Ounasvaara Hill, Rovaniemi

Ounasvaara, a notable hill a short distance from downtown Rovaniemi, is pretty much a winter paradise when the snow starts falling. While summer has its own charm with hiking and biking, winter turns this hill into a skiing and snowboarding haven.

As I strapped on my skis and hit the slopes, I couldn't help but think about the local legends—Olympic skier Tanja Poutiainen and World Champion snowboarder Antti Autti. Both grew up in Rovaniemi and trained right here, shaping their incredible careers. It's pretty cool to know I'm gliding down the same snow that played a part in their success. 

Standing still on the summit, I admired the snowy landscape below, the snow-covered Kemi River shimmering in the crisp, sunlit air. The scene was invigorating. I pushed off, feeling the exhilarating rush of freedom as I sped downhill. The wind whipped through my hair as I effortlessly took each turn. The only sound was the gentle swish of my skis gliding through the snow. It felt like a dance, almost like a waltz—smooth and graceful, with a seamless shift from one leg to the next. My knees were slightly bent, quads and hamstrings engaged to help maintain balance. There were no thoughts or worries, just the controlled speed and the pure thrill of the ride.

With ten ski runs to choose from, the longest one stretches about a third of a mile (600m). Given that it's a hill rather than a mountain, I didn't expect the runs to be particularly long. However, they still offered opportunities to practice speed and carving techniques. I could feel the difference as I pushed harder. As I leaned into tighter turns, I felt my skis digging into the snow more deeply, making each turn sharper and more precise. My body had to adjust, lowering my centre of gravity to stay balanced. With each turn, my legs and core worked hard to keep me steady and in control, making handling the speed and the curves easier. The exhilaration of skiing became more playful as I navigated small moguls. These little snow bumps required quick reflexes and sharp skills. 

Wrapping up the day on the slopes, I stopped at a restaurant at the bottom of the hill to warm up with a hot cup of stone-ground, organic chocolate drink. I could taste the slightly gritty texture from the stone-grinding process, a method that keeps the cacao's intense flavour. Every sip was pure heaven—deep, rich, and creamy.

While savoring my hot chocolate, I contemplated another day on Ounasvaara, but this time, I'd rent a fatbike—an off-road bike with oversized tyres made for riding on soft, unstable terrain like snow. I imagined hitting the snowy singletracks on the hilltop, ready for a new kind of adventure.