Winter diary

Condition of our long nordic skating track may change rapidly, even during the same day. The tracks are maintained every day (outside heavy snowfall days). Usually skating tracks opens end of December/start of January and closes around end of March. See all ice routes from Winter Routes map.

12.3. ACTIVITY TIPS FOR THE WEEKEND

The signs for the skating trail were removed yesterday and the use of ice trails this season has ended. Tips for the weekend:

Cycling is recommended with fatbikes at the moment, the 5km Puulajireitti is recommended. You can also cycle along Topeliusen Path. The fatbike has grip in slippery spots due to the tire width.
Snowshoeing is still possible in the Arboretum near the Kokonharju Trail and on the Hakin Kierros.
Hiking is already possible on the Kokonharju Trail and other trails marked on summer maps, good hiking shoes are required due to local snow/slush. In the ridge-area, visit the Takaharju scenic spot.
Winter swimming/beach sauna is warm on our beach daily until the end of March. Sauna shifts continue until the end of April.

Inkeritalo waffle café is open on saturday 14.3. on the Kruunupuisto shore from 10 am to 4 pm.

Tue 10.3. Ice season is now finished!

at 12.00: A longer ice tour was done to assess the situation more closely, yes spring is now progressing very quickly: Water is rising on the ice and the surface is very soft. Except for a few places, it will hardly be suitable for skating in the mornings in the future, and kick-starting/cycling also requires dry conditions. Skiing on ice tracks is also watery/soft.

We are now going to collect the ice signs and the daily checks of the ice routes will be stopped for today. We are very grateful for the ice season, a little shorter than normally, but it was unusually even on the frosty nights!

at 9.00: Again! Good ice. Come before midday, surface goes soft in afternoon. Its possible that conditions repeat the following mornings.

Mon 9.3. at 9 skating morning

Could be the last skating day if forecasts dont change: Last night was little bit cold, so surface is skatable this morning!
Changes of snow amount on ice has not yet started so looks to be skating morning. After this day, most likely snow on ice starts to melt.

Sun 8.3 at 9

Ice surface starts to go soft for skating, kick sledding recommended.

FRI 6.3. AT 10.30 TODAY SKATING, MAINTENANCE IS SUSPENDED.

IN GREAT WEATHER THIS WEEKEND: SKATING AND SKIING IN THE MORNING, AT OTHER TIMES YOU CAN ACCESS THE ROUTE BY KICK-SLEDS, FATBIKES!

The routes have been skated through and are currently being planed: Moderately good to go today! Although air pockets have formed in places. Route from our shore to the halfway point of the Siplahti route and to the Haataansaari campfire site. Closed routes/turnaround points marked with plow sticks.

However, last night's frost was not enough for the conditions to stabilize for the weekend and for to re-open the closed route sections. The forecast for following nights frost is too little and the daytime will be very warm, so maintenance is suspended as of today.

You can skate on the route (with caution) today and at least on Saturday morning, and you can also use a kick sled and bikes later! Track fees are no longer charged, as maintenance is suspended.

CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING: The cross-country skiing tracks next to the ice routes were maintained in the morning, Friday's conditions looked at least great. So, skiing in the mornings of weekend - you can get to the track behind our rental shop, the track takes you through the holiday village to the ice tracks.
SAT-SUN ICE ACTIVITIES: We will check out the skating route by skating through Sat-Sun morning before the rental shop opens. We recommend the morning activity. Most definitely: stay on the route!
EQUIPMENT RENTAL: Sat 9-15, Sun 9-13 (you can return equipments to the restaurant)

We haven't yet given up on the ice season, the weather forecast is changeable and if/when the night frosts continue, the ice activities may continue. :)

THU 5.3. AT 10 TRACKS CLOSED TODAY

Due to last nights wet snowfall which is partially frozen to tracks, we cannot maintain the track today: We have to wait for it to freeze in todays and next nights temperature. Today skating closed, friday open.

