Skating on the lake ice is a popular winter sport in Kuopio in February and March, and the ice tracks are at everybody´s disposal for several weeks. The vast expanse of the lake ice glistening in the sun provides a great backdrop for outdoor recreation for the whole family.

Kuopio boasts a long tradition as an ice-skating city. Every winter the world´s best marathon skaters gather in Kuopio to compete against each other on the natural ice track on Lake Kallavesi. The Finland Ice Marathon, arranged since 1984, also attracts thousands of recreational skaters as well as a large audience, who can enjoy a varied program of entertainment on the lake Kallavesi.