Ruka News Eng by Hannu Jakobsson

» experience » play » laugh » relax » eat » ski » explore » enjoy »

Your guide to Kuusamo Lapland: Winter 2008–2009

We definitely want to come back! pages 3–5 »

Chatting with Santa page 8 »

Stay stylish at the fell

page 24 »

A splendid play in four acts

page 30–31 »

Ruka Info tel. +358 (0)8 860 0200 Kuusamo Info tel. +358 (0)306 502 540

www.ruka.ﬁ

Editorial

The best time in

Ruka and Kuusamo is now! Once again, the Ruka-Kuusamo region is experiencing a recordlong winter season. The first slope was opened on November 2nd 2008 and downhill skiing will continue all the way to June 2009. The slopes are once more in excellent condition and, Battery Park, for instance, a favourite among snowboarders, has been developed into an even more diverse area.

The Park was designed by a group of professional snowboarders. You can read more about that on page 16 of this magazine. On that same spread, you’ll find the champion alpine skier Kalle Palander’s thoughts on preparing for the Vancouver Winter Olympics, among other things. In addition to downhill skiing, Ruka and Kuusamo offer possibilities for other varied winter activities. The hundreds of kilometres of ski trails in the region continue to attract cross-country skiing fans into the area. The most speedy way to admire the wintry scenery is from aboard a snowmobile. The breathtaking beauty of the Oulanka National Park and

its diversity as an arena for winter fun are also among the reasons why people keep coming back to Ruka and Kuusamo, winter after winter. Discover some interesting facts about the wonders of our snowy nature on page 21 of this magazine. Here in Ruka and Kuusamo, we listen particularly carefully to travellers’ requests and ideas on how to develop the area and make it more functional. The expansion of the airport will enable us to welcome an even greater number of visitors to the Kuusamo Lapland area. The expansion is continuing on schedule and the new facilities will be in use by the Christmas season. In the future, more and more planes will be landing at the airport: in addition to international charter flights, the Finnish airlines Finnair and Blue1 operate regular flights to Kuusamo. The core area of Ruka is also undergoing major changes. The development project started in 1999 and it will be completed by 2010. Then travellers will be able to enjoy an even more functional and comfortable Ruka Village filled with diverse services and accommodation alternatives. The project is progressing according to plan: the first stage was completed on time when the new underground parking hall was opened for use in April 2008 and the Hotel Ruka Village will be completed during the autumn of 2009.

The Ruka-Kuusamo region offers a variety of possibilities to pamper yourself. Kuusamon Tropiikki Spa, located near the centre of Kuusamo town, is a tropical oasis amidst wintry landscapes. In addition, a new fell spa will be opened in 2010 next to the Rantasipi Rukahovi hotel in the heart of the Ruka Village. With the opening of the spa, the selection of services available will become even larger and the accommodation capacity of the hotel will greatly increase. We warmly welcome you to experience an even more diverse, functional, and pleasant Ruka-Kuusamo! Keep this magazine throughout your holiday and you’ll get more out of everything we have to offer!

Table of contents

Ruka Kuusamo News

Your guide to Kuusamo Lapland Winter 2008–2009 Editorial »

The best time in Ruka and Kuusamo is now!......................2

The top 10 exotic experiences................20

Restaurants and cuisine........................12

The magical forest is full of treasures in winter, too.........................21

We will definitely come back!..................3

Ruka info............................................14

Accommodation...................................22

Ruka info..............................................6

Sports and leisure................................15

Shopping............................................24

Service providers....................................7

Ruka breaking news..............................16

A splendid play in four acts...................30

Winter is full of festitivies!.....................8 www.daddyﬁnland.ﬁ

Red cheeks are a sign of a day well spent!..........................................11

Tuija Rytkönen Managing Director Ruka-Kuusamo Tourist Association

Sports & leisure

We definitely want to come back!

Tip » You’ll learn the right skiing and snowboarding techniques at Ruka Ski School. There are courses available for all levels. For more information, contact Ruka Ski School +358 400 860 868

Monday The first day of our holiday is over! A ray of sun peeped through the curtains to wake us up early in the morning, which was good, since we had decided to take full advantage of our holiday – something we wouldn’t be able to do lying in bed. First we wanted to go and see what the fell had in store for us. So, we headed for Ruka! We were easily able to rent skiing equipment at RukaVuokraamo, and with well-maintained gear, we felt that we were ready to hop on a ski lift. The first ride up is always the most thrilling. During the ride, you always remember why the sport is so intriguing... your stomach starts to tingle as you anticipate the run down. The fell expresses its invitation so loudly that you can’t escape it. Ruka’s slopes are so attractive because they are so diverse. You can start the day

at the gentle blue slopes of Vuosseli, and once you build enough confidence, you can go and look for more challenges at the slopes of Saarua and Pessari. Kelo’s black slope and Battery Run’s mogul field offer extreme thrills for experienced skiers who have what it takes. Whether you come down the fell on skis or on a snowboard, the experience is brand new and impressive each time! A functional network of ski lifts and the easy connections from one slope to another significantly contribute to the success of your skiing day. And don’t forget the after-ski taking place in the fell’s several restaurants and bars. Tired but happy. That sums up the feeling at the moment. I wonder what the second day of our holiday will bring with it.

Tuesday After the wonderful day of skiing yesterday, we decided to continue with the same theme today. There’s a 500-kilometre network of cross-country ski trails in Ruka and Kuusamo, so there are many alternatives to choose from. We strapped on a pair of skis and dove into the woods on the ski trail that starts just around the corner from our cottage. We had a lot of sunshine today, too, and the forest showed us its best side. We made our way at a leisurely pace admiring the majestic trees covered in heavy snow. We listened to the sounds of nature and observed Mother Nature’s marks on the scenery. Our packed lunch savoured by a campfire was a real gourmet meal for us and we got extra energy to enjoy the wintry day. We covered approximately 10 kilometres, or around 6 miles, on skies. Bathing in our cottage’s very own sauna and spending the evening relaxing in front of the fireplace topped off the day.

Tip What: Moonlight skiing, duration 2–3 hours. For whom: The whole family. Why: The wintry forest is stunningly beautiful by night, too. Put on a pair of skis and join us in admiring the snowy scenery at a leisurely pace. More information: Kuusamo Safaris, tel. +358 8 853196.

Sports & leisure

Wednesday Today it was time to move up a gear. A speedy snowmobile safari in the woods was perfect for that. Everything starts with putting on a suitable outfit. The right-size boots, snowsuits, and helmets were conveniently available for us at our safari guide’s stockroom. First we familiarised ourselves with the basic functions of the snowmobile. Then we turned the handlebar and off we went! Our route took us into the depths of woods and out onto the frozen lakes where we drove long distances without even noticing it. This was a great way not only to visit the snowy wilderness but to challenge ourselves to learn new skills!

Tip What: Snowmobile safari into the wilderness, driving time approx. 3 hours. For whom: Those seeking fast-paced fun. Why: Snowmobiling is the king of winter sports and Kuusamo’s excellent snowmobile trails offer a first-rate setting for this speedy sport. More information: Rukapalvelu, tel. +358 8 860 8600 Arctic Safaris, tel. +358 40 900 3744 Ruka Adventures, tel. +358 8 852 2007 Kuusamo Safaris, tel. +358 8 853 196 Ruka Safaris, tel. +358 8 852 1610

Thursday This was the most exotic day of our holiday so far. We decided to skip sports today and concentrate on laid-back activities. Since we are in Kuusamo, we wanted to have some fun and learn something about reindeer and huskies. And we did: now we know how reindeer are lassoed, what a reindeer round-up is, and how fast you can go on a sled pulled by a reindeer or a dog team. We also had the chance to participate in a ceremony performed by a reindeer herder. This leisurely day received the ending it deserved when we headed out to see the Northern Lights, the Aurora Borealis, on a sledge pulled by a snowmobile. The blue tranquillity of the night, the sounds of the dark forest, and the colourful display of the Northern Lights in the velvet night skies are something I wish would follow me into my dreams.

Friday Tip What: Meeting with huskies and reindeer. For whom: The whole family. Why: A brisk ride on a dog sledge and an informative visit to a reindeer farm are one of the most exotic experiences of your holiday. More information: Erä-Susi Huskies, tel. +358 40 5700 279 Arctic Safaris, tel. +358 40 900 3744 Ruka Safaris, tel. +358 8 852 1610

The call of the forest was so strong in the morning that we decided to head into the woods once again but this time: on snowshoes! Several of Ruka’s service providers offer guided snowshoe hiking in the snowy landscapes, so getting to know this sport was easy. There were numerous routes of different lengths and levels of difficulty to choose from, so we just had to pick the most suitable for us. We ended up choosing a 12-kilometre long Pieni Karhunkierros Trail (Little Bear’s Trail) that led us to breathtaking, picture-perfect landscapes. After the hike, we feasted on sautéed reindeer – what an ending to a splendid day!

Tip What: Snowshoe hike (Pieni Karhunkierros), duration 6 hours. For whom: For nature lovers who are in good shape. Why: The scenes in the Oulanka National Park are as if straight from a postcard and snowshoeing is a thrilling way to explore the park. More information: Greenline Safaris Oy, tel. +358 40 538 7435. More companies: www.ruka.fi

Sports & leisure

Tip » You can combine hotel-quality services with your cottage holiday. Take advantage of a catering service and order local delicacies delivered straight to your cottage. A cleaning service makes going back home easier. For more information, contact booking agencies!

Saturday Relaxation was in need to counterbalance the action-packed week. We opted to pamper ourselves with various special treatments and saunas. A smoke sauna, a peat sauna, a traditional Finnish sauna, not to mention the exotic ice sauna... alternatives are plentiful! And one of the best health treatments is a dip in the icy lake between sauna sessions. The fast-paced winter sports require overcoming your own limits and learning new skills – and so does winter swimming. You need a lot of courage and resoluteness to venture into the chilly water through a hole cut in the ice. However, the experience is so rewarding that afterwards you feel like you can do anything!

Sunday We’ve spent an entire week in this winter wonderland. It’s amazing how we’ve been able to experience so many new and exciting things just over the course of a week. We’ve challenged ourselves, learnt new skills, and thoroughly enjoyed everything we’ve experienced in this magical winter world. You couldn’t ask for more for your holiday. We’ll definitely come back!

Tip There’s no shortage of exoticness in this sauna experience. Enjoy the gentle warmth of the sauna and have a dip in the refreshing lake. If you are too frightened by the icy lake, you may relax in the warm water of the HotSpring outdoor pool. For more information, contact Rukan Salonki, tel. +358 8 868 1548 Nordic Holiday Services, tel. +358 207 551 850 Rukapalvelu, tel. +358 8 860 8600

Tip All necessary information on winter activities as well as the service providers’ contact information can be found at www.ruka.fi. Have a look at Ruka and Kuusamo’s winter weekly programme and Ruka’s slope programme. More information on cottages and other accommodation alternatives as well as the service providers’ contact information can be found on pages 22–23 of this magazine.

Ruka info

��

For more information, click www.ruka.fi

Service providers

Winter virtuosos In the Ruka-Kuusamo region, there are a number of elite service providers who know the wintry arena like the back of their hand and are ready to cater for your needs.

