The Tetrijärvi loop is a gem for skiers in Ilomantsi

The route meanders along narrow ridges, glides through bog terrain and ravines, sometimes diverting to managed forests and majestic pine groves. A few open fields offer peaceful rural scenery.

The Pogosta Ski event annually receives praise not only for its organization but also for its beautiful track. This is that track.

Due to its length, the track offers an efficient workout for those who want demanding exercise. Skiers who prefer a calm pace can easily plan a full-day winter trip culminating in breaks at the route’s shelters. The Tetrijärvi loop is skiable in both classic and skating styles. The route starts from the lit track of the Ilomantsi track network. The first kilometers are also part of the Meskenvaara route, which is opened as a two-way track late in the season when the maintenance of the Tetrijärvi loop ceases. On the last half of the route, the Ruhkaranta tracks join.

The track is maintained by alternating classic track grooves on the right side of the route and next time on the left side.

The sports hall parking is free of charge. Also, parking on Möhköntie is free.

The track starts from Parppei ski resort along a lit track for about 2 km, to the other side of the Möhköntie underpass tunnel. The Tetrijärvi loop branches off straight from the lit track along the power line, while the lit track continues to the right.

At first, the Tetrijärvi track is skiable in both directions.

The track goes over a bog under the power lines, then moves into the forest winding through marshy terrain. From the top of a small hill bump, it descends onto a roadbed along which the track runs about 2 km to the edge of a field. At the end of the field, there is a turning point where the out-and-back skiing section ends. This section is the Meskenvaara out-and-back track with a length of 7.4 km, measured from the lit track branch to returning to the lit track.

The first ascent on the route leads to a field where there is a road crossing, followed immediately by another smaller yard road. The track runs next to berry bushes; here there is also a privately maintained track network, so it is important to follow the signs. The Tetrijärvi track branches left down to the field. At the edge of the field, there is a larger road crossing, this is an asphalt road where it is recommended to take your skis off.

The track continues along the field ascending to Kuuksenvaaran, from where the route’s first proper downhill follows, pleasantly along the edge of a young forest to two road crossings. After the roads, a curving descent leads to the Haapakallio service point (the Pogosta ski event refreshment point).

Again, a couple of smaller road crossings accompany a steep spruce descent. The track starts a gentle descent from the open field, the end of the descent is steeper, and there is a sharp curve to the right onto the power line. The track winds through managed forest with some logging clearings. The track reaches a roadbed recently cleared. At the end of this road section, the track climbs up to a ridge from which there is a steep descent over a bridge into the woods.

The route follows a roadbed with beautiful ridge scenery between lakes and ponds. A descent is ahead; this descent is gentle but winding, and the track breaks at the final part of the slope where there is a sharp curve to the right. At the end of the hill is a bridge over which the track goes. The lakeside track then again climbs onto a ridge, descending shortly after to allow climbing up to the next ridge. At this point, there is a sign by the track "Watch the descent Laavu 100m". Below the hill is the route’s first shelter, Tetrijärvi shelter. You have reached the halfway point of the route; you have skied about 15 km.

The shelter stays to the right, and the track starts climbing up the power line from which, after a couple of humps, it turns right into a steep descent. The descent is fast. The track climbs again up the ridge. At the top of the ridge is a track intersection where you ski left (right leads to the Pogosta ski race track), the track turns sharply right where there is another intersection from which you go left again (right is the Pogosta ski race arrival track).

The track descends about 100 m into a narrow gorge that ends at the shore of a pond. The track leaves the pond to the right and follows a snowmobile trail and Möhköntie northward. After a small descent, there is a steep ascent and a new descent to the shore of the next pond from where the route climbs to the water intake. Along the road side, the track goes to another larger asphalt road crossing.

After crossing Möhköntie, the route follows Möhköntie, with two smaller road crossings after which the descent of the Isson Bridge follows from the ridge.

After the bridge across the strait, there is a climb to the ridge between two lakes. A long and eventful descent ends in a wall climb. The track runs on flat pine forest soil through the old Ruhkaranta camping area in front of the main building. The second Pogosta ski service point is here, followed by one road crossing. The track joins the Ruhkaranta ski track. Continue right.

The track continues through pine forest from which you drop into a gorge and climb back to the upland. A few easier downhills and a steep climb to the ridge. Through pine forest towards the next steep descent followed by a steeper ascent. The track follows the Taitajantaival hiking trail to the Hiislampi shelter. You have skied about 22 km.

From the shelter, the track follows the connecting route of Taitajan taipale. Along the ridge, a few pleasant ascents and descents, a right-turning descent, an ascent to a new ridge. A steep descent and a new ascent followed by a fairly long downhill leading to Matosalmi bridge. After the bridge, the track continues on a flatter managed forest area for about 900 m. The track merges with itself, marking the start of a two-way skiing section. Through pine forest you reach a road crossing and the third Pogosta ski service point on the route.

Winding along the bottom of a long gorge you climb to the road crossing, after which it is flatter until a descent curves left. Then there is a long stretch of flatter swamp terrain. After the swamp sections, climb to the top of a knoll from which a sharp descent curves right without a traditional track groove, WARNING! oncoming skiers!

The track winds past a gravel pit and through bog, arriving at an old power line.

The track branches right from the old power line into the forest. The route is flat and straight along a shooting range and joins a lit track used to reach the ski resort about 600 m away. You have arrived where you started.