Stories from Ruka and Kuusamo

Slopes, ski tracks and sledge runs ready for Christmas holiday makers!

2011-12-21T02:18:00.000-08:00

A sledge run has been opened at the base of Vuosseli slope next to 6-seater. Also Rosa and Rudolf Adventure Route is open; reindeer Lightning and Rosa will be there as soon as we can catch them from the forest.

More lifts are open: now also Kelo lift (E) and Kelo slope are open. Altogether 12 lifts and 18 slopes! See slope and lift details >>

Ski track information
Part of Ruka area ski tracks are located on top of lakes/ice cover. Right now the ice cover is not strong enough for maintenance machinery. We need minimum 15 cm of strong ice, now there's about 5-12 cm. However, other tracks in Ruka area are open and in good shape.

Water is rising on top of ice cover due to ice fishing holes for instance on lake Talvijärvi. We try to direct ice fishers to other locations but ski tracks.

Cafe services along Vuosseli route: Cafe Lammintupa open daily at 10-15, exept on Christmas Eve 24.12 at 10–13. Korpikahvila open daily at 9-15.

See up-to-date ski track information >>

Virtual Ruka and Kuusamo

2011-11-11T03:52:00.000-08:00

Our new virtual panoramas allow you to move easily in between different places and services. You can jump into shops and restaurants as well as to Ruka slopes from Ruka village. You can also use maps for finding places of interest.

Ruka and Kuusamo offer lots to do both for winter and summer. If you've only visited Ruka in winter, take a look at Ruka in summer! We'll add more winter photos in spring 2012.

Jump in and enjoy the ride! Virtual.ruka.fi >>

Happy skiers on Ruka First Snow Track

2011-10-26T12:58:00.000-07:00

Ruka First Snow Track (1,3 km; Skating & Nordic styles) was opened on Friday 21.10.2011 and has gained a lot of positive feedback from skiers, especially due to free entrance, clean snow cover and variable profile.
First Snow Track is located in Ruka Ski Stadium area and is available for all skiers for free.

First Snow Track towards Hotel Rukatonttu.


First Snow Track towards Ski-Inn Aurinkorinne.

isätietoja: www.ruka.fi/firstsnowtrack

Construction work on Pieni Karhukierros Trail

2011-10-11T05:33:00.000-07:00

Pieni Karhunkierros Trail under construction - Waterproof boots needed!

The duckboards along Pieni Karhunkierros Trail are being renovated during winter 2011-2012. We are sorry for any inconvenience.

More information:
• Oulanka Visitor Centre, tel. int. +358 205 64 6580
• Facebook.com/oulangankansallispuisto

New exhibitions in Hannu Hautala Photography Centre

2011-09-12T03:39:00.000-07:00

New exhibitions available 9.9.2011-8.1.2012 - welcome!
Visiting artist in Kuukkeli Hall is Norwegian Arvid Sveenin with his photoes of Tinden mountain in Northern Norway.

HANNU HAUTALA NATURE PHOTOGRAPHY CENTRE
Karhuntassu, Torangintaival 2, Kuusamo, www.hannuhautala.fi
Opening hours: Mon-Fri at 9-17, Sat at 10-14 and Sun at 12-16 (July-September).

More details:
Kari Kantola, tel. +358 40 5233 158, kari.kantola@kuusamo.fi

Arvid Sveen

Frisbee golf at Kuusamon Tropiikki

2011-06-27T03:36:00.000-07:00

Summer novelty at Holiday Club Kuusamon Tropiikki (spa): frisbee golf!

Open daily from 8 am until 10 pm (tee off)
Price: 12 e / round; 1-6 persons including gear (frisbees).
Booking: Holiday Club Kuusamon Tropiikki reception

Also new outdoor tennis courts will be built in Kuusamon Tropiikki area to replace the old courts that were left under holiday home buildings. Another new outdoor tennis court will be built to the centre of Kuusamo, behind Kuusamo ice hockey rink.

