Serial Story: Winter Joys Part 3. Skating on natural ice.

To be continued...

Let’s hope this will happen in a few days: a two-kilometre-long trail for ice-skating is being leveled with a snowmobile on the lake Kallavesi ice in front of the passenger harbour.  This would mark the beginning of a closely-followed project to set up a skating trail.  Frisk frost would be welcome to stay for a while now. 

A sizable group of people in the midst of the Lakeland anticipate winter colds so that the skating and skiing trails can be established on the lake ice.  According to the local newspaper Savon Sanomat, the tour skates are already selling well, implying that there are plenty of those who fancy long-distance skating.  It’s not a wonder, since it is such a pleasurable way for wintertime outdoor exercise for all ages and levels of expertise.  Trek skating on natural lake ice is one of the most exotic experiences that Finland Lakeland offers, and it can greatly enhance the international popularity of winter tourism.

Sometimes on a sunny late winter weekend one has to pinch oneself on the Lake Kallavesi ice while observing the joy and versatile ways of going about on ice.  There are skaters, skiers, walkers, others riding on kicksleds and snow mobiles, sometimes even hang-gliders on the sky.  There are young people, seniors, families, and always foreigners, as well. 

AdventureKuopio team guarantees an action-packed day for all by renting out snow mobiles and skates with safety equipment.  Skating lessons are also available.  Skaters’ café on M/S Queen R has been an excellent meeting place for all outdoor lovers for the last winter seasons (not opened yet this winter!).  Hot soup and a sugary doughnut disappear into hungry mouths.  A perfect spot for a short break and barbequing a sausage lies on Vasikkasaari island just off the harbour.  Kuopio forestry agency has built several lean-to’s, known as laavu in Finnish, for visitors on several islands on Kallavesi.  The agency has been praised for their decision for having built this laavu so close to city centre that it accessible even by foot.

To be continued…

To the Winter activities

Did you miss the first two parts?
Part 1.
Part 2.

Video: Skating on natural ice in Kuopio