Rental Shops We welcome you to Rukapalvelu’s Safari House at the Ruka Ski Resort. We arrange various adventures around the year in Kuusamo, Ruka, Russia, and White Sea Karelia. We also offer weekly programmes and day trips to Russia. Tel. +358 8 860 8600 safarihouse@rukapalvelu.fi www.rukapalvelu.fi

A large group of happy Safari people welcomes you to join an adventure! With over 20 years of experience, we offer you and your group countless unforgettable experiences in the wonderful scenery of Kuusamo and Ruka. Tel. +358 8 8521 610 sales@rukasafaris.fi www.rukasafaris.fi

The joy of doing things together, unforgettable adventures amidst the slopes and in the wilderness – Arctic Safaris makes your winter dreams come true. You will find us in the town of Kuusamo and at the Ruka Ski Resort. Tel. +358 40 900 3744 info.kuusamo@arcticsafaris.fi www.arcticsafaris.fi

Husky safaris powered by 200 sledge dogs. Our husky farm in Rukajärvi is easily reached by the SkiBus or by car. Our safaris range from a-few-kilometre journeys to adventures lasting the entire week. Husky farm tours and reindeer rides. Safaricafé and a souvenir shop in Kiutaköngäs. Tel. +358 40 5700 279 husky@erasusi.com www.erasusi.com

Snowmobile safaris, husky and reindeer farm safaris, ice karting. Tel. +358 8 852 2007 info@rukaadventures.fi www.rukaadventures.fi

Basecamp Oulanka is a fullservice destination management company: snowshoe hiking, climbing adventures, and the Well-Being Land located right next to the Oulanka National Park. We value sustainable development in travelling. Welcome to the arms of Mother Nature. Tel. +358 400 509 741 guide@basecampoulanka.fi www.basecampoulanka.fi

For more information on things to do in the Ruka-Kuusamo region, click www.ruka.fi

Get top equipment for the slopes from Ruka Rental Shops! We boast a wide selection of skis and snowboards. We also offer snowshoes, snowscooters, toboggans, and snowracers for relaxed fun.

PisteVuokraamo

VuosselinPortti

West Ruka/Piste building Rukankyläntie 17 Tel.+358 8 860 0235 info@ruka.fi www.ruka.fi

East Ruka/Vuosselinportti Juhani Ahon tie Tel. +358 8 8600 253 info@ruka.fi www.ruka.fi

Snowmobile rental and repair shop in Ruka. Tel. +358 8 8514 001 s.patsi@koillismaa.fi www.icerally.com

Nature & culture

Winter is full of festivities! Even though each day of winter feels like a festival in Ruka and Kuusamo, Christmas and New Year’s Eve are particularly long-anticipated and exciting holidays.

Christmas There are as many ways to celebrate Christmas as there are people celebrating it. However, there is one thing you can count on when spending Christmas in the Ruka-Kuusamo region: the greatest holiday of the winter season is celebrated amidst snowy, breathtakingly beautiful scenery – the kind you always dreamt of as a child. The Christ-

mas wonderland can be enjoyed in various ways: come and celebrate with your family and friends or savour the Christmas spirit on your own. Stay at a hotel or rent a cottage in a picture-perfect setting. Have fun, enjoy, and create beautiful memories. Follow the old traditions or make up new ones. That’s what Christmas is about.

Exclusively in Ruka News:

Chatting with Santa Here, near the Arctic Circle, people literally see red quite often, since the father of Christmas, Santa Claus, spends a lot of time in his cottage situated in these beautiful surroundings. Santa’s cottage is only a stone throw’s away from Ruka, so I have an excellent opportunity to go visit Santa and ask him how he’s doing… The chilliness of the October evening vanishes as I enter Santa’s cottage: a fire blazes in the big, white fireplace in the corner, candles have been lit in the chandelier, and warm, red rugs cover the wooden floor. In the centre of the room, there is a long table with a red Christmas tablecloth. A group of girls and boys, Santa’s little helpers, all dressed in red outfits and hats, work busily around the table.

In one corner of the room, in an old rocking chair, sits a large, grey-bearded man. He looks at me with a friendly smile. I think I’ll venture to ask that nice-looking old gentleman a few questions…

Hello Santa! Nice to meet you. How was your summer? Well, the summer was just splendid, like it always is here in the Kuusamo region. I revelled in the beauty of the wilderness on my long walks in the Oulanka National Park, for instance. In addition, I did some fishing and admired those light summer nights. And do you know what else? I caught a 17.5-pound trout from the river Kitka! Yes, and then I did some chores here at the cottage. For example, I chopped some firewood for the winter. That way Mrs Claus will be able to bake her pastries in our large baking oven.

It sounds like Santa has had the chance to really relax! But when do you start preparing for Christmas? The truth is that the preparations are made all year round. As a matter of fact, we start preparing for next Christmas shortly after all this year’s Christmas tasks have been taken care of. The preparations include gift designing, which keeps our designer elves particularly busy at the beginning of the year. The messenger elves are also working throughout the year: they observe whether children are naughty or nice and find out about the latest toy trends around the world. That way we’ll know in advance which toys will be the most desired for Christmas well before the letters start pouring in.

Tip You can visit Santa every day. For more information on visits to Santa’s Cottage, contact Nordic Holiday Services Oy Ltd, tel. +358 207 551850

You must have your hands full when Yuletide starts drawing closer. How many helpers are needed in order to take care of everything successfully? My wide net of colleagues and the army of elves sent to watch children’s behaviour enable the successful completion of all tasks. In addition to the designer and messenger elves I mentioned

earlier, we have a large group of helpers in the production and wrapping departments as well as in the post office. And we mustn’t forget clerk elves or Mrs Claus’s service troops who make sure that all elves have new woollen socks and plenty of local food on the table each winter! Hmmm, that makes me crave Mrs Claus’s crispy, fried vendace fish. Have you ever tried some?

Yes, of course. I treat myself to fried vendace every time I come up here! But Santa, what does next Christmas look like? Are you expecting something special? Oh, each Christmas is unique and special in its own way. We’ll be busy but hard work will be rewarded at least after the holidays. In the UK and

Nature & culture

Tip Sauna provides Christmas warmth! See how it feels to bathe in the heat of a real Santa’s sauna! There are three saunas in Santa’s sauna building. You can book them for the use of your family or group. Climb onto the seats of the hot room, throw water on the heated stones, gently beat yourself with a ‘vihta’, a whisk made of birch twigs, and enjoy the warmth. Further information: Nordic Holiday Services Oy Ltd, tel. 358 207 551850.

Spend the afternoon with Santa and Mrs Claus Have a fun afternoon with your family at Santa’s house. Enjoy tobogganing, grilling sausages over a campfire in the fresh outdoors and baking gingerbread biscuits and buns in the warmth of the cottage. Engage in fun activities under the guidance of Santa and Mrs Claus. And each little helper will, of course, receive a present! Further information: Nordic Holiday Services Oy Ltd, tel. 358 207 551850.

Visit a reindeer farm with Santa Wonder what Santa’s doing today? He might be at the reindeer farm visiting Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. Why don’t you join him and learn many new skills. After the visit, you’ll know how snowshoes work or how a kicksled is steered. You’ll also know how to bake ‘rieska’ flatbread over an open fire. A few rides down the hill on a toboggan will put you in a happy mood. Further information: Ruka Safaris, tel. +358 8 8521610.

New Year’s Eve the USA, children leave out all kinds of food on the mantelpiece for me and the reindeer, and I can conveniently take the treats back to my toy factory in Korvatunturi in my empty sleigh. Naturally, I can’t eat everything myself, so we’ll have a big party with all the elves and reindeer and savour the flavours together. And even everyday life feels like a celebration here at the cottage when children come visit me. Nothing gives me more delight than watching children frolic with their toboggans. Mrs Claus is also very happy to have children around, because she needs little helpers in the kitchen all winter long… Especially since gingerbread biscuits are my great weakness!

New Year’s Eve is naturally the most sparkling of the winter festivities. On New Year’s Eve, it’s time to let off stunning fireworks and raise your glass in honour of the year gone past and in appreciation of the one beginning! The events in the Ruka-Kuusamo region around New Year’s offer plenty of excitement and entertainment! A night of magical moments Celebrating the New Year includes many rituals in the Finnish tradition. In the old days, the future was predicted by throwing the ‘vihta’, the whisk of birch twigs, up on the roof of the sauna. By looking at the position of the ‘vihta’, one was able to read what was going to happen in the coming year. In addition, hay was thrown toward the ceiling of the sauna in the hopes of seeing the future: the more straws that stayed on the wooden beams, the better the outlook for the upcoming year. A more modern tradition is to melt tin. A horse-shoe-shaped piece of tin is melted in a tiny ladle on a stove and the melted tin is thrown into cold water. By looking at the hardened tin figure, you’ll be able to tell your fortune reliably. The year to come might bring you money, love, or something else completely… If you don’t believe it, try it yourself!

See the New Year in at Pohjanseita Camp The turn of the year carries its own kind of magic. New Year’s celebrations at Pohjanseita Camp radiate a unique mystique; in the dark northern night, you’ll witness a shaman chanting spells for the year to come. The Christmas feast will feature exotic local delicacies, and the Shake Up band will provide the tunes for this New Year’s party. For more information, contact Rukapalvelu, tel. +358 8 860 8600.

Epiphany Epiphany is the holiday ending Yuletide, and it is, as a matter of fact, older than even Christmas itself as a Christian festival. On Epiphany, it’s time to take down the Christmas tree and the decorations and head to the wintry outdoors to digest the Christmas feast. Put on a pair of skates and learn to pirouette on a frozen lake, take packed lunch with you and go for a leisurely cross-country skiing trip into the woods or challenge yourself on downhill skis or a snowboard! The further into the year we get, the lighter the days will turn. Snow will become strong enough to walk on and winter will show its merriest face. This is the beginning of the most energetic period of winter activities, and the Ruka-Kuusamo region offers a thousand and one alternatives to choose from!

Tip For information about other New Year’s events, click www.ruka.fi The contact information of the various service providers as well as a glimpse of the activities they offer can be found in this magazine or at www.ruka.fi.

Service providers

Rukabuses Charter

tel. +358 8 868 1700 esa.rontti@rukahuolto.fi www.rukahuolto.fi

A trip to the Arctic Circle to the Village of Santa Claus! mon-sun at 9am 6pm. Price 59 â&#x201A;Ź / person. Incl. transportation. Min. 6 persons. Reservations: tel. +358 8 868 1700 esa.rontti@rukahuolto.fi

Charter buses and airport transportations for groups 6 - 50 persons. More information: tel. +358 8 868 1700 e-mail: esa.rontti@rukahuolto.fi

Sports & leisure

Red cheeks are a sign of a day well spent! “I have nothing to do” is a comment you won’t be hearing from kids in Ruka. Wintry nature offers endless opportunities for adventures, and only your imagination sets the limits! An exhilarating day spent in the fresh outdoors and relaxing in a sauna or at a spa afterwards are luxury for children, too. Fun peaks at the fell At the fell, there are two areas designed particularly for kids’ winter fun. On the east side of the fell, situated next to the restaurant Piste, the Kaltiolampi Kids provides a safe setting for a child’s first skiing or snowboarding experiences. Learning to use ski lifts is exciting with the magic carpet and rope ski lifts. Those who like tobogganing will also

find thrills and speed in this area. The Winnie the Pooh Kids’ World on the western side of the fell offers lots of fun, too. The friendly giant snowman also keeps an eye on the skiers and tobogganists again this winter. The rope lift and the magic carpet lift conveniently take skiers to the top of the slope, while the Rosa and Rudolf Route adds excitement to your

ski day: the adventure trail winds through the woods and can be accessed from about halfway down the Ahonlaita slope (no. 27). There are several surprises along the way, such as a peculiar house you can ski into and reindeer in their fenced area. The route ends right next to the Kulma and RukaExpress ski lifts, so going back up is easy. Special programmes are also arranged for children. On Tuesdays, the youngest can take part in the Winnie the Pooh skiing competition, while on Wednesdays the entire family can try their slalom skills in Rosa and Rudolf’s slalom competition, and on Fridays kids under 12 speed down the slope in the Kalle’s Curves competition. Information on other events can be found on page 6 of this magazine. You can also familiarise yourself with skiing in Hiihtomaa Ski World in the centre of Kuusamo, next to the sport centre. Try cross-country

skiing, see if the Teletubbies’ wavy slope gives you thrills, or find out what ski jumping is all about. If you opt for a longer ski trip, the ski trails around the Kuusamo town can be accessed around the corner from the indoor ice hockey arena.

