Ski Trails and Slopes
Ski Holiday for Every Taste!
The extensive network of ski trails and slopes in snow destination North Karelia meet the needs of even the most demanding skier or snowboarder. The selection of ski trails surprises with its versatility, and you will also find hidden gems where you can ski in complete peace and quiet. Many trails allow you to ski with your dog, and several ski resorts also offer ski service and ski café services. There are three ski resorts in our area: Koli Ski Resort, Pääskyvuori Ski Resort and Mustavaara Ski Resort, which offer a wide range of options for families, beginners and experienced skiers. So, relax on the snow!
Kontiolahti - Skiers' paradise
In Kontiolahti, the ski season starts as early as October and continues well into spring thanks to the cooled ski slopes. Jump on your skis at the Biathlon World Cup stage at the Kontiolahti Biathlon Stadium or enjoy a ski trip on the many other ski slopes in the area.
Skiing in Joensuu
Joensuu's ski trail network is hundreds of kilometers long. In Joensuu, you can ski under the city lights or in the peace of the countryside. Weather permitting, several ice trails also serve both traditional and freestyle skiers.
You will not run out of ski trails in Lieksa!
Enjoy skiing near Koli and Bomba!
Cross-country ski trip in Koli
Koli's varied terrain is open for skiing for 4-5 months of the year, and in the dead of winter, Koli's cross-country ski trails extend for as much as 80 kilometers. Koli also has the longest continuous illuminated cross-country ski trail in Finland, 25 kilometers long. During the winter, traditional skiing events are also held in the Koli landscape.
Easy skiing in Bomba
In the Bomba area, Nurmes has a cross-country ski trail network consisting of several different routes, along with many other winter activities. The trail options also include a trail suitable for skiing with a dog and an ice trail starting from the shore of Break Sokos Hotel Bomba.
Skiing in Juuka
Less than half an hour's drive from Koli, Juuka offers versatile illuminated trails for skiers of all levels. Ski on Taivaanpanko, Nunnanlahti's illuminated cross-country ski trail, or ski from end to end on Putkilatu. Dog shifts have also been arranged in Juuka for those who ski with their dogs.
Close to Joensuu – the skiing gems of Liperi
Liperi is located a short ski trip from Joensuu. Some of the Joensuu ski trails connect to the trails in the Liperi area, so even the most enthusiastic skiers will never run out of trails!
Liperi has several illuminated trails and the Pärnävaara Sports Centre, which meets the needs of even experienced skiers, and also offers ski sales and service, as well as restaurant services. A few times a week, there is also the opportunity to practice sledge skiing on the illuminated Pärnävaara ski trail.
Snowy Joy in Ilomantsi
The diverse ski trails in the center of Ilomantsi start from the Parppei Sports Center and serve both beginners and more experienced skiers.
Ski in Siiri Rantanen's ski tracks
From Ilomantsi you can easily move to another eastern municipality, Tohmajärvi, the hometown of ski legend Siiri Rantanen. In Tohmajärvi, in addition to shorter routes, there is also the 12-kilometer Siiri loop.
Skiing in Outokumpu
There are several trails near the center of Outokumpu, of which the 1-5 km long trails in Matovaara are illuminated. Accommodation in the center provides convenient access to many different trails and the peace of nature.
Work up a sweat in Heinävesi
Heinävesi has several illuminated trails and, when weather conditions permit, extensive ice trail networks. The selection of trails covers trails 2-13 kilometers long and is suitable for those looking for both ease and challenge.
Get your heart rate up in Kitee and the surrounding area
The trails starting from the Kitee Hutsi sports center are made for demanding terrain, so you'll definitely get sweaty! For a more leisurely ride, the trails in Kitee Peltola, Kiteenjärvi and Kesälahti Sortolampi are suitable. There are also plenty of illuminated trail kilometers available.
For cycling or running: Peltola Winter Trail
Peltola Winter Trail is suitable for walking, running or fat biking. The two-way trail, suitable for beginners, is marked in blue and white. The starting point is at the Kitee Health Center parking lot
Rääkkylä trails are suitable for everyone
Rääkkylä has plenty of trails from easy to medium difficulty, and a ice hockey rink is also available for tourists.
The longest slope in Koli is up to 1.5 km long! On Pääskyvuori and Mustavaara, the slopes are 700 meters long.
All destinations also offer ski schools and equipment rentals in winter.
Ski Resorts in North Karelia
There are three different ski resorts in North Karelia, which offer services all year round. In Koli, you can ski in stunning national landscapes, Mustavaara is located just half an hour's drive from the centre of Joensuu, and in Heinävesi, the Pääskyvuori Ski Resort offers fun for the whole family. In winter, you can enjoy the white glow of the slopes, the powdery snow and the warming cocoa. In summer, fierce downhill cyclists who cool off on the slopes of Mustavaara and those who want a more peaceful experience can admire the sparkling Pielinen from the Koli landscape lift.
Koli Ski Resort
The slopes of Ukko-Koli are among the oldest ski slopes in Finland. The slopes of Koli Ski Resort are located in the Koli National Park, with a magnificent view of Lake Pielinen from the top. A total of seven different slopes offer plenty of choice for both beginners and more experienced skiers. During the ski season, the Ski & Spa bus runs from Joensuu to Koli and back on weekends.
Mustavaara Ski Resort
Mustavaara's family-friendly slopes and ski trails invite you to winter fun less than a 30-minute drive from Joensuu. Four slopes, a snow park, a street area for beginners and ski school services offer snowy fun for speed enthusiasts of all levels. After a day of skiing, or during a break, you can go to the slope restaurant to eat or enjoy a warm drink.
Pääskyvuori Ski Resort
Located in Heinävesi, the versatile slopes of Pääskyvuori Ski Centre have fast slopes for the more experienced and gentler slopes for the little ones in the family. The slopes of Pääskyvuori also offer access to well-maintained and illuminated cross-country ski trails or even snowshoeing.