Join the European Day of Parks at Oulanka!

2011-05-16T22:59:00.000-07:00

European Day of Parks is celebrated in Oulanka on Sunday 22.5.2011.

Programme:

At 12.00-12.45 biologist Anne Jäkäläniemi explains about the influences of flooding in Oulanka area
Karhunkierros and sceneries in Oulanka at year 1969; video show
Materials from the forest; introduction at Aisti (Sences) corner
Forest Quiz for the whole family (in Finnish)
Activities for kids
Build your own birdhouse (8 e/birdhouse)

Coffee served at Safaricafe Susi. Welcome! No entrance fee.

More information: Oulanka Visitor Centre, tel. +358 (0)205 64 6850
European day of Parks >>

Cross-country track available only at Ruka Ski Stadium

2011-04-20T23:03:00.000-07:00

The maintenance of Kuusamo area ski tracks has ended except of Ruka Ski Stadium 5 km track, which consists of man-made snow and lasts longer than natural snow.

A part of Vuosseli track (Uuuttusuo Cafe - Korpikahvila Cafe - Lammintupa Cafe) is also maintaned by the local entrepreneur Jyri Heiskanen from Lammintupa Cafe.

Ruka slopes are still in perfect condition due to snowmaking during winter.

Updated slope and route information on Ruka website:

Vuosseli Slope on Thursday 21.4.2011

Ruka slopes in top shape and still a few cross-country tracks open!

2011-04-17T23:32:00.000-07:00

Since the beginning of a warm period at 2.4.2011, ski tracks and snowmobile routes have melted a lot. Snowmobile routes are no longer maintaned nore open. A few ski tracks are still open: Ruka Stadium, Ruka Round Route and Vuosseli, but partly in poor shape.

Slopes, however, are in top shape and most of them are still open! Thanks to effectivet snowmaking, there'll be a lot of snow on the slopes until the end of April.

Updated slope and route information on Ruka website:

Ruka website webcam photo of Vuosseli slope on Monday 18.4.2011 at 9 am.

Bears are awake at Kuusamo Predator Centre!

2011-04-13T06:07:00.000-07:00

The bears at Kuusamo Predator Centre have ended their hibernation. Thus the centre is again available for visitors from Saturday April 16th onwards. Opening hours: Monday-Sunday 10 am - 5 pm. Prices: 8 e/adult, 4 e/child (4-16 yrs).

Changes in bus timetables from 1.4.2011 onwards

2011-04-03T22:43:00.000-07:00

Due to changes in train timetables, there are changes in bus timetables on routes Oulu-Kuusamo and Ruka-Kuusamo as well. See new timetables below.

Train-bus connection from Oulu to Kuusamo >>
SkiBus connection from Ruka to Kuusamo >>

Iceman Kuusamo Lapland 2011 once more - on TV!

2011-03-23T01:57:00.000-07:00

Did you miss the arctic strongman competition in Kuusamo last weekend? Well, now you have a second chance since Iceman Kuusamo Lapland 2011 will on TV, Finnish channel MTV3 on Saturday 2.4.2011 at 12.10. – 13.10 and replay on the same channel on Monday 4.4.2011 at 00.25 – 01.25.

Photes on Iceman Kuusamo Lapland 2011

Iceman Kuusamo Lapland 2011 - Zydrunas Savickas

2011-03-21T05:40:00.001-07:00

Iceman Kuusamo Lapland 2011 competition was held in the surroundings of Ruka Fell.

Competition results 2011:
1. Zydrunas Savickas (Lithuania) 89 points
2. Johannes Årsjö (Sweden) 86,5 points
3. Ervin Katona (Serbia) 80 points

Events 2011:
1) Frame Carry
Competitor carries a load of 250-300 kg as soon as possible to finish line in 30 meters.
2) Conan Circle
Athlete will pick the pole up (250 kg) and will walk as long as he can hold the pole in his arms.
3) Loading
4) Human Ski Lift
The athlete will pull uphill arm over arm total of six girls who are hooked to the rope with ski anchors and has cross country skis on their feet.
5) Log lift
6) Dead lift
7) Truck pulling
8) Log House Carry
Truck pull with harness and rope.