Have you ever wondered how it would feel to pet a reindeer or travel aboard a dog sled? Meeting with reindeer and huskies can be the most exotic experience of your holiday. A trip to a reindeer or husky farm is not only entertaining but informative as well: you will learn about the local people’s past and present life. You will get answers to such questions as how reindeer are herded and how huskies are able to run long distances. Be prepared for a speedy ride when you hop aboard a sled pulled by a reindeer or a dog team! The most skillful performance will be rewarded with a reindeer herder’s driving licence.

Tip Have fun while learning to ski safely with Werneri Rabbit as your instructor at Ruka Ski School. There are groups available for all little skiers, beginners and advanced alike. For more information, contact Ruka Ski School, tel. +358 400 860 868. Safety comes first! Kids under 7 use all lifts free of charge when using a helmet and 7–11-year-olds get good discounts on ski passes! Wintry nature is filled with wonders for the youngest kids as well. Why not, for instance, go for a skiing or snowshoeing trip to the Oulanka National Park? For more information on lit ski trails can be found at Ruka Info. Service providers arrange guided snowshoe hikes. Their contact information can be found on page 7 of this magazine. For more information on safaris, contact the service providers or click on www.ruka.fi

Ample amusement in a spa, relaxed recreation in a sauna

Tip » You can relax in a different kind of sauna each day of your holiday. The local service providers offer a variety of sauna programmes: you can try a steam sauna, a peat sauna or a smoke sauna or even enjoy the warmth of a sauna on top of the fell or in an igloo! More information available at: www.ruka.fi Holiday Club Kuusamon Tropiikki is an oasis near the centre of Kuusamo. Tel. +358 20 1234 906.

It’s a good idea to change your thermal wear to swimwear at least once during your holiday, since all little vacationers should also have the chance to experience the joys of the Kuusamon Tropiikki Spa. The dif ferent slides, Jacuzzis, and massaging showers make you forget the biting cold and you can even get a tan at the Aurinkoluola (Sun Cave). The shallow children’s pool offers a safe environment to practice swimming skills.

Bathing in a sauna is a quintessential Finnish way to relax. The benches of the hot room are an excellent place to go over the day’s experiences, and after enjoying the sauna, the little vacationers are ready for sweet dreams. More information on children’s activities can be found on the Ruka-Kuusamo region’s weekly winter programme and at Ruka Info.

Restaurants & cuisine

Restaurants in and around Ruka For lunch, Piste offers a soup buffet, a sautéed reindeer buffet and serves dishes from the lunch menu. Eat as much as you like! For dinner, Piste offers delicacies from the à la carte menu – you can even have meals to go. For children, there is Ruka’s most comfortable play corner and a complimentary lollipop with lunch. Sparkling wine afterski from 4 pm to 8 pm. Sports on giant screen. Check out our programme at: www.ruka.fi

Rukankyläntie 17 Tel.+358 8 8600 360 Group reservations, sales: tel. +358 8 8600 225

A mountain restaurant located between the slopes of Saarua and Vuosseli. Drop in between skiing sessions to have a meal or a snack from our self-service line. In the evenings, we turn into an inviting fondue restaurant offering fondue and raclette meals, pizzas, and au gratin dishes. Check out our programme at: www.ruka.fi Bistrontie Tel. +358 8 8600 300 Sales: tel. +358 8 8600 225

A quick and easy restaurant by the Vuosseli lifts and the Winnie the Pooh Kids’ ski area. Hamburger meals and sweet tidbits. Ahon Jussintie (Vuosseli) Tel. +358 8 8600 392 Sales: tel. +358 8 8600 225

The cosy KaltioKivi restaurant is open every day from breakfast ‘til late evening. The menu offers local delicacies as well as steaks, pizzas, pastas, and salads. The fresh salad buffet is included with all main courses. Kids have their own menu and a play corner. Rukankyläntie 15 Tel. +358 8 85910

Rukahovi offers scenic views, dining, and dancing. For dinner, enjoy mouth-watering delicacies of the north. From 9.30 pm onwards, you can dance to the tunes of a live band. A table reservation for dinner is recommended. Check out the schedule of the dance bands at: www.ruka.fi

Rukankyläntie 15 Tel. +358 8 85910

Tellu Night is the place to be until the wee hours. The DJs set the roof on fire with the disco beats of the 80s and 90s, requests are accepted. See you at Tellu! Check out the opening hours at: www.ruka.fi Rukankyläntie 15 Tel. +358 8 85910

At SkiPub, the star of the evening is you! In the easygoing atmosphere amidst the fells, you may surprise yourself and your friends by singing your favourite tunes. Let’s all sing!

Rukankyläntie 15 Tel. +358 8 85910

Ruka’s coolest bar for getting familiar with Finnish pop music! Dance and enjoy in the easygoing atmosphere. You will hear the best Finnish pop hits, past and present. Let’s have it Finnhits!

Rukankyläntie 15 Tel. +358 8 85910

Karhubaari is a nice place to relax in the hotel lobby. You can enjoy refreshing drinks and read the daily papers by the fireplace. It is open every day from morning ‘til evening. Rukankyläntie 15 Tel. +358 8 85910

The most fun place to party at the fell. Open every day from noon to 4 am. Restaurant Zone offers karaoke every night and live bands every week. Come and dance on the tables! The terrace kitchen serves tasty grilled meals until the late hours. Soup lunch.

Bosti-Baari Café: A cosy, non-smoking café seating 25 in Rukan Portti. Freshly-baked pastries and tasty meals, also to go. Come and try the giant reindeer burger or the Bosti burger! Licensed to serve mild alcoholic beverages. We look forward to welcoming you!

Rukankyläntie 13 Tel. +358 8 860 8686

Rukanriutta 7 Tel. +358 8 8660 088

Dusk is falling over Ruka, as Vanha Karhu, ”the Old Bear”, wakes up to a new evening. Surrounded by the glow of candles and hospitality, you will find it easy to enjoy a delicious meal and relax in good company.

A pleasant caférestaurant for the whole family with Ruka’s best location. A diverse menu, from giant hamburgers to the delicacies of Lapland. Our famous fresh giant doughnuts available daily at the café. Come and enjoy!

Rukarinteentie 1 Tel.+358 8 8681 483

Located in Rukajärvi, our restaurants – the traditional Iisakki’s House and the underground restaurant Kontioluola – are available for private functions. They offer fantastic experiences and local treats in a charming setting.

Tel. +358 8 8521 610

The atmospheric Pirunkirkko restaurant is located by the mast, on the top of Ruka fell. Our Frenchstyle pre-set menu designed by our Chef Rôtisseur changes every month. Meals are prepared from fresh ingredients. Wine recommendations available for all pre-set menus. Welcome!

Juhannuskalliontie 27 Tel. +358 8 8684 100, +358 400 692 086

Royal Ruka invites you to enjoy excellent food, fine wines, and breathtaking views. The popular Lapland buffet continues to be served every Thursday by advance booking. We also have à la carte and children’s menu. We welcome you to come and experience all this.

Mestantie 1 Reservations: tel. +358 8 8686 00

Rukankyläntie 14 Tel. +358 8 8681 325

A café with a view located in the centre of Ruka, at the information lobby. Internet access. A play corner for children.

Rukankyläntie 8 Tel. +358 45 1271 831

Pizzas are quick – and fill your stomach. Delivery to cottages. Licensed to serve mild alcoholic beverages, 40 seats. Open daily from 10 am to 10 pm. Rukankyläntie 8 Tel. +358 8 868 1880

The renovated Pizzeria Ruka offers pizzas with a Kuusamotwist to satisfy many tastes, also salad and pasta pleasures. Try our reindeer pizza! And don’t miss the play corner for kids. We deliver pizzas up to the front door of your cottage. Fully licensed. Open daily from 11 am to 11 pm.

Kelorinne Tel. +358 8 868 1445

A cosy restaurant: tasty meals, kebabs, reindeer kebabs, meals from the grill, pan pizzas, also for takeaway. Fresh doughnuts and pies are always available. Fully licensed. A mini-market. Advance reservation for group dining.

Ahon Jussintie 2 Tel. +358 400 683 040

Wild Game Restaurant Riipinen

Open from noon ‘til 11 pm. Delicious game meals prepared in a variety of ways by our excellent chefs. Enjoy an unforgettable evening by an open fireplace surrounded by candles. A visit you won’t forget! Located 200 metres from Ruka Plaza. Table reservations recommended for evening dining.

Rukatunturintie 6 Kelorinne Tel. +358 8 8681 219

The fullylicensed Monomesta is located at the foot of the Pessari slopes. Come and enjoy our crispy finger foods with dip sauces. Or have coffee and a doughnut, a hot drink, or a beer. A terrace with an open fire. Open when the Pessari lifts are in operation. Evenings devoted to group dinners.

monomesta

Pessarin rinne Tel. +358 8 8600 355, +358 400 300 025

A new, fully-licensed hot wings restaurant in East Ruka, in the Vuosselin Helmi building (formerly Rolls). We offer crispy wings meals and juicy hamburgers, also to go. Just wing it!

Bistrontie 6 Tel. +358 8 868 1234, +358 400 300 025

Restaurants & cuisine

Restaurants in and around Kuusamo Good drinks and hospitality at Olli’s Bar. Karaoke on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Restaurant Torero offers Spanish flavours and a separate Kuusamo à la carte menu. Lunch buffet available from Monday to Friday 11am–2pm. Check out the artists performing at Hotku Club at: www.ruka.fi/sokos Kirkkotie 23 Tel. +358 8 8593 186

Tasty pizzas, pastas, and steaks! Come and enjoy on your own or with friends. Ouluntie 3 Tel. +358 8 852 2051

RESTAURANT MANGO

Our à la carte menu offers tasty meals and Feel Good food. The Feel Good breakfast is also served here in the second-floor restaurant offering fine views of the spa. Kylpyläntie Tel. +358 8 8596 443, +358 20 1234 906 (reception)

Café Piazza

Café Piazza offers a selection of sweet and savoury snacks. You will find fresh salads, juicy hamburgers, and tasty pizzas on our menu. A play corner for kids.

Ranked the 16th most popular pizzeria in Finland in an Internet poll (Ilta-Sanomat 14 April 2007). Located in the heart of Kuusamo. This cosy pizzeria seats 35. The menu also features chicken and kebab baskets. Kitkantie 18 Tel. +358 8 853 502

M100 Y100 K20 Come and treat C100 M60 Y100 yourselfM40 toY100 Koillismaa’s delicacies in our log restaurant under the starry northern sky. Rukan Musta Salonki also harmaa of ice. offers a restaurant40 %made Punainen Vihreä Keltainen

Kemijärventie 235 Tel. +358 40 5640937

Sport Bar

Pohjolan Pirtti

A cosy place to hang out. Enjoy your evening by bowling or glow bowling, and playing pool, snooker, or darts. Canal+ offers the best bits of sports events on a giant screen. Karaoke night on Wednesdays.

