Ski season opens at Ruka and Levi resorts in Finland despite rainfall

The ski season at Kuusamo’s Ruka resort opened amid considerable rainfall. Despite the weather, hundreds of skiers from across Finland rushed to the slopes as the lifts began operating. The season also commenced at Kittilä’s Levi resort, which saw the opening of multiple slopes and lifts, as well as a nearly two-kilometer-long man-made snow trail.

Both ski centers could utilize snow preserved from last spring. Ruka had around 160,000 cubic meters of stored snow protected beneath thick layers and tarps over the summer. Surprisingly, the snow remained well-preserved despite the warm and rainy summer.

Ruka is also celebrating its 70th anniversary today. Local skier Ilkka Vuorio was one of the first to hit the slopes as soon as the lifts opened. “It’s great that we can start the ski season this early in Finland. I’m already in the mood, even though the weather is not optimal,” he remarked.

Three slopes at Ruka opened for the season. Local manager Matti Parviainen tested the trails, noting that last year’s opening attracted about 700 visitors, but this year’s attendance would likely be around 500 due to the weather conditions. “There are more skiers in the slopes than in the berry fields,” Parviainen joked.

Other ski centers are set to open their seasons soon: Ylläs aims to open on November 16, 2024, while the winter season at Pudasjärvi’s Iso-Syöte is targeted for November 23, 2024. The opening weekend for Tahko is traditionally celebrated during Finland’s Independence Day weekend, from December 5-8, 2024, and Himos usually begins its season in mid-December.