Kouvola must find new operator for Mielakka ski centre

Kouvola must find a new operator for the Mielakka ski centre after HupiSki Oy withdrew from the agreement, Yle reports. The slopes will not open next winter and could reopen no earlier than a year from now.

The company from Mikkeli was selected as the centre’s new operator in the summer. The city had intended to sign a 10-year operating agreement with HupiSki.

According to Veikko Niemi, Kouvola’s director of education and culture, negotiations revealed disagreements over conditions that had already been included in the tender. The city could not change those terms.

Potential repair and maintenance costs also proved to be a risk for HupiSki. In addition, the company did not accept a condition under which the city would reduce its payment for interruptions caused by reasons other than weather.

Heidi Kelho, HupiSki’s chief executive, said the contract terms contained unclear issues and that the risks were too great for the company.

The city cannot turn to the other companies that took part in the tender because the legal deadline for using the tender results has expired. The process must therefore begin again from the start.

“We are taking a time-out now,” Niemi said.

The Mielakka slopes were also not available for skiing last winter because there was no operator.