Heikinjärventie 3 Tel. +358 400 972 260, +358 40 7066 839

Uuttusuo Café

Private restaurants

Kylpyläntie Tel. +358 8 8596 413, +358 20 1234 906 (reception)

Our private restaurant serves tasty homemade gourmet meals. The facilities are excellent for meetings and parties.

10 % harmaa

The atmospheric restaurant Pohjolan Pirtti is situated in the authentic Kuusamo countryside.

Nordic Holiday Services Tel. +358 207 551 850

Located by the Ruka ympäryslatu ski trail and snowmobile route. Check opening hours at www.rukanmokkihuolto.fi. Kinospolku 25 Tel. +358 40 7524 817

Restaurant Juomuskota/ Ollilan lomamajat provides a splendid setting for weddings, get-togethers, birthday parties, and meetings. Excellent trails, delicious meals, and personal service – there are many good reasons to visit us! Sossonniementie 216 Tel. +358 40 5656 598, +358 400 286 528

Iivaaran Eräkartano

Experience the authentic wilderness atmosphere! Our private restaurant and lakeside sauna are situated by Iivaara hill, next to a snowmobile route. Reindeer safaris and other programmes arranged on request. The café by the cross-country ski trail is open every day from week no. 8 onwards until the end of the skiing season. Hiltusentie 211 Tel. +358 40 3590 212

Rukapalvelu’s unique private wilderness restaurants Kammi, Korsu, Daza, Pohjanseita, Pohjantähti, and Seita Forest Spa. Arrange your client events, programmed gettogethers, meetings, weddings, or other family gatherings in an unforgettable setting amidst the uniquely beautiful Kuusamo landscape. We warmly welcome you to enjoy! Have a look at some panorama photographs at www.rukapalvelu.fi.

Tel. +358 8 860 8600

Kylpyläntie Tel. +358 8 8596 437, +358 20 1234 906 (reception)

Rantasipi Rukahovi is one the most popular and respected Hotels in Finnish winter resorts. It is situated in the very heart of Ruka and has something to offer for everyone. See more details at www.ruka.fi

RANTASIPI RUKAHOVI, Rukankyläntie 15, puh. 08-85 910

We reserve the right to opening hour changes

LET’S ...DANCE ...ENJOY ...PLAY ...DISCO ...SING ...RELAX ...EAT

Live music and social dancing...

Nov-Jan Thu-Fri from 9.30 p.m. Feb-Apr every evening from 9.30 p.m.

Enjoy our chef´s local and international specialities... Nov-Jan Thu-Fri from 7 p.m. Feb-Apr every evening from 7 p.m.

Let´s have it Finnhits! Finnish pop-music. Dec-Jan Fri-Sat from 11 p.m. Feb-Apr every evening from 11 p.m.

80-90´s Discomusic...

Dec-Jan Fri-Sat starting at midnight. Feb Thu-Sat starting at midnight. March-Apr every evening startin at midnight.

You are the Karaoke-Star! Nov-Jan Thu-Fri from 9 p.m. Feb-Apr every evening from 9 p.m.

By the fireplace... Open daily at 9 am.

Our kitchen opens at 11 am...

Enjoy delicious steaks, pizzas, pastas and salads. Playing area for children. Sat & Sun at noon.

Ruka info 1

4 3 13 10 12

6 16 7

1 Chalet Ruka Peak 2 Start of ski trails 3 Rental Shop / Ski School 4 Restaurant Piste 5 Playground 6 Café Pitäjän Pirtti 7 Bus stops for SkiBus 8 Bus stops for Finnair buses 9 RukaSuites Apartments 10 Ruka Conference Centre 11 Ruka’s Taxi Stand /

opposite of Zone/buses available for 1+8 passengers / tel. +358 100 84 200

15 Kumpare Shopping Centre

- Ruka Info - Ruka Shop, RukaProShop - RukaSuites Apartments - Kumpare Apartments - Freestyle Café, billiards - Kalle Palander Halti Store - Alko liquour store - Pentik - K-Extra grocery store - Kotipizza - Chinese Kitchen - Forest and Park Service Info Centre - Sport Centre Kumpare - Public sauna - Gym, massage - LKV – Ruka Real Estate - Arctic Safaris - Cashpoint - Kindergarten - Wireless Internet connection - Real Estate Agency Ketola Oy

- After Safari Restaurant Zone - Safarishop - Safari House Apartments

13 Rantasipi Rukahovi

- Hotel Rantasipi Rukahovi - Restaurant Kaltiokivi - Rukahovi Dance Restaurant - Karhubaari - Tellu Night - Ski Pub Karaoke - Suomi Pop Bar

14 On the eastern side of the fell:

16 Semi-heated underground

parking hall For 300 cars. Parking fee 1 €/h or 5 €/day. The Hotel RukaVillage is being build on top of the parking hall. The hotel will be completed in autumn 2009.

- Caravan site - Vuosselin Portti - HillSide Grill - SkiBistro - Vuosselin Pirtti - Wings Bar

The SkiBus timetable can be found at www.ruka.fi or in Ruka-Kuusamo Winter Info.

Other services at Ruka - Riipisen Riistaravintola / Wild Game Restaurant Riipinen - Pizzeria Montagna Di Ruka - Arctic Safaris - Restaurant Vanha Karhu - Hotel Royal Ruka - Kuusamo Safaris

- S. Pätsi Racing - K-Market Ruka grocery store - Neste 24 petrol station - Rukahuolto, rental and maintenance service - Willi’s West Apartments - Kaltiolampi Kids

Rukan Portti: - Ruka pharmacy - Ruka Adventures - S-Rukamarket grocery store - Ruka post office / Bosti Bar

Bus to the Kuusamo airport for all scheduled flights Rantasipi Rukahovi 1h 30 min Kuusamon Tropiikki 1h 10 min

Price Adult/Child 10/5 eur 7/4 eur

Kuusamo bus station Sokos Hotel Kuusamo Hotel Kuusanka Airport

1h 05 min 1h 58 min 50 min

7/4 eur 7/4 eur 7/4 eur

Salla bus station Hotel Revontuli Hautajärvi luontotupa Ristikallio th. Käylä Airport

2h 30 min 2h 15 min 1h 50 min 1h 40 min 1h 30 min 50 min

22/11 eur 22/11 eur 16/8 eur 14/7 eur 12/6 eur

Bus transportation from the airport to the centre of Kuusamo, Tropiikki, Ruka and Salla from all scheduled flights. You can hop on and off the bus along the route. The bus services all passengers in the area. Villeläntie 4, 93600 KUUSAMO Tel. +358 (0)8 851 1052 fax +358 (0)8 852 2512 bussit.kuusamo@pohjolanmatka.ﬁ www.pohjolanmatka.fi

Before the departure of the flight

12 Rukapalvelu Safaritalo

Sports & leisure

Conference facilities Kuusamo offers exceptional facilities for meetings and other events in a unique setting every day of the year. In Kuusamo and Ruka, you’ll find conference facilities for small and large groups alike. The service providers’ several wilderness camps offer a new dimension to arranging a meeting in the midst of nature.

Rukan Kokouskeskus / Ruka Conference Centre The Rantasipi Rukahovi is a comfortable, high-class hotel with conference facilities in the heart of the Ruka resort. The wonderful meeting rooms, astonishing views, and diverse programme selection provide an excellent setting for all kinds of events, from meetings to celebrations. The Ruka Conference Centre has seven differentsized meeting rooms that can accommodate up to 400 people. Rukankyläntie 15 Tel. +358 8 85910, ruka.rantasipi@restel.fi

Sokos Hotel Kuusamo The Sokos Hotel Kuusamo is a comfortable hotel close to both unspoilt nature and the centre of Kuusamo wilderness town. The hotel has 11 meeting rooms suitable for various kinds of functions for 10–250 people. Sokos Hotel Kuusamo, Kirkkotie 23, Tel. +358 8 859 3300, hotelkuusamo.kuusamo@sokoshotels.fi

Nordic Opening offers quality entertainment for sports lovers

Taking place on 28–30 November 2008, the FIS World Cup Ruka Nordic Opening 2008 brings the top names in ski jumping, crosscountry skiing, and Nordic combined to Ruka to compete for gold and glory. This is the seventh time in a row that the World Cup Opening is to be held at Ruka and it has taken its place as a favourite among sports lovers, since the exceptionally high certainty of snow in Kuusamo guarantees that the competition setting will already be in prime

condition in early winter. Eight World Cup contests (17 World Cup events qualification rounds included) and 400 athletes from nearly 30 countries, not to mention the enthusiastic spectators, make the Ruka Nordic Opening an event filled with excitement and exhilaration. In between the competitions, top-notch music and programmes ensure good times at the stadium, and after Friday’s ski jumping contest, it’s time to admire the splendid firework

Holiday Club Kuusamon Tropiikki In Kuusamon Tropiikki, you’ll host an unforgettable meeting. The hotel offers facilities for all-sized seminars, training days, and client events. The up-to-date meeting rooms can accommodate up to 1 000 people. Kuusamon Tropiikki also offers various things to do after your meeting. You can relax at the spa or the bowling alley or pamper yourself with a variety of special treatments. Kylpyläntie 1 Tel. +358 20 1234 906, myynti.kuusamo@holidayclubhotels.fi

Kuusamo Hall Kuusamo Hall is particularly suitable for larger conferences. Friendly service, facilities that can accommodate your needs, an exceptional restaurant, and high-class programmes will contribute to the success of your meeting. Kuusamo Hall’s capacity is 530 people. Kuusamo offers the easy option! Kuusamotalo, Kaarlo Hännisen tie 2 Tel. +358 400 795 661, merja.maikku@kuusamo.fi

display that has already become a tradition. The official postcompetition party will be held at the Piste restaurant on Friday and Saturday. We warmly welcome you to come and experience a true sport festival!

Tip Book your tickets in advance at www.nordicopening.com.

Ruka breaking news

RUKA

BREA

KING

Ruka is one of the most popular ski resorts in Finland. There are several reasons for its popularity: the resort’s diversity and a high snow certainty are among the most important – the ski season can last for up to 240 days. What’s going on at Ruka this winter? Who will be training at the fell? When do you get the most out of the slopes? Read up-to-date information on this page!

NEWS

Tip » The snowboard and freeski event Girl Sessions (”Tyttösessarit”) is being arranged for the sixth time this winter. It is Scandinavia’s biggest and oldest snowboard and freeski event for girls. We welcome you to join us on 3–5 April 2009!

Battery Park users follow Noora Vihervaara’s plans Having spent almost 20 years of her life on a snowboard, Noora Vihervaara’s experience in the sport is impressive: she’s a long-term aficionado, 2007 Finnish champion of the half pipe, snowboarding instructor, coach, programme coordinator, and the star of the snowboarding film “Shotgun”. Noora can easily be called a top professional in her field – and that’s probably one of the reasons why she was chosen to be part of the Ruka Battery Park team in charge of constantly improving the snowboard park. “In addition to me, the Battery Park development team consists of 7 snowboarding experts, including the world champion Antti Autti and US Open winner AJ Kemppainen,” Noora explains. “All team members snowboard actively both in Finland and abroad. Therefore, we get new experiences and ideas all the time from a variety of perspectives.” The members of the group stay in touch on a weekly basis and discuss their experiences and the feedback the Park receives. Changes are

made during the ski season, if necessary, but the groundwork for the jumps and the instalment of new rails always happens after the close

The needs of small snowboarders have also been taken into account at Ruka: Masto Mini Park has been diversified and this season’s novelties include the mini waves slope. The old favourites, such as the mini pipe and mini mogul field, can also be found at the Mini Park. of the season. The leading idea in the Park’s development is that its purpose is to serve all skiers, from beginners to top professionals. In addition, skiing needs to be safe.

