Kiilopää Challenge

Participant Info

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Welcome to the Kiilopää Ski on Saturday, December 12, 2026!

Event Center and Arrival

  • The event center is located at Suomen Latu Kiilopää (Kiilopääntie 620, 99830 Saariselkä). See directions to Kiilopää here.
  • Parking at Kiilopää is allowed in designated parking areas or as directed by traffic marshals. Keep emergency routes and the bus turnaround clear at all times.
  • Parking is limited, so we recommend that skiers coming from Saariselkä take the shuttle bus to the race site.

Shuttle Buses between Kiilopää and Saariselkä on Event Day

A free event day shuttle bus will run between Saariselkä and Kiilopää. This is the preliminary schedule, which will be finalized in November.

Shuttle 1: Saariselkä -Kiilopää
Riekonlinna 07:45 – Holiday Club Hotel 07:50 – Kuukkeli 07:55 – Savotta cafe 08:05 – Tievatupa (on Kiilopääntie) 08:15 – Kiilopää 08:20

Shuttle 2: Kiilopää- Saariselkä
Kiilopää 15:30 – Tievatupa 15:35 – Savotta cafe 15:50 – Kuukkeli 15:55 – Holiday Club Hotel 16:00 – Riekonlinna 16:05

Schedule and Program

Ski waxing

Bring your skis for race waxing already on Thursday. Ready skis can be picked up the next morning. The race waxing for 40 kilometer and 5 kilometer competitive series will be provided by Suomen Latu’s partner Vauhti.

  • Book and pay for waxing in advance here (Race waxing prices: Glide & Grip €40, Glide €30, Grip €30)

The grip waxing for excursion serie is including at the price of participation fee. Bring your skis for grip waxing already on Thursday. Ready skis can be picked up the next morning. You can pick the skis also on Saturday morning.

  • Book the grip waxing in advance here

Storage and Changing Rooms

  • Changing rooms, showers, and storage for belongings are located in the lower level of Kiilopää’s main building.

Equipment Rentals

  • Kiilopää Adventures is located in the lower level of Kiilopää’s main building. The rental shop is open on Friday from 9-17 and on Saturday from 9-17.

INFORMATION FOR 40 KM RACE PARTICIPANTS

  • Technique: Classic or freestyle.
  • Categories: M/F
  • The route consists of a wide, well-maintained, two-way track.
  • Routes: The final route will be confirmed in early December based on snow conditions. Updates will be posted on our website.
    There is no lighting on the first kilometers of the routes, so bring a headlamp!
  • Aid stations will be at the reindeer gate and Laanila, offering drinks, raisins, potato chips and pickles.
  • Finish Line: Located at the UK National Park gate at Kiilopää’s courtyard.
  • For Withdrawals: If you withdraw, notify the race director at +358 44 901 5771. Save the number in your phone.
  • Results: Competitive category results will be posted here.

INFORMATION FOR 5 KM RACE PARTICIPANTS

  • Technique: Classic or freestyle.
  • Categories: M/F
  • The route consists of a wide, well-maintained, two- and one-way track.
  • Routes: After the start, head towards along the Kiilopää-Saariselkä main ski tracks. After about a kilometer, turn onto the old illuminated fitness trail in Kiilopää, which you loop around clockwise. After the loop, return back to Kiilopää along the main ski tracks.
  • Aid stations will be at the finish line, offering warm juice, ginger bread and potato chips
  • Finish Line: Located at the UK National Park gate at Kiilopää’s courtyard.
  • For Withdrawals: If you withdraw, notify the race director at +358 44 901 5771. Save the number in your phone.
  • Results: Competitive category results will be posted here.

INFORMATION FOR EXCURSION SERIE PARTICIPANTS

  • Technique: Classic only.
  • The route is a traditional wilderness track, groomed by snowmobile and track sled. The route passes through varied terrain in Urho Kekkonen National Park, mostly outside regular ski trails. Some descents require caution, which will be marked. The route is not maintained after the event and will not be lit. Bring a headlamp as the polar night falls early!
  • Route: The route passes through Ahopää’s slopes, follows Latvakuru’s base, then heads towards Ruijanpolku and the reindeer gate. After passing Sivakkaoja, it continues through ancient forest before returning to Kiilopää. See the route map here.
  • Direct route to the finish line: There are three shorter direct route back to the Kiilopää
    • The shortest ski track is about 9 km.
    • The second direct route is about 12 km.
    • There is also possible to ski about 17 or 20 km route.
  • Aid Stations:
    • Latvakuru hut (hot drinks, snacks)
    • Sivakkaoja shelter (heavier snacks, drinks)
    • Niilanpää reindeer cabin (hot drinks, snacks)
  • Finish Line: At the gate of UK National Park, in the yard area of Kiilopää. NOTE! The finish line is downhill, so approach it with caution, being mindful of other skiers and people moving around in the yard area.
  • For Withdrawals: If you withdraw, notify the race director at +358 44 901 5771. Save the number in your phone.
  • Recommended Equipment: Bring a backpack with water, spare clothes, and snacks. We recommend taking a cup and a seat pad for breaks. Remember charge your phone!

 

FLUORINE BAN

The use of fluorinated ski waxes is strictly prohibited. Mass skiing events organized under the Ski Association are subject to fluorine monitoring and enforcement of the ban. Fluorine testing may be carried out at all mass skiing events. In all monitoring situations, national guidelines and the instructions of the equipment control director must be followed. Monitoring is primarily focused on top-level athletes.Further information on fluorine-free skiing and fluorine monitoring is available on the Ski Association’s fluorine-free website: https://hiihtoliitto.fi/hiihtoliitto/fluorittomuus/

For more information on the Kiilopää Ski Race: Race Director Satu Salminen, satu.salminen@suomenlatu.fi, +358 44 901 5771.

WELCOME to the Kiilopää Ski Race in the snowy, serene atmosphere of Urho Kekkonen National Park!

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