Estimate for the next few days: With these forecasts, skating on Friday until late afternoon, by the end of the day the ice surface will probably be softer. For Saturday and possibly for sunday, we estimate skating conditions for the morning. Rental open sat-sun 9-15 and conditions will be checked before opening. Kick-sled conditions every day and routes accessible by bike.

TUE 3.3. AT 9 SKATING DAY

Was enough cold night, today we skate again. 13 km of routes. Ice surface needs planing and warm day temperature helps also.

Following days/weekend:
We estimate that following days (most likely weekend also) are suitable also, as it forecasts enough cold night temperatures. We recommend to come in the morning, as in the afternoon the ice surface might go too soft (depending on previous night temperature). Updates will be given daily if conditions change.

MON 2.3. AT 16 TOMORROW (PERHAPS) SKATING DAY

Today the trails were plowed all day yesterday's wet snowfall. If tomorrow night's frost comes true as predicted, we believe that skating will be successful between our shore-Kruunupuisto, Siplahti and Haataansaari (approx. 13 km of skating). Using a Kick-Spark sled will definitely be successful. We will check in the morning and possibly use ice cutter, because the trail surface left a lot of marks from plowing in this weather.

The Valkialampi and Kaarnalahti loops are closed, these have a thicker layer of water on the trail, it will not freeze again with the frost next night.

Future days will be assessed tomorrow. Small changes in weather forecast matters.

Sumpunlahti:
The Sumpunlahti trail was also plowed, this will probably only be a winter hiking trail in the future, because there is a larger area of snow and water halfway through the trail.

STARTING POINT: It is from the Harjun Porti shore, stay on the wide plowed trail.
CYCLISTS/WALKS: Stay on plowed skating trails. Lots of water and variable ice conditions outside of the skating trails.

SUN 1.3. AT 10

Morning skates today: Night was warm so ice surface now goes soft. Valkialampi and Kaarnalahti routes closed due to water. We wait on cold nights, looks to come in 1-2 days.

SAT 28.2. AT 9 SKATING DAY AHEAD

At 12: Now Haataansaari and Siplahti routes open, 17km of tracks! Estimate of sunday is that we skate. Recommended to come in the morning.

At 9: Wet in places on the trails, meaning water has risen on the trails in a few places, but it does not prevent skating. The surface is suitable for skating now. Sunday's and mondays conditions will be assessed later in the day, as the daytime temperature will rise.

Welcome to the ice day! The opening of other trails continues today. Weather forecast is quite alright for following week, hopefully enough cold nights come soon.

SKI TRAILS & SNOWSHOEING: See trail monitoring below. There is now enough snow in the terrain for snowshoeing.

FRI 27.2. AT 9 SKATING AFTERNOON AHEAD!

Huge amount of heavy snow on the ice, but plowing has been going on for several hours. Today we can skate in the afternoon. We will try to get the route to Kruunupuisto open by about 11 am. After this, we will start opening the Kaarnalahti and Valkialampi routes, opening these and spreading the routes is the entire task of today. On Saturday, we will tackle the other routes.

This afternoon, skating will be possible on the above routes if the work progresses as expected. We estimate that tomorrow, Saturday, skating will be possible as well, despite the warm weather. The situation on Sunday will be reviewed separately tomorrow, skating will probably be possible.

CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING TRAILS: The ski trail around the research forest is now open and its a great route. Ice skiing trails are not most likely to be driven during weekend due to warm weather, See the ski trail monitoring here.

WED 25.2. NO MAINTENANCE TOMORROW + ABOUT FORECAST

Great conditions today. No maintenance tomorrow due to snowstorm. On friday we continue (check yesterdays post about forecast!), from friday afternoon we expect a full skating weekend. Details will matter, so we will see. Information will be given.
Equipments from restaurant between thu-fri. Sat-Sun open normally. Nice amount of snow now for snow activites!

CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING TRAILS: The ski trail around the research forest is now open and its a great route. Ice trails are not 100% sure to be driven before weekend due to weather forecast, See the ski trail monitoring here.