Ruka will also cooperate with Salla this winter. With the Ruka– Pyhä season pass, skiers will get three free day passes to Salla for the winter season 2008–2009. In addition, skiers will get a free day pass to Salla when buying a ski pass for five or more days in Ruka. Salla’s passes are also valid in Ruka and Pyhä.

The profile of the Vuosseli cross track has been improved! It now offers more speed, safely of course. “We hope that skiers will actively give us feedback. You can share your thoughts and wishes with us by sending e-mail to batterypark@ ruka.fi,” Noora says. New features have been added to the Park this year, too. “The small line is now more functional and safer. This year’s new rails include a ten-metre-long Rainbow box, 4+6-metre-long Flatdown box, 3-metre-long Mini Rainbow box and 2+3-metre-long Mini Kinky box,” Noora explains. What are Noora’s favourites in Ruka? “I enjoy riding the pipe at Vuosseli. Of the Battery Park’s obstacles I prefer the ones on the medium line. They are the perfect size for learning new tricks or just having fun. The small line also

Snowmaking will play a bigger role in Ruka this year; our snowmaking capacity is 15% greater than last season. This ensures that the slopes will be in top condition throughout the ski season and it also enables us to open the Battery Park well before Christmas, on 5–6 December 2008!

All necessary information on skiing in Ruka and Pyhä can be found at ski.ruka.fi and ski.pyha.fi.

Events in Ruka

Operating around Ruka, the SkiBus provides easy access to the slopes. The schedule and route information can be found at www.ruka.fi. offers a lot of fun. The best thing about Ruka is that the slopes are always in super-good condition!” Noora concludes.

FIS World Cup Nordic Opening 28–30 November 2008 The Park Season Opening 5–6 December 2008 Fabulous Ruka 19–21 December 2008 The North Face Ski Challenge Tour 6–8 February 2009 KuRu Jazz 6–8 February 2009 Snowboarding Finnish Championships 25–29 March 2009 Girlsessions 3–5 April 2009 Spring Break 24–26 April 2009 Rukan Wappu 24 April–3 May 2009 For more information on events, click ski.ruka.fi

Ruka breaking news

Kalle’s answers to the question of “which one?”: Sautéed reindeer or pizza? “Both are really good, but sautéed reindeer is the winner.”

After-ski celebrations or sauna relaxation? “Five years ago I would’ve picked after-ski, but things have changed. So, sauna!”

Work or leisure? “Leisure, of course.”

A hole in the ice or a Jacuzzi? “I’ve tried winter swimming twice. Brrr... I think I prefer the warm water of a Jacuzzi.”

Winning or participating? “This one’s easy: winning is the most important thing. If the hunger to win has gone, it’s best to change careers!”

Alpine skier Kalle Palander:

If the hunger to win has gone, it’s best to change careers One proof of the excellence of Ruka’s slopes are the top skiers often seen training there. The most successful Finnish male alpine skier Kalle Palander knows Ruka like the back of his hand – he knows which of the slopes offer the most challenging or the most enjoyable experiences. “It’s often hard for people to grasp how Finland can produce successful alpine skiers since we don’t have slopes similar to those in Central Europe, for instance,” Kalle Palander explains. “The secret to success lies in our first-rate training conditions. Here in Ruka, for example, skiing is possible almost all year round, from October to May or even June. Another important factor in training is the number of runs: while in the Alps a lot of time is spent on sitting on the

ski lifts or transferring from one place to another, here we’re able to ski down the slope two or three times in the same amount of time. And that’s excellent!” Kalle thinks that Ruka shows a passion for alpine skiing: “Everything possible is done here to benefit the sport and you always feel welcome to train here,” Kalle says. “Ruka’s superiority as a training place hasn’t gone unnoticed abroad either. For instance, the Slovenian

team trains here.” Kalle prefers to train on the Frontside slopes or on the Pessari slopes. “When I’m not training, I enjoy skiing the Masto slopes, since they are not too easy but not too difficult, either.” Born in Tornio, Kalle has been training in Ruka since the late 80s and he is walking proof of Ruka’s ability to boost skiers to world success. Kalle’s accomplishments include slalom victories in the World Cup in 2003 and in the World Championships in 1999. In addition, he has been on the podium after several World Cup competitions.

Complete concentration is the key At the moment, Kalle is preparing for the 2010 Vancouver Olympics.

“An Olympic gold medal is nearly an obsession for me,” Kalle reveals. “People often discuss which is more important: success in the World Championships or in the Olympics. I’ve achieved almost everything there is to achieve in the World Championships and I therefore rate Olympic success higher than the World Championships.” However, when preparing for the Olympics, the World Cup circus plays a crucial role. “Alpine skiing is not an endurance sport, so you can’t aim at being in top shape at one particular time,” Kalle explains. “Hence, the best way to train is to get top performances throughout the season in the World Cup. In addition, spring and autumn are important parts of the training year: then it’s time to test your equipment for the next skiing season.” Much like many other top athletes, Kalle has his own rituals for getting into the right competition mood. “For the last eight years, I’ve listened to Metallica’s ‘One’ before every competition,” Kalle reveals. During the run, it is important to shut out the rest of the world and concentrate completely on the performance. “Right up until the start, I try to concentrate on the course and my tactics. After that, I put all my focus on the run itself,” Kalle explains. “The worst mistake is to let yourself think that you’re doing fine during the run. This sport requires extreme precision and anything can happen: a skier might even be disqualified for missing the very last gates. Skiers are not aware of their intermediate times during

the run, but once you cross the finish line, you know if you’ve set the fastest time,” Kalle explains and smiles.

Sometimes even the ski speedster needs to slow down Kalle trains and competes around the world 220 days a year. His permanent residence is in Monaco, but this world citizen often wants to go back to his roots in the calm northern nature. “I spend time in Ruka every spring and autumn. Privacy and time spent with my family are extremely important to me. Last spring, for instance, we stayed at our cottage in Ruka for almost two months.” In addition to skiing, many other things interest Kalle in the RukaKuusamo region: “Snowmobiling is awesome! I have two snowmobiles of my own at my cottage, so I always have easy access to one. I have also tried canoeing and fishing in the Kitka river. Rafting is something I haven’t done yet and the Karhunkierros Trail is on my to-do list – I’ll definitely trek through it some day!” Could Kalle reveal to us something about Ruka that we can’t find in the guide books? “There’s a small, alpine-style restaurant called Wunderbar in the Ruka area. You’ll find it by skiing the Kelo slope all the way down to Lake Talvijärvi. The bar has a great atmosphere and you’re very likely to find me there, too!” Kalle grins.

Service providers

Service providers Events in Ruka FIS Slalom Race at Ruka 22–23 November 2008 Slalom skiers come to pursue FIS points on Ruka’s Frontside slopes.

For more information on events, click www.ruka.fi Rukan Lomapalvelu Oy

Ruka FIS Nordic Opening 28–30 November 2008 The World Cup Opening in cross-country skiing, ski jumping, and Nordic combined at Ruka! More information on page 15 of this magazine and at www.nordicopening.com. Battery Park Opening 5–7 December 2008 The first official sessions of the season at Battery Park for snowboarders and newschoolers! Depending on snow conditions, the set-up consists of rails, boxes, and jumps designed by the Park team! The post-competition party will be held at the Piste restaurant.

from

Good quality COTTAGES Ruka and Kuusamo

Fabulous Ruka 19–21 December 2008 Midwinter’s number 1 newschool skiing event at Ruka! Christmas Bird Musical 23 December 2008 The traditional opening of Christmas at Ruka Ski Stadium. The North Face Ski Challenge Tour at Ruka 6–8 February 2009 A unique opportunity for young freeski stars. The tour is coming to Finland and Ruka once again! The competition is for 12–18-year-old skiers. Only the first forty skiers will be eligible to compete, so hurry and sign up. KuRu Jazz 6–8 February 2009 The most groovy music event at Ruka. Performances by top Finnish artists accompanied by LenniKalle Taipale at the piano. More information at www.ruka.fi. The From Border to Border skiing event 5–14 March 2009 The From Border to Border skiing event is a 440 km – approx. 273 mile – guided ski tour extending from the Russian border to the Swedish border. The route is: KuusamoTaivalkoski-Pudasjärvi-RanuaKeminmaa-Tornio. Snowboarding Finnish Championships 25–29 March 2009 The Finnish champions will be declared in all disciplines (Slopestyle, Halfpipe, Boardercross and Racing). Champions will also be crowned in the minor and junior series as well as in the men’s and women’s open series in all disciplines. Ruka Girl Sessions 2–5 April 2009 Organized since 2004 by Suomen Naislautailijat ry, the Finnish Female Riders’ Association, the Girl Sessions (Tyttösessarit) event will gather girls interested in snowboarding and newschool skiing on the slopes of Ruka in the spring. Spring Break 24–26 April 2009 The most energetic and the most easy-going event of the season. In addition to fun on the slopes, theme and terrace parties will offer guaranteed entertainment. Rukan Wappu! 27 April–3 May 2009 The extended May Day celebrations at Ruka will offer you performances by some of the best Finnish artists. The Wappu partying will reach its climax at the traditional Hawaiian party held at the Piste restaurant.

Over a 100 holiday homes, cottages, and log cabins to choose from, situated close to the services of Ruka. During the high season in winter, only weekly rentals are available, from Saturday to Saturday. In the normal season, the minimum rental period is 3 days. On-line reservations via our web page at www.ruka-ko.fi.

Through us you have also acces to many services like activity and catering services

See you in Ruka!

Ruka-Ko Oy Tel. +358 8 866 00 88, ruka-ko@ruka-ko.fi,

www.ruka-ko.fi

www.lomarengasruka.fi +358(0)20 775 1400 Rukatunturintie 1, 93825 Rukatunturi

Nature & culture

The top 10 exotic experiences

The best part of any holiday is experiencing local peculiarities. Here’s a list of Ruka’s and Kuusamo’s most exotic products, pastimes, and phenomena that are sure to inspire awe back home.

1. Igloos

2. The Northern Lights

3. Overnight stay in a lean-to

Have you ever dreamt of spending the night in an igloo like the Inuit or enjoying a delicious meal in a candlelit restaurant made of snow? In Ruka, these dreams can become true.

Stars, stars, thousands of stars... Absorbed in the stories of the blue velvet night skies, you suddenly notice a colourful dance start on the dark arena. Red, blue, yellow, green, and white lights flirt with each other. You’re witnessing the magnificent display of the Northern Lights, the Aurora Borealis. What causes the Northern Lights? This beautiful phenomenon has been explained in various ways – how would you explain the origin of the Northern Lights?

The wintry forest is magical at nighttime, too. Bundle up and take a good sleeping bag with you. Admire the starry night skies in the quiet darkness. The Oulanka National Park has various lean-tos suitable for an overnight stay. For more information, click on www.outdoors.fi

Sleeping in an igloo’s blue twilight Crawl into an igloo, get into your sleeping bag on top of a warm reindeer skin, and close your eyes. Spending the night in an igloo is guaranteed to be a unique experience and you are sure to sleep well in the embrace of a winter night. An unforgettable feast in an ice restaurant In Ruka, snow is used as a building material for restaurants, too. A candlelit dinner with friends or even with a larger group is an experience to remember. Ruka Safaris, tel. +358 8 852 1610, Rukan Salonki, tel. +358 8 868 1548, Ruka Chalet Peak, tel. +358 8 868 4100.

