Finnish Spring

If you like snow but don't fancy the dark, Finnish spring is ideal time to enjoy the great outdoors. With the pure white snow reflecting the sunlight, it's so much easier to look on the bright side of life.

For me the fells are the perfect weekend get-away on snowboard. The best thing about Rovaniemi is that the major ski resorts are just a couple of hours ride away. And there's so much to do apart from skiing: hiking, snowshoeing, ice fishing, ice climbing, and the newest frenzy: fat bike riding, bikes with wide tyres ideal for getting around in snowy conditions. National parks are also accessible during wintertime.

Me ice climbing in Tajukangas, Pyhätunturi.
Photo: Artturi Kröger

Treeline in Pyhätunturi

There are also some fun annual events in spring time. Ice fishing competitions, for example, attract tens, even hundreds of fishermen. In March I participated in Freekend, the ultimate free skiing weekend in Pyhätunturi, Pelkosenniemi. The weekend consists of avalanche safety workshops, competitions and parties. There are no big mountains in Finland, but Finns are a very dedicated free ski people. The bravest go seek powder in the mountains of Norway - and even Japan. Since Pyhä still has some non-groomed slopes and elevation of 500 meters it's - besides of Ylläs - the number one backcountry destination in Finland.

For more after ski activity there is also Battery Spring Break and Wappulounas Mayday celebration in Ruka Ski Resort later in the spring.

Skiers getting ready for Freekend, annual backcountry weekend in Pyhätunturi

People watching Haglöfs Freeride Competition in Aittokuru Valley 

After all these years I can't stop wondering how the days grow longer. It's 7 p.m. and it's not even dark yet! Sunlight really affects your mood. Just look at those people skiing around Kirkkolampi or huddling on the ice of Kemijoki shores. What are they doing? Ice fishing. Are they getting any fish? Probably not, but they don't mind. They are just enjoying the spring.

Lazy-ass me ice fishing in Kuusamo

-Ella

P.S. Read about Emma's spring time activities here.