Finlandia Ski Marathon tackles challenges caused by weather conditions - organizing the event requires effort

Finlandia Ski Marathon will be held on the Lahti and Hollola, on the Salpausselkä ski tracks on February 22-23, 2025. During the winter the weather in Lahti has not been on the organizers' side, but the event consisting of different routes can be organized as planned. By the end of January, over 2,600 participants had already registered for the event.

The warm and partly rainy winter has caused challenges for winter sports in general. The organizers of Finlandia Ski Marathon are closely monitoring the forecasts for the coming weeks and the situation of the tracks.

“The route is mainly in skiable condition. We will check what the minus degrees and light snowfall over the weekend have done in the early weeks. In addition, according to the forecast, there will be more light snowfall this week. Of course, we hope for help with the weather,” says Finlandia Ski Marathon Chief of Course Heikki Kivikko.

The most challenging spots on the route can currently be found on Messilä. Snowmaking has started and the period of cold weather supports snowmaking. 

“A lot of work has been done before the snow came and during the winter months, but there is still a lot of work ahead for the next three weeks. The event will definitely be organized. Some snowmaking has started, and the snow will be transferred to sections in poorer condition. Our organization, which mainly consists of volunteers and club operators, is competent, but of course we are facing a tough situation,” says Event Director Markku Levanen.

Event Director Levanen shares his praise for the organizing committee, which has been together for a long time. In total, Finlandia Ski Marathon is organized with about 300 volunteers. There are many non-profit associations participating, for whom the event is significant in terms of fundraising.

The number of people registering for Finlandia Ski Marathon has been increasing compared to the previous year until the end of January. Event Director Levanen encourages everyone who is interested to join.

“The event has local significance, of course, for the two sports clubs that are responsible for the arrangements, but also for more than ten other operators who have prepared to produce and manage, among other things, ski service stations, traffic control and services for participants. A warm welcome to skiing,” concludes Levanen. 

The last price stage for Finlandia Ski Marathon will change on Monday, February 10, 2025. Those who registered before then will be able to join at a lower price.