A sledge trip to see the Northern Lights for the whole family, duration approximately 2 hours A trip into the wintry forest by night is a true adventure. Travel comfortably on a sledge pulled by a snowmobile and admire the dark starry skies with their colourful Northern Lights – nature’s own art at its best. More information: Ruka Safaris Oy, tel. +358 8 852 1610.

4. Reindeer antler extract Northern shamans had a way of spicing things up. A potion extracted from the antlers of reindeer is still believed to improve male virility! The potion can be bought at local souvenir shops.

5. A hole in the ice At first, the thought of dipping into a freezing lake through a hole cut in the ice might leave you cold. But face the challenge and try winter swimming between sauna sessions. The combination of cold and warm has an incredibly relaxing and invigorating effect. Rukapalvelu, Arctic Safaris, Ruka Safaris, Basecamp Oulanka, and Rukan Salonki, among others, arrange sauna and winter swimming programmes. Their contact information can be found on page 7 of this magazine.

6. Ice fishing Fishing is popular in Kuusamo in the winter, too. Wear warm clothes, pack necessary equipment and head off to enjoy the spring sun on a frozen lake! Rukapalvelu, Ruka Safaris, Arctic Safaris, Ruka Adventures, and Kuusamo Safaris, among others, arrange ice fishing trips. Their contact information can be found on page 7 of this magazine.

7. A ceremony performed by a reindeer herder Reindeer husbandry has always been an important means of livelihood in Kuusamo. On visits to reindeer farms, you’ll get a closer look at the life of these animals and their herders. You’ll also get to try lassoing and you’ll have the chance to participate in a special ceremony performed by the herder. More information: Arctic Safaris, Rukapalvelu, Erä-Susi Huskies, Ruka Adventures, Ruka Safaris, and Kuusamo Safaris.

8. Winter golf In Ruka, golf is not just a summer sport. You’ll get the most exotic golf experience of your life when playing on snow-covered fairways in the middle of winter! Unlike summer golf, coloured balls are used when playing the winter version of this ever-popular sport. The frost nipping your cheeks adds extra excitement to your putts. Remember to bundle up and take some warm drinks with you for the round. More information: Ruka Golf Ry & Kuusamo Golf Oy, tel. +358 8 868 1619.

9. Bear soup The Kuusamo cuisine includes many specialties but one of the most unusual dishes is probably bear soup. This kingly gourmet delicacy will get your engine growling and give you energy for your winter activities! For more information, contact Wild Game Restaurant Riipinen, tel. +358 8 868 1219. Other mouthwatering dishes are available at the Hotel Royal Ruka’s exotic Lapland buffet. For more information, check out the weekly winter programme on page 15 of this magazine.

10. Snowshoeing The most fun footwear of the winter has to be the snowshoe. Step off the beaten track and a take a closer look of the snowy forest. You’ll get great exercise even without noticing it when walking on snowshoes. The Oulanka National Park, for instance, offers varied terrain for snowshoeing and you can choose a route that is especially suitable for you. For more information on guided snowshoe hikes, contact Rukapalvelu, Arctic Safaris, Green Line Safaris, and Kuusamo Safaris.

More amazing nature photos are on display at Hannu Hautala’s Nature Photography Centre. Welcome for a visit!

The magical forest is full of treasures in winter, too Although at first glance it seems that the wintry nature covered in white snow is calmly sleeping, a closer look reveals a different story. The tracks in the snow prove that the forest’s creatures are up and about. The bustle at bird feeding sites also shows that the cold weather has not driven all winged things away to spend their winter in the south. A trip into the snowy forest is an educating and exciting adventure! Trees covered in heavy snow (”tykky” in Finnish) are a majestic sight in the forest scene. It looks as if Mother Nature has clad the forest with a warm winter outfit. Snow accumulates on trees and forms a heavy load on the tops. The search for the explanation for this phenomenon begins across the eastern border, as far away as the White Sea. Due to the Gulf Stream, the White Sea doesn’t freeze over and the eastern winds blow humidity rising from the sea all the way to the Kuusamo region. Water travels in the air as small particles whose surface tension

prevents them from freezing even when it is extremely cold. When clouds hit trees on a hill, the particles turn into ice crystals, or rime ice, on the branches in just fractions of a second. When more snow falls on top of the hard rime ice and more rime ice forms on top of that, the branches gradually turn into white arches. The snow cover on the trees is at its heaviest in February – hence, February is the perfect time to go into the woods with a camera and snap a few shots of the magnificent scenery as souvenirs.

Days are magical in the wintry forest. Just before the sunrise and a little after the sunset, the whole world appears blue. The light reflecting from the sky into the white scenery creates this phenomenon called “the blue moment” which seems particularly intense on cloudless days. The blue moment lasts longer in Kuusamo than further south because the sun sneaks above the horizon for only a few hours a day and it also sinks below the horizon more slowly than in the south where there is more daylight during winter. When darkness has fallen, the nocturnal arena is ready for a different kind of show. When there are no clouds, the Northern Lights may appear in the starry skies around midnight. The Northern Lights originate from sunspots, follow a cyclical pattern and every 11 years appear in exceptionally large amounts. Watching the Northern Lights is a privilege only a few get to enjoy: only 3% of the entire world population lives in areas where these colourful artworks of the night skies can be observed. The likelihood of seeing the Northern Lights increases the nearer one gets to the Arctic Circle, and, contrary to common belief, they occur in summer, too – light nights just make seeing them impossible. The Northern Lights have inspired a variety of stories throughout the ages. In Finland, it was believed that there was a fox running around the fells and when the fox whisked snow with its tail, sparkles flew into the night skies. The Japanese believe that if a couple witnesses a display of the Northern Lights together, they will be able to have male children. Of all the creatures of the forest the ones visitors are most likely to encounter during the day are birds, since mammals are most active at night. In Kuusamo, it is possible to observe white-throated dippers feed-

ing in the openly flowing rivers. The Kiveskoski rapids in the river Kitka are a particularly good place to spot the white-throated dipper, while tits and Siberian jays are a common sight at bird feeding sites. The Siberian jay has been perceived as an intriguing bird throughout history. The jay is shrouded in a veil of mystery and many beliefs are connected to this particular bird: In Germany, for instance, it is thought that seeing a Siberian jay on a hunting trip means there will be bad hunting luck. The Siberian jay lives in the Kuusamo region all year round and once it has chosen a place to nest, it will never abandon it. The Siberian jay is also a very clever bird: it prepares for winter by hiding berries, mushrooms, and all kind of extra food in lichen on the tree branches. With that food it is able to survive the winter. Owls can also be seen in the wintry forest: the great grey owl and the northern hawk owl are common in years when there are a lot of voles. A somewhat smaller bird of great interest is the Siberian tit that can survive at even -40ºC thanks to its thick feathering. This tit is a true survivor and one can only feel deep respect for such a tough little bird. There can be as much as one metre of snow in the forest. Therefore, moving around in the woods is more challenging in winter than in summer. The best way to explore the snowy forest is to strap on a pair of snowshoes or long and broad forest skis. When photographing, snowshoes are an excellent option, since with snowshoes on, you can easily move up and down steep hills and through thickets. The wintry forest truly has magical qualities. Head into the forest and let it charm you!

Tips Explore the beauty of winter on a guided snowshoe hike or skiing trip! Tours are arranged by many different service providers, whose contact information can be found on page 7 of this magazine and at www.ruka.fi. Eagle-watching season starts in Kuusamo in March as whitetailed eagles begin their migration. Birds can be observed from special birdwatching towers while listening to a guide telling about the birds. For more information: Karhu-Kuusamo, tel. +358 400 210 681. The best time of the day for birdwatching is in the morning when the birds are most active. It is possible to observe them while they’re busy looking for food. In addition to bird life, a photographer might get some excellent shots of the blue moment, the Northern Lights, and snow-covered trees. Wintry nature photos are on display at Hannu Hautala’s Nature Photography Centre which also hosts changing photo exhibitions, tel. +358 40 860 8364, www.hannuhautala.fi. The blue moment is exceptionally beautiful at the Kiutaköngäs rapids in the Oulanka National Park. Only a couple of kilometres away from the visitor centre, this spot is not to be missed. More information: Oulanka Visitor Centre, +358 205 64 6850. The Riisitunturi National Park in Posio is a number one day trip destination and a must for the nature photographer. A ski trail leads all the way up to the Riisitunturi fell where a wilderness hut offers a great spot to have a break. Black woodpeckers, tits, and other bird species can be observed on guided birdwatching tours arranged by Kuusamon Lintumatkat. For more information, call +358 500 501 706.

Photos: Hannu Hautala.

Nature & culture

Accommodation Hotels and apartments The Ruka-Kuusamo region’s hotels and apartments are situated at the hub of the Ruka Village or in the heart of Kuusamo town. The region’s high-class hotels offer visitors to the fell a wide variety of other services, such as restaurants, nightclubs, and a countless number of activities. The SkiBus will ferry you quickly from your hotel to the ski trails and slopes as well as to an evening out at Ruka’s restaurants. Hotel Rantasipi Rukahovi

Located in the heart of the Ruka resort. The hotel has 180 rooms. The standard rooms are located in the original part of the hotel. The superior and panorama rooms have balconies. There are 17 different-size suites. An extra bed is available in 109 rooms. The hotel has 3 saunas and conference facilities for 8–260 people. Restaurants, bars, and a nightclub.

Rukahovi Apartments

Holiday Club Kuusamon Tropiikki

Rantasipi Rukahovi’s renovated, cosy apartments are located close to the Kelorinne lift, a 300-meter walk from the hotel. There are 48 different-size apartments suitable for 2–6 people. The apartments have a private sauna, a kitchenette, and a drying cupboard. Bed linen and final cleaning are included in the room’s price. Breakfast available for an additional fee.

Rukankyläntie 15, 93825 Rukatunturi Tel. +358 8 85910, ruka.rantasipi@restel.fi, www.rantasipi.fi Reservations also at www.hotelworld.fi

Holiday Club Kuusamon Tropiikki Apartments

When you wish to stay in a high-quality apartment next to the spa, 15 minutes drive from the slopes of Ruka, book your accommodation at the Holiday Club Kuusamon Tropiikki Apartments. Ask for an offer! Tel. +358 201 100 000, Mon–Fri 8am–6pm, Sat 10am–3pm, www.hcresorts.com

Safari House Apartments

Safari House offers five 90 m2, two-story apartments. Each unit has four twin bedrooms upstairs, a kitchen, a ready-to-use sauna, and a glassed-in balcony downstairs. Extra sleeping space for two. Two units can also be combined. On the street level of the apartment building, there’s the restaurant Zone and a terrace kitchen.