TUE 24.2. GREAT CONDITIONS TOMORROW + ABOUT FORECAST

A great day for skating today and a 24km skating run is possible. Great weather is expected on Wednesday! Pancake Hut is open on Wednesday from 12-16 and great conditions on the ice rinks.

FORECAST:
A snowstorm is expected on Thursday and then the first, seemingly short, period of plus degrees of the winter. It's challenging to say in advance, but if we get enough snow removed from the trails and their edges Thursday-Friday, we expect a full skating weekend Friday afternoon-Sunday: The surface of the trail is usually not affected by the first couple of plus days (skating suitability) and if the snow has been pushed far enough, water will not necessarily rise onto the trail in first 1-2 warm days. We are already working hard in advance for this and a plowing project is expected on Friday.

MON 23.2. AT 17.40

All routes have now been opened despite some machine problems (except the return loop from Haataansaari, which we are not focusing on yet). There came plenty amount of snow (and wind), so we will continue spreading and cleaning the routes on Tuesday. The ice surface is good, so great conditions are expected. :)

Valkialampi loop (approx. 2 km)
Kaarnalahti loop (approx. 2 km)
Harjun Portti - Kruunupuisto (approx. 5 km round trip)
Haataansaari route back and forth (approx. 5 km)
Siplahti (approx. 4 km round trip from Kruunupuisto)
Sumpunlahti additional route (approx. 9 km round trip from Siplahti), this ice is for experienced skaters.

CAFES: Harjun Portti café-restaurant open daily. Along the skating trail, the Inkeritalo waffle café is open from 14.2.-1.3. Thu-Sun (check opening hours on the Kruunupuisto website). Our beach Pancake Hut is open as a pop-up café this week Tue-Wed 12-16.

CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING TRAILS: The ski trail situation in the region has also improved: The ski trail in resort is in great condition, the best tracks are still on the ice. The ski trail around the research forest is now open. See the ski trail monitoring here.

FRI 20.2. AT 20: WEEKEND

Great skating day on saturday coming! Lots of snow incoming sat-sun night, but we expect that on sunday there is also full skating day ahead: On sunday we will start pushing the snow away from 9 onwards and continue throughout the day.

WED 18.2. 24 KM OF ROUTES AND STEADY FORECAST

Routes mostly in good condition, excellent ice surface can also be found. Best ice in Valkialampi&Kaarnalahti direction! Overall great situation and forecast. Cold days make those tiny cracks on ice surface, so watch the ice when skating. On friday we have a Torch Skating event.

SKATING ROUTES
Open the skating map here.

Valkialampi loop (approx. 2 km)
Kaarnalahti loop (approx. 2 km)
Harjun Portti - Kruunupuisto (approx. 5 km round trip)
Haataansaari loop (approx. 5 km)
Siplahti (approx. 4 km round trip from Kruunupuisto)
Sumpunlahti additional route (approx. 9 km round trip from Siplahti), this ice is for experienced skaters.

EQUIPMENT RENTAL: Open sat-sun 10-17, weekdays 10-16. You can also return equipments to restaurant.
WINTER HIKING TRAILS: You can walk and cycle on the edge of skating track. A winter hiking trail has been plowed to Sumpunlahti.
ICE ROUTE STARTING AREA: Stay on marked routes, especially in the first 500m of our skating track (there is several signs). There is a wide path next to skating route in this area, do not go outside these trails.
CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING TRAILS: See the track monitoring here. Currently, the snow conditions allow freestyle skiing near the holiday village (forest trails are closed) and both types of skiing on the ice trails. So ice routes recommended and great to go!
CAFE´S: Our cafe-restaurant open daily. Waffle cafe along the skating route is open 14.2-1.3. between thu-sun. Pancake Hut open in our shore friday 17-21 and next weeks tue-wed 12-16.

MON 16.2.

Fridays track situation! Pancake Hut open in our shore tue-wed 12-16! Also open friday evening in our Torch Skating event.