Competitors 2011:
Pedro Karlsson FINLAND
Tomi Lotta FINLAND
Martin Wildauer AUSTRALIA
Ervin Katona SERBIA
Jarno Hams HOLLAND
Misha Koklayev RUSSIA
Zydrunas Savickas LITHUANIA
Rauno Heinla ESTONIA
Johannes Årsjö SWEDEN
Matt Wanat USA
Etienne Smit SOUTH AFRICA
Konstiantyn Ilin UKRAINE
Christian Savoie CANADA

Iceman Kuusamo Lapland 2011 competition

Services for Nordic skiers: Restaurant Kultala along Kuontivaara Trail

2011-02-16T04:36:00.000-08:00

Restaurant Kultala is available for Nordic skiers along Kuontivaara Trail daily at 11-17 from 21.2.2011 onwards.
Take a look at Ruka Nordic Ski Trails Map >>

Rukan Salonki has a lot of interesting thins to see and experience: Ice restaurant, winter swimming and overnight in an igloo are available for pre-reservation. Tobogganing is available for everyone.

Find out more: Rukan Salonki, Kemijärventie 235, 93825 Rukatunturi, puh. 040 5640937

Rukan Salonki Snow Hotel

Enni Rukajärvi rocks in slopestyle!

2011-01-31T05:18:00.000-08:00

Enni Rukajärvi from Ruka wins gold medal in slopeslyle in Winter X Games! Congrats Enni, you truly rock!

Enni's winning run in X Games:

Enni at home in Ruka area:

Snowshoeing in Oulanka!

2011-01-26T05:28:00.000-08:00

Our maintenance staff has checked the services and routes along Karhunkierros. Route from Puikkola - Ristikallio - Taivalköngäs - Oulangan luontokeskus to Jussinkämppä is now leveled with a snowmobile and easy to walk, however snowshoes are still recommendable since we now have plenty of snow!

All huts are available along the route and Oulanka Visitor Centre is open daily from 10 am until 4 pm. Welcome to enjoy the Nature's Own Amusement Park also during winter!

More information:
Oulanka Visitor centre, +358 205 64 6850
Hautajärvi Visitor cente, +358 205 64 6870
http://www.ruka.fi/ and http://www.outdoors.fi/

Hop on the saddle on your holiday!

2011-01-06T04:36:00.000-08:00

The lovely ponies and horses have been the top of the holiday for many kids at Motel Willis West, where Anu Stables has organized horseback riding for kids. More of such events are yet to come - find out more at Ruka website!

Anu Stables are located in beautiful surroundings of Juuma. Besides horseback riding, you can try out a sleigh ride.

More information: Anu Stables website (in Finnish only)

Ruka new FIS slope opens in December

2010-11-18T02:38:00.000-08:00

The aim is to open the new race slope during the first week of December. Snow making is in good progress, but the slope still needs some more snow and grooming. This slope could not be used during the FIS Nordic Opening anyhow (since the slope ends at the closed race venue).

Ruka FIS slalom competition will be raced on 20.-21.11.2010 in the old race slope (slope number 2).

More information: ski.ruka.fi

Ice karting track opened again at Ruka!

2010-11-18T02:19:00.000-08:00

Ruka Adventures opens their ice karting track for winter 2010-2011 on Friday 19th November. The track is located near Rukan Portti along Rukanriutta road. Come along to test the cars and compete with your buddies!

More information: Ruka Adventures

Delicious food and pony riding at Willi's West

2010-11-10T00:09:00.000-08:00

The Restaurant Willi´s West Saloon is ready and has opened on the 29.10.2010!

