Lapland expects up to 10 centimetres of snow during ski weekend

Lapland could receive up to 10 centimetres of snow this weekend, just as the region hosts major ski events, Yle reports. Snow is expected to begin falling in southern Lapland on Friday and spread north, meteorologist Anne Bergström said.

Even heavier snowfall is forecast for Kainuu and eastern Finland, where more than 20 centimetres could fall. Bergström advised people driving north to allow extra time for their journeys, as snow may slow traffic. Levi could also see some sunshine on Saturday.

Levi is hosting a World Cup slalom, while the Oloksen Tykkikisat ski races are taking place in Muonio. Four Russian skiers have registered for the Muonio event.

The snowfall is not expected to threaten the Levi competition, which will be held on stored snow. Competition director Petri Tuomikoski said natural snow looks good on television and promotes the event, but creates extra work for organisers.

Levi has previously had too much snow during the World Cup. Last year, local volunteers cleared excess snow from the race slope ahead of the event, using skis on a steep section. Tuomikoski said the slope base is now so hard that machinery may be able to handle the work if needed.

Levi’s stored-snow system was introduced in 2016 after warm autumns and cancelled races. It allows the resort to open its slopes in early October.