Lapland skiers out after heaviest snowfall so far

Yle News
Posted: Thursday, November 12, 2015 at 19:01 — Last Updated: Tuesday, January 5, 2016 at 16:38
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"I'm just trying to keep up with her!" Pentti Mäkinen and his wife Sirje were among the skiers in Saariselkä testing out the heaviest snowfall so far this autumn. (Jarmo Siivikko / Yle) — “I’m just trying to keep up with her!” Pentti Mäkinen and his wife Sirje were among the skiers in Saariselkä testing out the heaviest snowfall so far this autumn. (Jarmo Siivikko / Yle)

Up to 24 centimetres of snow fell across Lapland on Wednesday, coercing many skiers out onto the tracks for the first time this season.

The heaviest snowfall of the autumn so far fell across most of Lapland on Wednesday. According to the Finnish Meteorological Institute, over 20 centimetres of snow fell in some places, with Kemijärvi airport recording 24 centimetres.

Biggest snowfall so far

Although Lapland’s first snow of the season fell during October this year, which is broadly in line with average, Wednesday’s snowfall was the deepest and most widespread so far.

In the village of Saariselkä, the snow brought both professional and amateur skiers outside.

Ski-shooting enthusiast Tuomas Puputti said he was training to get in shape for the winter. “There’s a good atmosphere when the nature’s all covered in white. This definitely beats slushy Helsinki,” he said.

Pentti Mäkinen was also out on his skis for the first time this autumn with his wife, Sirje. “My aim is to try and keep up with her,” Mäkinen puffed.