[Photo from visithelsinki.fi]

[Photo from visithelsinki.fi]

Helsinki offers 180 kilometres of groomed skiing trails. Try cross-country skiing for instance in Central Park (Keskuspuisto), where the trails are maintained well into the spring as snow conditions allow.

The Paloheinä Recreational Centre (Pakilantie 124, approximately 9 km from the centre of Helsinki) is the most popular cross-country skiing centre in Helsinki and is easy to get to by bus (take bus 66 or 66A to the last stop) or car. The skiing trails are opened as early as December and can be skied on as late as April. Most of the trails are illuminated until late in the evening. There is a rental shop that supplies all the equipment necessary.

At Kivikko ski hall (Savikiekontie 4) skiing is possible well in advance before the snowfall. Around 800m long and 6-8m wide ski track is open daily. The ski hall is open at least until skiing outdoors is possible.

Downhill skiing and snowboarding are among the most popular winter activities in Finland these days. Close to Helsinki you can find good downhill and snowboarding slopes. Rental equipment and lessons are available at all ski centres. See the list below for further information on downhill and snowboarding slopes.