Border to Border ski is over 400 km long guided ski tour in Northern Finland. The route follows near the Arctic Circle from Russian border to Swedish border. The event is on the bucket list of every enthusiastic cross-country skier. Welcome to join us!
In 2024, Border to Border skiing will exceptionally be skied with smaller groups. The maximum size of the groups will be 42-45 skiers per group. The groups travel by one bus, which is why we hope that the participants will be in good skiing condition and have a brisk attitude. For longer ski days, there will be separate shuttle buses to shorten potential waiting time for skiers. You can expect same familiar Border to Border -skiing experience and meeting amazing people from all around the world.
Groups and skiing days:
RR1: 7.3.-13.3.2024
RR2: 8.3.-14.3.2024
RR3: 9.3.-15.3.2024
RR4:10.3.-16.3.2024
As usual, gathering one day earlier to Oivanki and Departure next morning after last skiing day.
The skiing distance is about 383 km. The participation fee for 2024 is 1950€
The registration system has changed and please let me know This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you notice any defects or deficiencies during the registration. Link to registration system will be available on monday morning at "participate now" section.
Below is preliminary program, changes are possible:
Gathering
On the eve of the first day of skiing, all skiers will gather to the Oivanki in Kuusamo (RR1 on Wednesday 6.3.2024, RR2 on Thursday 7.3.2024, RR3 on Friday 8.3.2024 and RR4 on Saturday 9.3.2024). At the information session in the evening, you will receive instructions and tips for the upcoming ski week. At the same time, you can start getting to know your future skiing buddies! Skiers are served dinner and evening snack.
You can book accommodation in Oivanki even before the official program, if you want to get a feel for your skis in advance!
1st Skiing day
The first day of skiing starts with a hearty breakfast after enjoying Lake Suorajärvi, about 20 km from the Russian border. Day’s skiing is about 33km and it will end to Ruka, the accommodation is Scandic Rukahovi. The ski trip winds through Ruka's rugged landscape, where a hot soup lunch is also served.
2nd Skiing day
The second day of skiing is about 43 kilometers long and ends in Taivalkoski. Accommodation and meals are taken care of by Ruska, During the ski day you can enjoy beautiful natural landscapes and taste Särkelä's delicious salmon soup. In Taivalkoski, you can visit a shop and pharmacy, as they are only about 1.4 km away.
3rd Skiing day
The third day of skiing is 58 kilometers long. Many skiers find the scenery particularly beautiful on the third day of skiing, as the route partly winds through the Syöte National Park. However, the last kilometers do not let the skier go easy, as at the end there is a climb to the Pikku-Syöte fell hotel. Lunch is served in the wilderness scenery of Pirinlampi.
4th Skiing day
The fourth day of skiing measures the grit and fitness of a cross-country skier, as the total distance covered is a whopping 88kilometers. The skiing trip starts with a fast descent from Pikku-Syöte and ends with long swampy landscapes in Ranua. Stay overnight at Gasthaus Ranua in Ranua
5th Skiing day
The skiing day is 46 kilometers long, but after the last long day it can feel tough. On the fifth day of skiing, lunch is served at Ruona village hall/school. Accommodation is also arranged in Ruona that is legendary place among RR-skiers.
6th Skiing day
On the sixth day of skiing, the journey continues towards the Swedish border for a total of 60 kilometres. Lunch is served in Keminmaa. For accommodation, the group is transported to Kemi, where accommodation is provided in the nostalgic and cosy Hotel Merihovi. After the sauna and meals, a small restorative evening walk before the last day is probably in order.
7th Skiing day
On the seventh and also the last day of skiing, there are 55 kilometers left. There are snacks waiting at the finish line and a sauna at the hotel. The last night in Tornio is spent in traditional style at Park Hotel Tornio, where you can also enjoy a dinner together. After dinner, there will be an evening party where prizes will be handed out and performances by skiers will be seen.
Departure
Next morning after last skiing day, it's time to go home! Please remember that flights can be booked from Kemi at 9.00, from Oulu at 11.00 and from Kuusamo after 15.00 on the day of departure.
During the spring and early summer, the organizing municipalities discussed about the continuation of Border to Border -skiing. During this week we received the last responses, and every municipality involved in the arrangements has announced their commitment to continue RR -skiing. We begin preparations and 39. Border-to-Border skiing will take place in March 2024! We will provide more detailed information about the opening of the registration and the participation fee during the summer.
Discussions took little bit longer than expected, but it was worth of it!
Border-to-Border, they said, is a well-organized event, showcasing a part of the ski world – Finland’s Lapland region, just below the Arctic Circle - that few ever see.
Border-to-Border, they said, is a well-organized event, showcasing a part of the ski world – Finland’s Lapland region, just below the Arctic Circle - that few ever see.
Stuart Stevens thinks that the best way to see Finland is to ski Finland. Read the story about Stuart's adventure in Border to Border Ski published by Outside Online!