FRI 13.2. EXCELLENT SITUATION

SKATING ROUTES

Valkialampi loop (approx. 2 km)
Kaarnalahti loop (approx. 2 km)
Harjun Portti - Kruunupuisto (approx. 5 km round trip)
Haataansaari loop (approx. 5 km)
Siplahti (approx. 4 km round trip from Kruunupuisto)
Sumpunlahti additional route (approx. 9 km round trip from Siplahti), this ice is for experienced skaters.

EQUIPMENT RENTAL: Open sat-sun 10-17, weekdays 10-16. You can also return equipments to restaurant.
WINTER HIKING TRAILS: You can walk and cycle on the edge of skating track. A winter hiking trail has been plowed to Sumpunlahti.
CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING TRAILS: See the track monitoring here. Currently, the snow conditions allow freestyle skiing near the holiday village (forest trails are closed) and both types of skiing on the ice trails. So ice routes recommended and great to go.
CAFE´S: Our cafe-restaurant open daily. Waffle cafe along the skating route is open 14.2-1.3. between thu-sun.

MON 9.2. 24 KM OPEN

Snowy days ahead (great!), does not affect skatings before friday as snow is light and fast to remove from ice routes. Daily work continues and conditions are good in general!

WED 4.2. 24 KM OF ROUTES

Very stable weather forecast! Routes mostly in good condition, excellent ice surface can also be found. Best ice in Valkialampi&Kaarnalahti direction! Sumpunlahti additional route (9 km) ice is only suitable for experienced skaters.
Cold days make those tiny cracks on ice surface, so watch the ice when skating. Great opportunities for the skating now! Open the skating map here.

SKATING ROUTES

Valkialampi loop (approx. 2 km)
Kaarnalahti loop (approx. 2 km)
Harjun Portti - Kruunupuisto (approx. 5 km round trip)
Haataansaaren loop (approx. 5 km)
Siplahti (approx. 4 km round trip from Kruunupuisto)
Sumpunlahti additional route (approx. 9 km round trip from Siplahti), ice is ice for experienced skaters.

WINTER HIKING TRAILS: You can walk and cycle on the edge of skating track. A winter hiking trail has been plowed to Sumpunlahti.
CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING TRAILS: See the track monitoring here. Currently, the snow conditions allow freestyle skiing near the holiday village (forest trails are closed) and both types of skiing on the ice trails. So ice routes recommended.

FRI 30.1. NOW 24 KM OF ROUTES

The additional Sumpunlahti route (approx. 9 km round trip from Siplahti) has been planed to such an extent that the route is now suitable for experienced skaters! Beginner skaters are recommended to stay on our other lanes for the time being, which total 17 km.

Check information from Thursday's update for the weekend. Open the skating map here.

THU 29.1. WEEKEND INFO

Daily track maintenance continues, long ice tracks always have quality improvements and snow removal. The general condition of the tracks is good, of course there are also some uneven spots. Departure from the shore of Harjun Portti. 17 km of routes open.

SKATING ROUTES

Valkialampi loop (approx. 2 km)
Kaarnalahti loop (approx. 2 km)
Harjun Portti - Kruunupuisto (approx. 5 km round trip)
Haataansaaren loop (approx. 5 km)
Siplahti (approx. 4 km round trip from Kruunupuisto)

EQUIPMENT RENTAL: Sat-Sun 12-16 (due to cold forecast), you can return equipments to restaurant.
WINTER HIKING TRAILS: You can walk and cycle on the edge of skating track. A winter hiking trail has been plowed to Sumpunlahti, which will be planed to skating condition in the near future. You can see the routes on the map above.
CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING TRAILS: See the track monitoring here.

FRI 23.1. 17 KM AND GOOD

General rating of the routes is good: Most of them are good, of course there are always uneven spots. Valkialampi/Kaarnalahti are really good! Departure for the routes from the shore of Harjun Portti. Yesterday we froze some routes with pumping the water from lake.

