Vandalism reported at Honkavuori Ski Center in Pyhäjärvi, Finland

In the southern part of North Ostrobothnia, a series of unusual crimes have emerged. At the Honkavuori Ski Center in Pyhäjärvi, some of the recently renovated six-kilometer trail lighting has been vandalized this autumn, with cables stolen from 80 poles. The local community association, Lamminahon Ahto, has filed a police report regarding the incidents. The police are investigating the matter and are urging anyone with information to come forward.

Skiing on the early snow track this autumn may have to rely on headlamps. According to the association, replacement lights could cost over €100,000. “It’s incredibly frustrating. The theft of the light cables feels like a disrespectful act toward the entire community,” says Esa Ryynänen, vice-chairman of Lamminahon Ahto.

Crime commissioner Minna Vuori noted that similar thefts have occurred in recent weeks in the Jokilaakso region, including Haapajärvi, Haapavesi, Kärsämäki, and Oulainen, where cables and fuel have been stolen from construction sites and businesses. Several suspects have already been questioned regarding the Pyhäjärvi incidents.

Honkavuori is a well-known recreation area that Lamminahon Ahto has developed over the years as a communal leisure space. The area has hosted various prestigious skiing competitions, including the Junior Finnish Championships last year and the Senior Championships three years ago. Recent developments include fitness steps, a full-size disc golf course, and a mountain biking trail.

“The Honkavuori Ski Center has been central to our club’s activities for decades, and significant efforts have been made for the community,” Ryynänen states. It is still unclear whether any structures will need to be removed before repairs can begin, particularly for the early snow track typically opened in November, for which snow was stored last winter. “If we could get a few poles operational, it might be possible to ski under artificial light this autumn, but there’s a real risk that we’ll need to rely on headlamps.”