When will the Lapp ski resorts commit?

Every year in Finnish Lapland and northern Finland ski areas compete for the honour of getting at least a few of their ski slopes open first. 

This mad race takes place months ahead of anything the ski resorts in the Alps could dream of. If temperatures are right the snow machines are switched on in early October.

The popular ski resort of Ruka in eastern Finland has already published dates for its opening weekend as   26-28 October 2007. The event attracts skiers from all over Finland where they celebrate when not skiing listening to the numerous live bands around the resort. The weekend culminates in the seasons first Suomi Slalom, a giant slalom race, on the Sunday.

Other ski areas: Levi, Yllas, Iso-Syote and Saariselka have yet to commit to opening dates but weather permitting they will be aiming for October or early November. All locations like to mark the opening weekend in a party atmosphere so pack your skis and dancing shoes and head north!

As well as the battle to open the slopes just as important, for the Finns possibly more so, is the race to get the first kilometres of cross country trails open. Cross country ski teams from across the world rush to Lapland to get in that all important pre season training.

To find out more about Lapland ski areas click here.

To visit Ruka for a pre-Christmas Ski break click here.