SKATING TRACKS:

Valkialampi loop (approx. 2 km)
Kaarnalahti loop (approx. 2 km)
Harjun Portti - Kruunupuisto (approx. 5 km round trip)
Haataansaari loop (approx. 5 km)
Siplahti (approx. 4 km round trip from Kruunupuisto)

WINTER HIKING TRAILS & CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING ON ICE:
A plowed trail to Sumpunlahti, where you can cycle/walk. This track is being converted into a skating track over time, it will not be in skating condition this week. A cross-country skiing trail next to it. In other ice areas, you can use the edges of the skating track for walking/cycling on the ice.
Cross-country skiing trails on ice will be maintaned on Friday, track monitoring here.

EQUIPMENT RENTAL: Open sat-sun 10-16. On weekdays, rentals from restaurant!

19.1. 17 KM OPEN

A busy weekend behind! Maintenance continues as described for the weekend: Planing work will be concentrated on the Haataansaari and Siplahti routes. The former is already starting in quite good condition. Generally speaking, the conditions are pretty good! 17 km of trails and the start is from the Harjun Porti shore. Valkialampi is recommended for ice quality.

WINTER HIKING ROUTES & SKI TRAILS ON ICE:
A trail was made to Sumpunlahti today, which can now be accessed by cycling/walking. We are trying to turn this track into a skating route over time, it will not be in skating condition this week. In other ice areas, you can use the edges of the skating track for walking/cycling on the ice.
The cross-country skiis on ice are wet in some small areas, but you can ski nicely. Next maintenance before weekend when it gets colder again (and wet areas freeze), see track monitoring here.

16.1. ALL ROUTES OPEN & WEEKEND

All routes open! When all routes are skated, it will be about 17 km. Departure from Harjun Portti beach. There are excellent sections on the previously opened and maintained routes, so welcome to enjoy the ice.

SKATING ROUTES

In good/excellent condition:

Valkialampi loop (approx. 2 km)
Kaarnalahti loop (approx. 2 km)
Harjun Portti - Kruunupuisto (approx. 5 km round trip)

Mostly good condition:

Haataansaaren route (approx. 5 km round trip)
Siplahti (approx. 4 km round trip from Kruunupuisto)

An additional route to the Sumpunlahti recreation area, familiar from last winter: depending on ice and snow conditions, we may try to do it in early February.

EQUIPMENT RENTAL: Rentals Sat-Sun 10-15 (you can return it to our restaurant after the rental shop closes)
CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING ON ICE: Maintenance starts on Friday on some of the ice tracks, track monitoring here. For ski tracks, next to our rental shop & from the tip.
WINTER HIKING TRAILS: There is a plowed path at the edge of the skating trail that you can cycle/walk along. Do not leave the trail on the bank side.

13.1. ALL ROUTES (17 KM) OPEN FROM TOMORROW

Nice/alright skating conditions and tomorrow we are able to open all of our 17 km track network!

THU 8.1. TOMORROW SEASON STARTS

9 km of tracks tomorrow! Additional routes will be opened next week. The following weekend we will focus on upgrading the current routes, as the ice surface demands work: Work has already started and everyday it proceeds. The first few days we estimate it to be quite alright for experienced skaters.

WED 7.1. SEASON STARTS ON FRIDAY WITH 9 KM ROUTES

Approx. 9 km of skating tracks open starting from Friday! Startint point from Harjun Portti shore. On Thursday, we will try to get the routes in skating condition, among other things, by starting freezing the routes (more details below), so tomorrow, Thursday, you can't come yet. Ice for experienced skaters in the early days.

Harjun Portti - Kruunupuisto (approx. 5 km round trip)
Valkialampi loop (approx. 2 km)
Kaarnalahti loop (approx. 2 km)

In general, the ice of Kaarnalahti and Valkialampi is mostly ok on the surface, but mostly the ice surface is rough in many places, which requires planing and/or freezing. Despite the temperature, we will try to start freezing on Thursday, which is a slow job, however. The next freezing attempts will be next week when it is a little milder.

On Friday, we should be able to start planing (evening the ice with cutter) on some of the routes. Equipment rentals from the restaurant 10 am-4 pm!

6.1.

Work on the ice is progressing. The season will start on Friday with 5-8km sections. Tomorrow we will know if some sections will be ready for skating by Thursday - ice quality cannot be largely improved before friday.

