Ski season delays reported across Finland amid fluctuating temperatures and limited snow

The start of the ski season is facing delays in various regions due to fluctuating temperatures and a lack of snow. In locations such as Jämsä’s Himos and Kuopio’s Tahko, opening dates for ski resorts remain uncertain. In Vuokatti and Iso-Syöte, the season is set to begin approximately two weeks later than last year. The onset of freezing temperatures will ultimately dictate when the slopes can open.

While some major resorts in Lapland and the northeastern region saw skiing opportunities as early as October, areas like Ruka, Levi, Pyhätunturi, and Ounasvaara have had slopes accessible for some time. Currently, snow-making operations have commenced in at least two additional northern resorts.

In Vuokatti, plans are in place to inaugurate the season in early December. Iso-Syöte is set to open its first two slopes today, while snow-making for cross-country trails is also underway. However, weather forecasts indicate warming temperatures, which might impact snow availability across the country.

Although the recent Jari storm brought significant snowfall, precipitation has not been evenly distributed, according to an environmental researcher. The current snow accumulation is highest in western Finland and in the Käsivarsi region. For Tahko to establish proper ski trails, a minimum of 20 centimeters of snow is required.

At the moment, snow coverage is so sparse that patches of grass can still be spotted on some trails. Furthermore, as warm weather approaches early next week, there are concerns that ski trails may need to be postponed. Snow-making efforts in Tahko began on Thursday but are expected to halt over the weekend due to rising temperatures. Recent strong winds have also posed challenges for snow-making processes in Iso-Syöte and Vuokatti.