The Restaurant is fully licensed and we offer warm refreshments and sweet buns as well as Hamburger and lunch menus during the day time in a warmly decorated Saloon type ambiente.

Evenings there is the possibility to enjoy a nice dinner in private atmosphäre. The Menu contains small snacks and finger food and also Steaks and local specialities.

For families with children there is pony riding at Willi´s West yard at 11 am - 2 pm on the following days:

Sat 13.11.2010
Fri 26.11.2010
Thu 23.12.2010
Sun 26.12.2010
Wed 29.12.2010
Sat 12.2.2011
Sat 19.3.2011
Sat 23.4.2011

Prices: 2 e/small trip, 5 e/longer trip.
Ponies/horses are from Anu Stables.

Restaurant Saloon serves soup lunch and delicious waffles for affordable prices during the event..

Lisätietoja: Motel Willis West and Anu Stables

Video from Ruka ski season opening!

2010-10-27T03:02:00.000-07:00

The first runs for ski season 2010-2011 at Ruka, Finland!

Ruka, Finland, 26th October 2010 from Ruka & Pyha Ski Resorts on Vimeo.

Ruka First Snow Track opening on Saturday 23rd October!

2010-10-22T05:40:00.000-07:00

Weather is cooling, thus Ruka First Snow Track can be opened according to the original timetable on Saturday 23rd October 2010. Welcome to enjoy the approximately 2 km long ski track!

More information on Ruka website!

Ruka slopes look like this just now!

Warm weather is challenging for First Snow Tracks!

2010-10-19T23:44:00.000-07:00

Kuusamo First Snow Track is in moderate condition due to warm weather. The opening of Ruka track has been postponed for the same reason.

More information about First Snow Tracks on Ruka website. But no worries, soon we'll be skiing in conditions like these:

Kuusamo Predator Centre bears in Youtube!

2010-10-15T06:38:00.000-07:00

The Predator Centre in Kuusamo is now posting new videos weekly in Youtube.

Bears in Predator Centre have grown in the care of the manager Sulo Karjalainen and are very friendly with him!

More information: Kuusamo Predator Centre

Making snow on Ruka slopes already!

2010-10-12T00:06:00.000-07:00

Temperature have dropped below zero and snowmaking is in progress since Monday night. Our goal for opening the first slopes is Friday 15th October but we will confirm this on Wednesday 13th October (after we get confirmation for the weather forecast for the rest of this week).

Once again we are looking forward for almost 250 skiing days for this ski season, from October until June!

Ristikallio hut under renovation in September 2010

2010-09-15T05:04:00.000-07:00

Ristikallio hut along the Karhunkierros trail is out of use 21st September onwards for two weeks due to the renovation of the roof, chimney and staircase.

Ristikallio hut is located 4,5 km from the Sallantie starting point along the Karhunkierros trail.

More information: Hautajärvi Nature Centre, +358 205 64 6870

New at Ruka-Kuusamo for winter 2010-2011

2010-09-14T01:09:00.000-07:00

There are plenty of novelties for ski season 2010-2011 around slope area as well as in accommodation, restaurants and shops in Ruka pedestrian village and around Ruka-Kuusamo area.

Find out more about novelties for 2010-2011 >>

Name contest for FIS slopes!

2010-09-14T01:00:00.000-07:00

Suggest names for the new FIS slopes and win a stay for two!
Invent a name for the slopes and win a lottery prize - a stay for the winter season opening party in Ruka or Pyhä. The winning name will be rewarded with a Ruka&Pyhä season 2010-2011 Lift Pass.

Suggest names >>

Recycle your stuff at Ruka Village!

2010-08-20T02:09:00.000-07:00

Bring in the stuff you don't need anymore at Ruka Autumn Flee Market and Recycling Event on September 4th at 10-14!

You can book a sales table or buy something someone else does not need anymore!

