Rovaniemi to open new roller-skiing track with competitive profile

A 2.5-kilometre roller-skiing track with a steep, competitive profile will open in Rovaniemi’s Ounasvaara by Midsummer, Yle reports.

The asphalt-paved track is designed for active and competitive skiers, while a separate practice area near the parking lot will serve recreational users. Once complete, elite athletes will no longer need to travel abroad for summer training.

Ounasvaara Ski Club is applying to host national roller-skiing championships on the track, with the first competitions scheduled for August. The club’s managing director, Jouni Pitkänen, noted that planning for the long-awaited facility has spanned 25 years, emphasizing the importance of a solid foundation to avoid costly repairs later.

The track’s challenging terrain—featuring sharp climbs and fast descents—has already drawn interest from Norwegian skiing circles and Finland’s national team, which may use the site for training camps as early as this autumn. Petter Kukkonen, high-performance director at the Finnish Ski Association, called the track a significant addition, as few domestic facilities meet elite training standards.

Rovaniemi city owns the track and has overseen safety measures, including protective zones on downhill sections and tree-free outer curves. The club, celebrating its centennial next year, aims to boost the track’s profile by securing major events.