One of the World's Great Nordic Ski Nations
Finland is one of Europe's great Nordic skiing nations: a vast northern country of forests, lakes and open wilderness, with a population of approximately 5.65 million people. Much of Finnish Lapland lies above the Arctic Circle and forms part of Sápmi, the traditional homeland of the Indigenous Sámi people. Winter is woven deeply into Finnish life, and cross-country skiing is not simply a holiday activity but an enduring part of the country's culture. From local tracks on the edge of towns to extensive trail networks around renowned Nordic skiing destinations such as Ylläs, Levi, Muonio, Rovaniemi, Ruka and Saariselkä, skiing offers an everyday way to travel through the winter landscape.
Finland also occupies an important place on the international racing calendar, regularly hosting FIS Cross-Country World Cup competitions. The country's most famous venue is Lahti Ski Stadium, one of the sport's most celebrated arenas and a frequent host of both World Cup events and the FIS Nordic World Ski Championships. This rich heritage has helped establish Finland as one of the true homes of cross-country skiing.