Ruhkaranta loop 18.5 km

The track follows the same route for the first six kilometers as the 11 km Ruhkaranta loop. When the shorter route turns back, this longer 18.5 km route continues toward the best highlights.

The back loop is demanding due to numerous climbs and fast descents. This section is one-way and the track has also been groomed on the left side for some of the loop. The Hiislampi lean-to shelter is located on the route at about 9 km. The Ruhkaranta back loop mostly goes through a nature reserve area, beautiful ridge terrain, and winds between numerous ponds and lakes. The unlit forest route can be skied in both classic and skating technique.

Free parking spaces in the yard of the sports hall. Starting point address Pogostantie 13, Ilomantsi.

There is also parking space next to the service building behind the sports hall.

The track starts at the Parppei ski center, follows a lit track for about 600m, and diverges straight from the bypass. The track continues one-way, through forested swamp, 500m to an old power line, then along the power line for about 200m. A section for skiing in both directions begins. At the end of the power line, turn right into the forest, then a few small bumps along the edge of a clearing. A winding track section in the swampy terrain with a gravel pit on the right and one sharp bump to climb up and ski down without traditional tracks. After the bump, flat swamp with many curves. Crossing a road, a power line over the swamp under which the track passes. From the power line, turn left to a clearing, follow the edge of the forest turning right into the forest where there is a steep left, then a straight section passing the gravel pit bank. Along the edge of a young sapling stand, follow the Taitajan Trail connecting route up a small uphill. At this point, there is a marker indicating the 10 km turnaround point, meaning you can return.

The track continues as a two-way track. A road crossing down into the pit where the track winds slightly uphill then descends to the Kannila service point, from which it goes again over the road and ascends to the roadbed. The track winds in a sturdy pine forest for about 200m. The track continues in mixed forest as a two-way track for another 150m. The total length of the out-and-back track section is 13 km.

The route branches right into a gentle descent from which it climbs to a ridge. A steep descent bends left at the end onto a flat gravel pit bottom that leads to the next forested ascent and descent. After the descent, an ascent follows, then downhill again. Next, climb up followed by a descent that brings the skier to Ruhkaranta road, along which the track goes about 200m with one driveway crossing. After the flat road edge, climb to the top of the ridge. Along the ridge, the next descent goes through kettle holes to a flat pine heath. On the pine heath, another track comes from the left, the Tetrijärvi loop joins the same track.

At this point, the classic track has been groomed alternately on different sides, so the track may also be on the left side.

From the heath, drop into a kettle hole and climb back to the heath. A few easier descents and a steep climb to the ridge. Through pine forest toward the next steep descent followed by a steeper ascent. The track follows the Taitajantaival hiking trail to the Hiislampi lean-to shelter.

From the lean-to, the track follows the Taitajan Trail connection route. Along the ridge, a few pleasant climbs and descents, a tighter right-turning descent, ascent to a new ridge, steep descent and new ascent followed by a rather long descent that leads to the Matosalmi bridge. After the bridge, the track goes through a flatter commercial forest area about 900m. The track merges again with the same track used for the return loop.

On the return ski, the track branches off from the old power line right into the forest. The route is flat and straight alongside the shooting range and joins a lit track that leads back to the ski center about 600m away.