I will never turn down a chance to snowboard and in Finland Christmas Day is the ideal time to hit the slopes. With the BIG meal on Christmas Eve there are an excessive number of calories to burn off.
Tahko is a great little resort about 60km away from Kuopio in Central Finland. Whilst there isn’t enough here to keep someone happy for a week, for a few days there is ample. As well as the main slopes you’ll find a super little snowpark with slides, tables and jumps. The 24 runs are nice and wide giving ample space for those long, slow, lazy turns but also there are some excellent, full throttle slopes too.
One of the things I love about boarding in Finland is the long hours the slopes stay open. It might be dark by 3pm in December but the floodlit slopes stay open until 7pm every evening. Something they should consider in the Alps!! Whilst it might not be the whole mountain it’s more than enough.
The downside of course to Finnish resorts is that the fells aren’t very high and have too many flat sections for boarders compared to the alpine resorts. The longest run is 1km and the drop just 200m. Plus my pet hate as a boarder – too many button lifts and T-bars.
If you haven’t brought your board with you I can recommend Head Ski Rental. They have a good range of gear including comfy boots at reasonable prices. Quick and professional service.
Overall though if you get a chance to board here in Tahko, don’t turn it down. Great little runs, fantastic scenery on a clear day and a half decent hot chocolate in the restaurant.
1 Comment