Rukapalvelu Oy

Rukankyläntie 13 93825 Rukatunturi Tel. +358 8 860 8600 safarihouse@rukapalvelu.fi

Chalet Ruka Peak

The Chalet Ruka Peak boutique hotel and Little Peak chalet are situated at the top of the Masto slopes, in the Juhannuskallio area, right by the mast itself. We offer splendid facilities (meeting rooms, Sauna World with a smoke sauna, à la carte restaurant) especially for groups of 5–25 travelling on business or on holiday. Juhannuskalliontie 27 A 93825 Rukatunturi Tel. +358 8 8684 100, +358 400 692 086 info@rukapeak.fi, www.rukapeak.fi

Sokos Hotel Kuusamo

The high-quality RukaSuites apartments (65 x 43 m2, 20 X 55 m2) are located right in the heart of the Ruka resort. The apartments have a private sauna, a separate toilet, a drying cupboard, and Internet access, while the 55 m2 apartments also have an oven and a washing machine. The prices include bed linen and final cleaning. Check-out is at 3 pm! Rukankyläntie 8, 93825 Rukatunturi Sales: www.ski-inn.fi, tel. +358 8 8600 225/ Rukakeskus, sales@ruka.fi Reception: tel. +358 8 8600 290/Ruka Info

Kumpare Apartments

Rukariutta Apartments

Rukariutta Apartments consists of 10 high-quality 60 m² apartments, each of which has two separate bedrooms. The apartments are equipped with a TV, a VCR, a DVD, a stereo, a microwave oven, a dish washer, a washing machine, a sauna, and a fire place. Downstairs you’ll find the K-Market Ruka grocery store, the Neste 24h self-service petrol station, and the Rukahuolto store that rents and maintains snowmobiles. Tel. +358 306 502 530 ruka@finfun.fi

Kylpyläntie, 93600 Kuusamo Tel. +358 201 234 906 myynti.kuusamo@holidayclubhotels.ﬁ www.holidayclubhotels.ﬁ

Ski-Inn RukaSuites

Located in the centre of Kuusamo (about 30 minutes drive from Ruka). The hotel has 169 rooms, 8 mini-suites with a sauna and one full suite. There are excellent conference facilities for 10–250 people. You have access to the walking trails, ski trails, the snowmobile routes straight from the hotel, and by SkiBus you can conveniently be ferried to the Ruka resort. The hotel houses a dining restaurant, a bar, and a legendary dance venue. Kirkkotie 23, 93600 Kuusamo Tel. +358 8 8593 300 hotelkuusamo.kuusamo@sokoshotels.ﬁ www.ruka.fi/sokos, www.sokoshotels.ﬁ

FinFun Ruka

The hotel and spa Holiday Club Kuusamon Tropiikki is located 15 minutes drive from the Ruka resort. The hotel has 123 rooms and 2 suites. The hotel provides spa services, 3 restaurants, treatments at Kapri My Spa, and excellent conference facilities. The adjacent Kuusamo Arena offers bowling, badminton, and tennis.

Proloma

Tel. +358 207 929700 info@proloma.fi

Royal Ruka

The Royal Ruka is a high-class, gasthaus-type hotel right by the fell. Cross-country ski trails start just around the corner, and it’s only 500 metres to the first ski lift. The hotel has 16 rooms, 2 minisuites, a restaurant with 100 seats, a comfortable lounge with a fireplace, conference facilities, a sauna with a Jacuzzi, and a wine cellar with an outstanding selection of wines. Mestantie 1 Tel. +358 8 8686 000 info@royalruka.fi www.ruka.fi/royalruka

Kumpare Apartments (3 one-room units, one tworoom unit, and one three-room unit) for 2–8 people are situated in the heart of the Ruka resort. The prices include bed linen and final cleaning. The reception desk is at Ruka Info, where you can also make reservations for Sports Centre Kumpare, the saunas, and the Kumpare day care centre (additional fee). All the services of the Shopping Centre Kumpare are under one roof: e.g. K-Extra grocery store, Alko liquor store, Metsähallitus customer service point, and public computers. Rukankyläntie 8, 93825 Rukatunturi Tel. +358 8 8600 225 sales@ruka.fi, www.ruka.fi

Accommodation COTTAGES AND OTHER ACCOMMODATION In addition to hotels, the Ruka-Kuusamo region offers accommodation in high-quality holiday apartments and cosy cottages. You may choose to stay in a well-equipped apartment or a peaceful and comfortable cottage. You can find out more about available options and ask for an offer via the booking agencies’ online booking system. More information at: www.ruka.fi/majoitus. FinFun Ruka

FinFun Ruka is a central booking agency in the Ruka-Kuusamo region. We offer you a selection of more than 700 accommodation units. In addition to accommodation, our professional and experienced staff provide you with everything you need on your holiday. FinFun Ruka is a strong and reliable partner for customers as well as for cottage owners. FinFun Ruka takes care of the region’s tourist information needs and caters for both domestic and international visitors at their office in Karhuntassu throughout the year. Accommodation can also be booked via the Internet 24/7 – click online and find out more about our selection! Call or surf – make your holiday reservations with FinFun! Torangintaival 2 (Karhuntassu Tourist Centre), Central booking: tel. +358 306 502 530, Tourist Information: tel. +358 306 502 540

ProLoma

ProLoma offers accommodation services in the RukaKuusamo region reliably and professionally! From our selection, you can find accommodation suitable both for active holidays and peaceful relaxation. You can make your reservation easily and reliably via our online-service 24/7! Kitkantie 15, 93600 Kuusamo Tel. +358 207 929 700 Fax +358 207 929 701 info@proloma.fi www.proloma.fi

Ruka-Ko

Rukan Lomapalvelu Oy

A central booking agency offering more than 100 accommodation options. Rukanriutta 7, 93825 Rukatunturi, Tel. +358 8 8660 088, ruka-ko@ruka-ko.fi, www.ruka-ko.fi

Ski-Inn MastonAitio

Accommodation, programme, and maintenance services. Tel. +358 20 775 1400 (24h) info@rukanlomapalvelu.com, www.lomarengasruka.fi

Ski-Inn AurinkoRinne

Rukan Salonki Chalets

14 luxurious log chalets, especially suited for groups. A private restaurant, Ice Restaurant, a sauna made of ice, and a HiTec smoke sauna. Kemijärventie 235, 93825 Rukatunturi Tel. +358 8 8681 548, +358 40 5349 183, +358 40 5640 938, sales@rukansalonki.fi www.rukansalonki.fi

Ruka Appartements

Accommodation by Lake Talvijärvi in Ruka. www.saunacenterruka.fi

Ollila Holiday Cottages

The high-quality MastonAitio semi-detached houses (60 m2, 70 m2, and 80 m2) are located next to the slopes and the SkiBus route. The units have two or three bedrooms, a fireplace, a sauna, a separate toilet, a drying cupboard, a washing machine, and an Internet connection. Bed linen and final cleaning are included in the price. Check-out is at 3 pm!

Sales: www.ski-inn.fi, tel. +358 8 8600 225 / Rukakeskus, sales@ruka.fi Reception: tel. +358 8 8600 290 / Ruka Info, Rukankyläntie 8, 93825 Rukatunturi

Ruka Travels

Accommodation and transportation services in Ruka. www.rukatravels.fi

Oivanki Youth Centre

Holiday cottages, catering, and recreational services in beautiful and peaceful surroundings. Sossonniementie 216, 93999 Kuusamo Tel. +358 40 565 6598/Marjo +358 400 286 528/Tuomo info@ollilanlomamajat.fi www.ollilanlomamajat.fi Cosy accommodation within walking distance from the Ruka Village. Talvijärventie 10, 93825 Rukatunturi, Tel. +358 8 868 1116, +358 40 554 4892, matkailumaja.heikkala@koillismaa.fi www.heikkala.com

AurinkoRinne 49 m² apartments (58 units) are located next to the Talvijärvi lift, 400 metres from the Ruka Village. Each apartment has two bedrooms, a sauna, a separate toilet, a fireplace, a washing machine, a flat screen TV, and an Internet connection. Bed linen and final cleaning are included in the price. Check-out is at 3 pm!

Inexpensive accommodation, catering, programmes, meeting rooms and other facilities the year round. The services of Ruka and Kuusamo are only 20 minutes away. Tel. +358 40 8608 608, oivanki@kuusamo.fi www.kuusamo.fi/oivanki

Ruka Residences

High-quality cottages (2–6 bedrooms/unit) near the Ruka slopes. Tel. +358 50 3674 842 info@rukaresidences.fi, www.rukaresidences.fi

Petäjälampi Holiday Village

High-quality cottages in a quiet area, a spa, sports tracks, and a sports centre nearby. Petäjälammentie 6, 93600 Kuusamo Tel. +358 8 8521 111, info@kuusanka.fi www.kuusanka.fi

Heikkala Cottages

Isokenkäisten Klubi Cosy accommodation for groups. Great cottages. Restaurant Klubi is a private restaurant for up to 80 people.

Heikinjärventie 3, 93999 Kuusamo Tel. +358 400 972 260, +358 40 7066 839 info@isokenkaistenklubi.com www.isokenkaistenklubi.com

Shopping

Stay stylish at the fell What you wear when you go out in wintry weather is not a matter of indifference. You will enjoy winter’s delights twice as much when your clothes are functional and protect you from the cold and the wind – and look stylish! Kirsi Myllynen, the store manager at Safari Shop, reveals what the hottest trends are at the freezing fell this winter. “This winter’s fell fashion favours many different looks,” Kirsi Myllynen says. “Designs offer many alternatives from patterned eye-catchers to casual, stylish or classic options. This season’s latest trends are shiny fabrics, beautiful patterns as well as checks and stripes.” In addition to stylishness, it is also important to keep a few other things in mind when choosing what to wear. “Dressing in layers is the key,” Kirsi explains. “Closest to your skin you should wear functional underwear. The next layer should consist of garments made of fleece or soft shell. The top-most layer should be wind-proof and water-proof outerwear. The outfit is finished off with a hat, gloves and shoes appropriate to particular winter activities.” Located in the centre of Ruka, Safari Shop offers all necessary clothing and accessories needed to enjoy various winter activities. In addition, from late winter onwards the shelves and clothes racks boast a diverse selection of the latest summer fashion. “We have both casual and elegant brand-name fashion items available,” Kirsi says. “We carry stylish summer outerwear by Columbia, underwear by Odlo, and shoes by Sorel and Oscar, in addition to Columbia. Our sweater and shirt selection includes articles by Boomerang.” Safari Shop is open daily. Kirsi hopes to see vast crowds of shoppers in the upcoming winter. “On behalf of everyone at Safari Shop, I warmly welcome you to browse through our diverse selection of fell fashion!” Kirsi concludes with a cheerful smile.

Tip In the centre of Ruka, outerwear is sold at: Safari Shop/Rukapalvelu Oy HaltiStore/Kumpare Shopping Centre RukaShop/Kumpare Shopping Centre

Shopping » Shopping in Ruka In the Ruka-Kuusamo region, you will find several shops offering quality, brand-name items to serve all needs. Whether it is clothes or souvenirs that you are looking for, you will have plenty to choose from. And if you are spending Christmas here, there’s no need to carry all the presents from home, either. The wide selection at the local shops provides you with everything from ceramics to skis.

