The Ski Classics Challengers event, Lapponia Ski Week, is a three-stage long-distance race in freestyle technique starting this Monday, April 7, in Finland.

Lapponia offers unforgettable skiing in unique scenery. There is sunshine and snow galore on superb trails from magical forests to wide-open lakes and fells. Since 1978, Lapponia Ski Week has challenged skiers throughout the week with three starts on three different days.

On Monday, April 7, Lapponia Ski Week kicks off with a 60km distance. The competition continues with a 50km stage on Wednesday, April 9, and finally, 80km on Friday, April 11. All distances are skied in free technique, summing up to 190km.

Lapponia Ski Week is part of the Ski Classics Challengers, and skiers competing in the full race, all three stages, collect points that count toward the overall Ski Classics Champion and Youth competitions. In addition to the 3-stage main competition, shorter distances are offered for those who wish for an easier end to the winter season.

Best Moment of Lapponia Ski Week 2024

Stage 1 – Keimiön Kiekerö (Olos-Jeris-Keimiö-Jeris-Olos) 60km

Keimiön Kiekerö is suited for skiers who are eager to challenge themselves! This is a race with exhausting climbs up to the fells and speedy downhill stretches as well. Many skiers find Keimiön Kiekerö the most challenging of all the full races. Not only is this the first race your body needs to cope with, but also the one where you need the most concentration to keep track of your energy reserves. By moderating your speed and observing your energy levels, you can endure the extremely challenging climbs of the trail.

Returning from the Keimiötunturi Fell to Jerisjärvi Lake is quick and easy. After crossing the lake, the track gains some elevation as it approaches Olos. Please remember that the long stretches on the lakes are exposed to wind, and this can influence your skiing significantly.

Your supporters can cheer you on Olos as you start. They can easily drive to Jeris to follow your race there. Olos is also the place to be as the top skiers of the full race reach the finish line!

Stage 2 – Himmelriikin Hiihto (Vuontisjärvi-Pallas-Olos) 50km

Himmelriikin Hiihto is a trail that challenges you right from the start. Immediately after the start there are several kilometers of steep climbing to do that require plenty of training. Not only must your condition be up for the challenge but also your nerves as there aren’t many opportunities to pass other skiers. Thus, you need to be extremely careful in order not to tumble or break your poles. Listen to your body’s reactions going uphill, and don’t rush it. After the long climb, you can enjoy long stretches downhill. On the way down, you will follow the small valley of Nammalakuru and then head slowly up to the fells again.

Don’t forget to enjoy the scenery as you approach Pallas, where the trail starts descending towards Torassieppi. There is one tight curve where you are advised to follow the outer edge of the track, leaning inwards to the curve. If the conditions are right, the first part of the trail to Torassieppi will be fast, but remember to slow down before crossing a narrow bridge. Then a slow and steady climb towards Olos begins. Pay attention to your energy reserves and save something for the final kilometers as well.

Stage 3 – Karra Huikonen (Hetta-Pallas-Olos) 80km

The longest course of the Lapponia Ski Week, Karra Huikonen, is an all-time favorite among many competition skiers. Despite its length, Karra Huikonen runs on rather easy terrain. It starts from the Ounasjärvi Lake with a slow and easy climb up to the open fells. A variable terrain of ups and downs takes you to Sioskuru and then to Pahakuru. A few short but challenging downhills await you before Hannukuru. From Hannukuru onwards, today’s trail meanders through magical forests, only climbing once more to the open fell country.

From Pallas, the trail starts descending towards Torassieppi. There is one tight curve where you are advised to follow the outer edge of the track, leaning inwards to the curve. If the conditions are right, the first part of the trail to Torassieppi will be fast, but remember to slow down before crossing a narrow bridge. From Torassieppi, a slow and steady climb towards Olos begins.

What makes Karra Huikonen so challenging is the entire length and the unforeseeable weather conditions of the open fell country. At the same time, with the right weather conditions, this is a trail with breathtaking scenery!

Lapponia Ski Week – Ski Classics Challengers

• Location: Olos area, Finland
• Date: Monday, April 7; Wednesday, April 9; and Friday, April 11, 2025
• Website: Lapponia Ski Week
• Facebook: Lapponia Ski Week
• Instagram: Lapponia Ski Week

When available, the Lapponia Ski Week program, start lists, live results, and final standings can be followed here and here (stage 1), here and here (stage 2), and here and here (stage 3).

You can find more information about the event HERE

As Lapponia Ski Week is a Ski Classics Challengers event, Pro Team registered athletes could collect points for the Ski Classics Champion and Youth competitions in their respective genders.

A list of Ski Classics Challengers events with confirmed dates for season 2025/2026 can be found at Ski Classics. The list is updated continuously with new events.

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