The Ski Classics Challengers event Lapponia Ski Week is a three-stage long-distance race in freestyle technique starting Monday, April 8, 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 8, Lapponia Ski Week kicks off with a 60km distance. The competition continues with a 50km stage on Wednesday, April 10, and finally 80km on Friday, April 12. 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 an easier end of the winter season.
Best Moment of Lapponia Ski Week 2023
Stage 1 – Keimiön Kiekerö (Olos-Jeris-Keimiö-Jeris-Olos) 60km
Keimiön Kiekerö is suitable for skiers who are eager to challenge themselves! This race features 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 it is 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, which can significantly influence your skiing.
Your supporters can cheer you in Olos as you start. They can quickly 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 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 must be extremely careful 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.
Remember 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.
Stage 3 – Karra Huikonen (Hetta-Pallas-Olos) 80km
The longest trail of the Lapponia Ski Week, Karra Huikonen, is an all-time favorite among many competition skiers. Despite its length, Karra Huikonen runs on a relatively 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 8; Wednesday, April 10; and Friday, April 12
Website: Lapponia Ski Week
Facebook: Lapponia Ski Week
Instagram: Lapponia Ski Week
Course Map
When available, the Lapponia Ski Week program, start lists, live results, and final standings can be followed here (stage 1), here (stage 2), 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.
Everyone participating in Ski Classics, Pro Tour or Challengers events, recreational and professional skiers, can connect their profile to the results database of Ski Classics, called MyPages.
MyPages can be connected when subscribing to Ski Classics online community proxcskiing.com. In the profile, you can view your Ski Classics event results, collect pins, print diplomas, and analyze your results with friends in the SC ranking system. In your profile, you collect points according to your performance and are rewarded with pins and diplomas.
One of the central features of MyPages is that you get your global SC ranking. The SC Ranking is a live updated international ranking, unique in combining women and men, professional and recreational skiers in one single list.
A full list of Ski Classics Challengers events can be found HERE
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Top Photo: Lapponia Ski Week