Shopping in Kuusamo Bjarmia A lovely shopping spot in the centre of Kuusamo. A ceramics studio and gift shop offering Marimekko and handicraft products, as well as souvenirs. The shop also houses a café. Vienantie 1, tel. +358 8 853 869

RukaShop

RukaProShop

Brand-name items from clothes to souvenirs. Open daily. Kumpare Shopping Centre, Rukankyläntie 8, tel. +358 8 8600 236

Skiing and snowboarding gear. Open daily during the skiing season. Kumpare Shopping Centre, Rukankyläntie 8, tel. +358 8 8600 352

Rukapalvelu’s Safari Shop

Kalle Palander HaltiStore

The way to any adventure is through the Safari Shop. We provide Rukapalvelu’s weekly programmes, rental equipment, visas, and Russian car insurance as well as top-quality outerwear from Columbia. Rukapalvelu/Safari Shop Rukankyläntie 13, tel. +358 8 860 8600

Top-quality Halti products. Open daily. Kumpare Shopping Centre, Rukankyläntie 8, tel. +358 8 8600 237

Q Mode Gifts and souvenirs: home textiles, kitchenware, tableware, lamps, and decorative items, such as Finnish design glass. Rukankyläntie, tel. +358 8 868 1865

Service providers

SIMPLY THE BEST THE PLACE TO

FONDUE AND

WINE AND DINE

RACLETTE IN LAPLAND

REINDEER SOUP Á LA PISTE

CHEESE FONDUE

CARPACCIO OF REINDEER

CHEESE FONDUE WITH HERBS

Mousse of reindeer fawn liver, cranberry and apple compote rucola-unripened cheese dressing

Cheese fondue seasoned with herbs. Served with bread cubes and vegetables; marinated garlic, fresh pepper, olives, broccoli, pickled cucumber, peaches and fresh champignons.

ESCARGOTS Á LA PISTE

RACLETTE WITH VEGETABLES

Soup of green pepper cheese with sautéed reindeer and morels. Served with rye bread (Without morels on request)

Escargots gratinated with goat cheese, flavoured with pesto and garlic

TARTAR OF WHITE FISH

Cold smoked tartar of white fish, sorbet of dill and sour cream with sweet dough rye bread and egg

VEGETABLE AND HALLOUM CHEESE SKEWERS barley risotto flavoured with herbs and pea puree

ARCTIC CHAR GRILLED ON LAVA STONES

Cheese fondue with bread cubes and vegetables; marinated garlic, fresh pepper, olives, broccoli, pickled cucumber, peaches and fresh champignons.

Raclette cheese and baked potato, salad of forest mushrooms and garlic- and lightly peppered chilli sour cream. Served with marinated garlic, sundryed tomato, fresh pepper, olives, carrot, broccoli, pickled cucumber, peaches and fresh champignons.

TRADITIONAL RACLETTE

Traditional raclette with raclette cheese, baked potato and garlic sour cream. Choose accompaniniment: smoked reindeer, fried chicken or cold smoked salmon. Served with marinated garlic, olives, pickled cucumber, peaches and fesh champignons.

RACLETTE WITH THREE CHEESE

Barleyrisotto with beetroot, springoniontomatocompot and tomatohollandaise foam

Raclette of three cheeses; goat milk, raclette and camembert. Served with prosciutto ham and cold smoked reindeer, baked potato and vegetables; marinated garlic, sundryed tomato, fresh pepper, olives, pickled cucumber and peaches.

VEGETABLE AND CHICKEN-HALLOUM CHEESE SKEWERS

VEGETABLE FONDUE

PAN A´LA PISTE

TRADITIONAL MEAT FONDUE

Noisettes of beef and pork, moose sausage from Kuusamo, creamed sauerkraut, bacon and onion sauce

Fillet of beef and reindeer to poach in strong stock. Served with salad of forest mushrooms, peppered chilli- and garlic sour cream, French fries and vegetables; marinated garlic, peaches, pickled cucumber, broccoli, carrots and fresh champignons.

FILLET OF BEEF FROM LAVA STONE GRILL

GAME FONDUE

Marinated with garlic, pea puree. With your choice of side course: Salad, wedged potatoes or barley risotto flavoured with herbs

garlic potatoes and garlic chips, redwine sauce

ONION STEAK

creamed onions flavoured with chili. wedged potatoes, redwine sauce

FRIED FILLET OF REINDEER AND REINDEER FAWN LIVER cranberry and apple compote, potatoes flavoured with thyme, Grand Veneur sauce

HAMBURGER OF THE HOUSE

Beef burger with two steaks, bacon, cheddar cheese served with pommes frites and redwine sauce

TRADITIONAL FINNISH BREAD PUDDING Pan-fried sweet bun and vanilla ice cream, Jam made of blueberries from Kuusamo forests

FRUIT COMPOTE WITH MANGO SORBET CHOCOLATE MARQUIS

Mocca mousse and chocolate pistachio biscuit

STRAWBERRY SANDWICH

white chocolate-rum foam with strawberry sauce

MOUSSE OF BRIE CHEESE

Apricot compote with apricot sauce

Sales Tel. +358 8 8600 225 or sales@ruka.fi

Menus and info: ski.ruka.fi

Vegetables to dip in strong vegetable stock; marinated garlic, peaches, pickled cucumber, fresh champignons, broccoli, carrots and fresh pepper. Served with salad of forest mushrooms and peppered- and garlic sour cream.

Fillet of venison and hare to poach in strong game stock. Served with baked potato, salad of forest mushrooms, sour cream flavoured with garlic and blue cheese, black currant jelly and lingonberry sauce flavoured with Finlandia Vodka and vegetables; marinated garlic, peaches, pickled cucumber, broccoli, carrots and fresh champignons.

Service providers

LKV Ruka Real Estate Agency EERO HENTTU

+358 (0)400 561 530 Kauppakeskus Kumpare Rukatunturintie 9 FI-93825 Rukatunturi

� / fax +358 (0)88 166 000 eero.henttu@lkv-ruka.fi www.lkv-ruka.fi

Taxi Center Kuusamo-Ruka Ruka Ski Center

Tel. 0100-84200 Kuusamo

City Center

Kelokoto LUXURIOUS HOLIDAY ACCOMMODATION

ProLoma.fi

ate pola

Northern Lights Park Snowmobile safaris Catering DMC Call or visit us: www.weturi.net +358-40-8388809 WETURI.NET DMC SAFARI CATERING

Weturi Ltd Kuusamo airport,

Lentokentäntie FI-93600 Kuusamo Finland

We are the outdoor activities company in Ruka. Experience Aurora Lapland with us !

perienc

Kuusamon Erä-Safari Oy/Kuusamo Safaris, Kotatie 1, 93825 Rukatunturi Tel. +358 (0) 400 326 690 E-mail: info@kuusamosafaris.fi; www.kuusamosafaris.fi

Snowmobile Safaris Rent a snowmobile Husky Safari Ice fishing Safari Reindeer sleigh Safari Rent a cross-country Ski

Snowfun

KUUSAMON JA RUKAN MAJOITUSPALVELUT

www.kelokoto.fi tel. +358 50 367 6916

Fully equipped semi-detached holiday cottage next to Ruka slopes

Northern Lights Park

Service providers

Nature & Culture

A splendid play in four acts Ruka and Kuusamo are full of life all year round. The four distinct seasons give the cycle of the year a special character and dress nature in a new outfit time after time. Autumn, winter, spring, and summer all offer a distinctive backdrop for various activities. Each season is unique and as delightful as the other three.

Winter is filled with wonder Winter is the longest of the seasons in Finland. The first snow often visits the ground as early as September, while in October the skiing season is in full swing in Ruka! In summer we get to enjoy the light nights, but early winter is the time to take pleasure in atmospheric candlelit evenings. Near the Arctic Circle, the sun stays above the horizon for only a few hours a day in midwinter and the days pass in soft dimness. This is thus an excellent time to head up north to calm down and listen to the silence. Christmas, too, is a festival full of feeling here: come alone or with your family, retreat into the shelter of the forest and find the true Christmas spirit.

A different kind of winter starts when the days grow longer in March and April. The amount of light starts increasing again and the sun provides extra energy for those enjoying the fresh outdoors. The light seems even brighter now than in summer, since the white snow makes the sunlight even more intense. Now the snow becomes hard enough to walk on and ski trails and slopes are in excellent condition – to get the most out of all this, head to the top of the fell and speed down on skis, snowboard, or toboggan. Tame the wilderness aboard a snowmobile or engage in a profound dialogue with it while exploring the landscapes on skis or snowshoes. A winter holiday in Kuusamo is always a refreshing break!

Spring is a time for a new beginning Spring has officially begun when the mercury permanently hovers between 0ºC and +10ºC. Spring is the shortest of the seasons in Finland, but it is also the most intense: Mother Nature starts waking her children up from winter sleep and a new period begins once the snow cover starts melting away. Smells and colours become richer and warm temperatures prepare nature for summer joys. Particularly for nature lovers, spring is the perfect time to come to Kuusamo, since the period between winter and summer makes for a unique display of opposites: There is still glittering snow on the ground, but at the same time, the amount of light increases and nature is full of life. For birdwatchers, the highlights of spring are the nesting of the common crane and the goose and the return of the Finnish national bird, the whooper swan. The king of the forest, the bear, will also dig his way out of his den in May. The awakening of nature is thus visible from a rich variety of angles.

Tip » In Kuusamo, you can spot bird species that are rare elsewhere in Europe. Try your luck in catching sight of the red-flanked bluetail, the greenish warbler, the Siberian jay or the pine grosbeak through your binoculars. There are several birdwatching towers in the Kuusamo region. For more information, click www.ruka.fi. Guided birdwatching tours are arranged by, e.g., Kuusamon Lintumatkailu, for more information, call Olli Lamminsuo +358 500 501 706.

Tip » Get to know the forest’s large beasts on a guided bear-watching trip. You’ll get the chance to observe what the king of the forest is up to from a special bearwatching hut. The huts have openings for cameras and binoculars. In addition to bears, you might see wolves, wolverines, golden eagles, and white-tailed eagles in their natural surroundings. For more information, contact Ruka Safaris, Articmedia or Karhu-Kuusamo.

Nature & Culture

Summer equals fun – day and night

Summer begins when the mean temperature of the day permanently rises above +10ºC (50ºF). The closer to the Arctic Circle we are, the more light there is all day round. In midsummer, the sun doesn’t set at all in Kuusamo, which makes summer an excellent season to enjoy nature’s joys! The summer’s big draw in Kuusamo is the Oulanka National Park, where rugged wilderness landscapes provide a perfect arena for an action-filled summer day. Go hiking on the flank of a tree-covered hill and feel the soft lichen under your feet. Take a break at a lean-to or a wilderness hut. Several hiking trails of different

lengths and difficulty levels crisscross the Ruka-Kuusamo region – you can choose a different kind for each day of your holiday! The Karhunkierros Trail (Bear’s Trail) offers a first-class hiking experience for 3–4 days, after which you’ll feel one with the wilderness. The map of the Ruka-Kuusamo region is dotted with blue spots, the most famous of which – the rivers Oulanka and Kitka – offer not only breathtaking scenery but also excellent possibilities for canoeing, rafting, and fishing. Jump aboard a raft or a canoe and you’ll see yet another face of the wilderness.

Tip » Many of the regions’ service providers arrange guided canoeing, rafting and fishing trips. The service providers’ contact information can be found at www.ruka.fi or on page 7 of this magazine.

Autumn is the most colourful of the seasons Autumn begins sneaking in after the warm summer days and it has officially started when the mean temperature of the day permanently stays below +10ºC (50ºF). After the night temperatures first drop below the freezing point, nature starts changing into a festive outfit. The summer forest that flirted in different shades of green not long ago turns into a beautiful painting of yellows, oranges, and reds. Now, it’s time to go out and celebrate the diversity of nature. Take advantage of Mother Nature’s generous buffet: the woods are filled with sweet berries and tasty mushrooms. Pick as many as you like – nature’s treasure trove is overflowing.

Tip » Many of the restaurants in Kuusamo modify their menus according to the season. You can also learn how to prepare tempting gourmet meals yourself in the Studio Restaurant Tundra’s cooking courses! For more information, contact Tundra +358 40 7738 000.

Service providers