At the same time there is a possibility of leaving your recycled material on recycling container at 10-14 in Ruka Village area.

Recycle material:

metal cooking pans, metal containers, metalliastiat, kitchen sinks
cars
electric and electronic equipment
tin roof material, metal parts from buildings
bicycles
stoves, washing machines, sauna stoves, microwave ovens (remove glass)
household metal
other recycle metal
car wheels with/without rims

Find out more at Ruka website >>

Reparations on Ruka area hiking routes

2010-08-11T04:21:00.000-07:00

Cross country tracks and hiking routes are under repair north from Ruka Ski Stadium on a couple of kilometres distance. Also the ski tracks around Ruka are under repair. The route may be a bit moist or muddy in these locations. Use sturdy hiking boots or rubber boots! Repair is finished in mid-November 2010.

Find out more about hiking routes in Ruka area on our website.

Kids' Nature Trip to Oulanka River 14.-15.8.2010

2010-08-06T00:54:00.000-07:00

Families in Kuusamo now have a unique opportunity to enjoy the spectacular sceneries of Oulanka National Park and Oulanka river by joining the nature & paddling trip organized by the local nature club.

More information on Ruka website.

Ruka-Kuusamo in Oulu Grand Fair

2010-08-04T03:40:00.000-07:00

If you are visiting Oulu region durin 4.-8.8., pop in at Oulu Grand Fair. Ruka-Kuusamo is located in stand number 108.

More details: Oulu Grand Fair

Summer terrace bar to Kuusamo Square Market

2010-08-04T03:37:00.000-07:00

Kuusamo Square Market will be able to serve thirsty guests even better when a new summer terrace bar is opened in the beginning of August. Beer, cider, wine and possibly schnaps will be available.

The aim is creating a clean and comfortable meeting place for guests and locals. Terrace bar will be open during the daytime and early evening. If there is an event during late evening, the terrace may be open, too. There are 50 seats. Terrace bar will be open during autumn according to demand.

No sauna for a while at Keroharju route

2010-06-24T06:22:00.000-07:00

The sauna in the Keroharju route hut is temporarily out of use due to the renovation of the sauna stove.

More information from Oulanka Visitor Center, tel. +358 205 64 6850

Route change in Karhunkierros not yet at use

2010-06-24T06:13:00.000-07:00

There is a route change in the latest Rukatunturi-Oulanka (Karhunkierros) Map 1:50 000. New route has been marked on the northern part of the route from Hautajärvi to the border of the Oulanka National Park. However, the new route is not yet at use since the cable boat has not yet been assembled. Hikers are adviced to use the old route.

Infomation about the opening of the new route will be posted on our website outdoors.fi.

More information: Hautajärvi Nature Centre, tel. +358 205 64 6870 and Oulanka Visitor Center, tel. +358 205 64 6850.

Church boat trip to Salpalinja

2010-06-24T06:01:00.000-07:00

You can now visit the largest ever building site in Finland, Salpalinja bolt-line. Ruka Safaris takes you to a boat trip with a traditional (though motorized) church boat.

Find out more: www.rukasafaris.fi

Parking for free in Ruka Parking Hall

2010-06-24T03:32:00.000-07:00

When shopping in Ruka area, park your car in Ruka underground parking hall for free! Here's the deal: We'll deduct our parking fee (max. 3 hours) when you are paying your puchases if their value adds up to over 20 euros. This deduction is available in most stores in Ruka area.

Remember to take your parking ticket with you when going shopping! Available only during summer.

Take a break in Rukan Salonki summer cafe

2010-06-24T01:37:00.000-07:00

Rukan Salonki is located along road number 5 a couple of kilometres to Ruka. Summer cafe is open from Tuesday to Friday at 11-19 and on Saturdays at 11-15. Summer cafe is at your service until August 15th.

