintained by a team of about ten professionals.
"The varying weather conditions make track maintenance challenging, but our goal is to have at least the Oittaa, Leppävaara and Central Park tracks in good condition first thing in the morning," Taskinen states.
After snowfall and if the favourable weather continues, the City aims to have all tracks ready in 1–3 days.
The ski tracks are made on top of recreational trails in the winter. If the winter is good and there is plenty of natural snow, tracks are also made outside the trails, such as on fields and meadows. These local tracks are often used by schools and daycare centres, in particular.
"In the best years, we have been able to make up to 200 kilometres of tracks, if we count all tracks on fields and frozen lakes."
Tapio Taskinen says that the wide network of ski tracks has the right track for everyone, from beginners to veteran skiers.
"The easiest tracks are in parks and on fields. The Puolarmaari track and the Oittaa family track are great for beginners, too, while the tracks and routes on the fitness trails towards Nuuksio National Park are more challenging.
Espoo has had a few track sections every year where dogs are also welcome. Dog-friendly tracks are requested a lot, but arranging them is difficult, especially when there are no natural snow tracks and skiers concentrate on busy artificial snow tracks.
"This year, you can ski with your dog on the Gumböle Golf Course track, and there is no time limit," Taskinen says.
With the right equipment, skiing is for everyone!
Patrik Ehrnrooth, chair of the Espoo skiing association, says that skiing is a suitable form of exercise for everyone.
"You can start cross-country skiing as soon as you learn to walk. And these days, you see skiers who are over 90 years old, so age is not a problem, but using a rolling walker may make things more difficult," Ehrnrooth says, laughing.
One of the benefits of skiing is that it is easy on the joints. Thanks to this, it is available for those who are unable to run or for whom walking is difficult. Everyone can ski according to their own fitness and skill level.
"Skiing is full-body exercise that trains the upper body, the legs and the respiratory system. Running is as effective, but it does not train the abs and the arms in the same way. If you go skiing for the first time after a while, the next day you are sure to discover muscles that you didn't know existed," Ehrnrooth says.
According to Patrik Ehrnrooth, while skiing is equipment-centric, it does not have to be an expensive hobby. With good equipment, you can keep skiing for several winters in a row.
"When you make a good initial investment and buy your equipment from a specialised shop, you can easily keep using them for the next 5–10 years. Visiting a specialised shop is worth it because buying the modern skin skis is more demanding than buying the conventional waxable skis. When choosing the skis, you need to pay attention to the skier's weight and their level of skiing technique. If you buy the wrong type of skis that do not slide or grip properly, your skiing hobby may end abruptly."
According to Ehrnrooth, attending a few lessons is also worth it to get the skiing technique right, regardless of whether you choose the classic or skate skiing style.
The Espoo skiing association organises skiing lessons for both children and adults every year. Commercial operators also offer group skiing lessons and even private lessons in Espoo.
"A twenty-something young person who has experience of ice or roller skating will learn skate skiing quickly through YouTube tutorials, for example. A few lessons is a small investment in getting the technique right from the start and not learning incorrect movement."
For example, it is important to learn the right alternating rhythm in classic skiing. Once you have the rhythm down, you will move faster and you will have energy for a longer trip. In skate skiing, it is important to know the techniques required by uphill and flat terrain and how to use your upper body.
"Many are wondering if skiing would be a suitable sport for them, and which skiing style would be better. The general rule is that if you are able to run for 30 minutes, you are fit enough to start skate skiing. It requires better fitness than the classic style, which you can do at a lower strain level," Ehrnrooth says.
Learn more about ski tracks in Espoo.
Text: Thea Ekholm