5.1. SKATINGS START THIS WEEK

We got on the ice today with precise step marks to make the first drawings on the snowmobile! It will take a few more days to get the ATV on the ice and start working on the first routes to make them fit for skating. We looked into the crystal ball and concluded that the tour skating season will start on Friday at the latest on the first routes.

We will report on the progress of the work throughout the week.

1.1.

Start of skating season starts to look more probable during next week: Right now -20 degrees and it thickens the ice quite fast! Tomorrow a longer examination of ice route area.

31.12. ESTIMATES FOR NEXT WEEKS(?) START

We've been on the ice, can't get yet go further from the holiday village from the beaches. There's a little bit of snow on the ice slowing down the freezing. Hopefully we'll be able to get further out on Friday to measure the ice thickness.

Forecast (snowfall affects the below): With these frost forecasts, if the weekend snowfall remains moderate, it's possible to get the ice work started early next week. No matter how much we want to, we can't yet predict which day we'll be able to start. :)

WINTER SWIMMING_ Our renovated sauna area is open every day
WINTER CYCLING: Head to Topeliusen Path or the tree species park on a rental E-Fatbike!
SKIING: The trails in the area are prepared for freestyle skiing, when further snow comes nearby days, follow the trail tracker for up-to-date information
SNOWSHOEING: The weekend snowfall will bring enough snow

29.12. SNOW AND ICE FINALLY

The lakes have a thin ice cover and finally some snow - and freezing temperatures have arrived! The snowfalls in the coming days will tell us what steps the ice will take to strengthen:

If heavy snowfall and the weather stays below freezing, a thick layer of snow will prevent the ice from strengthening.
If the snow accumulation remains small, the ice may quickly strengthen in the freezing temperatures within a few days.

At the moment, its not possible walking on the ice from our shores, so there's hardly any chance of opening ice trails this week. We'll monitor it daily. Activity tip: Rent an E-Fatbike and head to the snowy landscape of the ridge!

19.12.

Last week's forecast turned warm and this week has been very warm. The lakes are covered with a couple of centimeters of ice and a little frost for next week. So no ice work yet. Merry Christmas!

9.12.2025 Waiting for the new season

Waiting for the skating season! On this page updates will be written when start of season approaches and during season we give information of whats the route situation and quality. Previous diarys and statistics of maintenance below.

Right now we are waiting for lakes starting to freeze - depending on various circumstances, even just a 10-12 day cold period might be enough to start ice route season. Weather forecast shows two extreme possibilities for next week, so have to wait and see.

When does the skating season / winter start? Check statistics of previous winters from diary below. Our promise in Punkaharju is, that we do absolutely everything possible on a weekly basis to keep the skating tracks open - for the last 18 years already! Circumstances change on ice depending on weeks temperature and work is daily throughout the winter.

Skating diary of past winters

Mostly regarding nordic skating tracks, but also information about cross-country skiing and other routes.

Skating diary of 2024-2025 winter
Skating diary of 2023-2024 winter
Skating diary of 2022-2023 winter
Skating diary of 2021-2022 winter
Skating diary of 2020-2021 kept only in finnish
Skating diary of 2019-2020 winter
Skating diary of 2018-2019 winter
Skating diary of 2017-2018 winter
Skating diary 2015-2016 and 2016-2017

Lenghts of past seasons

2024-2025: Start 18.12.2024, end of maintenance 25.3.2025
2023-2024: Start 4.1.2024, end of maintenance end of March
2022-2023: Start 4.1.2023, end of maintenance start of April
2021-2022: Start 23.12.2022, end of maintenance early April
2020-2021: Start 8.1.2021, end of maintenance was end of March
2019-2020: Start 1.1.2020, end of maintenance was Mid March
2018-2019: Start 12.12.2018, end of maintenance Mid March
2017-2018: Start 12.1.2018, end of maintenance early April
2016-2017: Start 19.12, end of maintenance Mid March.
2015-2016: Start 29.12., end of maintenance end of March
2012-2013: Start 28.12., end of maintenance early April