Besides sweet and salty pastreis, also lunch is available Tue-Fri at 11-13. If you are a group of 6 or more, please make a reservation in advance. You can also enjoy our smoke sauna, beach or try out gold washing! Accommodation is available in beautiful log cabins.

Find out more: www.rukansalonki.fi

Quad Bike Safari to Russia

2010-06-24T01:31:00.000-07:00

Russia - the great unknown - is now accessible also by quad bike. Ruka Adventures takes you across the border and into the Russian forests.

Find out more: www.rukaadventures.fi

Ruka Info at your sercive during Midsummer, Kuusamo Info is closed

2010-06-23T23:00:00.000-07:00

Tourist Centre Karhuntassu opening hours during Midsummer

THU 24.6.

Finfun Ruka and Kuusamo Info open 9-17

Hannu Hautala photography centre and cafe open 9-17

FRI, SAT, SUN 25.-27.6.

Tourist Centre Karhuntassu is closed.

Ruka Info is open daily 10-19, tel. + 358 8 8600 200, Shopping Centre Kumpare, Rukankyläntie 8, 93825 Rukatunturi

Excotic reindeer activities

2010-06-23T02:34:00.000-07:00

Palosaaren poro- ja kalastustila (reindeer and fishing farm) has got some interesting and unique activities to offer for those who've seen it all. You can try out hiking with reindeer (reindeer carrying your package) or milking the reindeer and making some Finnish pancakes from the reindeer milk.

More information: www.palosaarenporotila.fi

Unique experiences with Unique Lapland

2010-06-18T00:26:00.000-07:00

Unique Lapland now operates in Ruka-Kuusamo area as well (besides Rovaniemi, Kemijärvi, Suomu and Helsinki). Although the company is new in the area, the guides are well experienced: Marko Mustonen is a guide in fourth generation!

Weekly programme for summer 2010 in Kuusamo includes rafting for both families and more experience-driven guests as well as lake fishing trips.

More information: http://www.uniquelapland.com/

Lake cruises and boat rentals

2010-06-18T00:11:00.000-07:00

New activities are available by HT Boat and Hire Out: cruises, boat trips, boat and canoe hiring etc.

The company has also established a unique way of guaranteeing guests with fish and taking care of the local fishing waters at the same time: when a guest hires a rowing boat, he/she is allowed to check and empty the fishing traps located in the lakes by the hire company and paid by other local companies (challenging each other to join). The guests can keep any edible fish and the hire company will recycle the rest. This helps to grow the amount of "good" fish in the lakes.

Price list in English (pdf)
Price list in Russian (pdf)

HT Boat and Hire Out website is only in Finnish at the moment.

FEF will take you fishing!

2010-06-17T23:38:00.000-07:00

Fishing Excursions Finland ie FEF is a new fishing activity organizer in Kuusamo area. Kuusamo lakes and rivers have pure waters and a lot of fish. FEF guides will help you find the best spots and secure the catch.

More information: http://www.fef.fi/

28.5.2010 Pike 7,2 kg Kuusamo/Muojärvi

4.5.2010 Lake trout 6,2 kg Sweden/Vänern

Rukapalvelu's summer is full of adventures!

2010-06-17T04:22:00.000-07:00

Rukapalvelu Summer Weekly Programme is full of activities for every day of your holiday!

Rukapalvelu SafariShop is open Mon-Sat 9 am - 5 pm and Sun 10 am - 5 pm. Restaurant Zone is open daily noon - 4 am. Karaoke singing every evening 9 pm onwards.

More details: www.rukapalvelu.fi

Erä-Susi Huskies is open during the summer too!

2010-06-17T04:13:00.000-07:00

Guided tours in the husky farm every day at 10 am, noon and 2 pm. Welcome!

Don't forget our Safari CAFÉ in Oulanka. Besides snacks, you'll find canoes for hire for exploring the magnificent Oulanka river. Cafe is located in Oulanka Visitor Centre and it is open daily 10 am - 6 pm.

More details: www.erasusi.com