In English

The joy of mountain biking in the snow – You can even get to the fells on a fat bike

Have you tried mountain biking in winter? At first glance it can look like a tough job - wading through thick snow with rock-hard tires. Not at all!

Winter cycling is a great way to go on excursions and much faster than snowshoeing. Of the mountain bike models, the fat bike works best when pedalling on snowy ground.

Thanks to the wide tires, the fat bike does not sink deep into the snow. The massive appearance of a fat bike can be misleading, with the image of a heavy ride being reinforced.

However, modern bikes have such light frames that they are quite easy to ride, especially in low gear. If you want, you can get a little extra boost for traveling from an electric fat bike.

Winter trails in the Saariselkä-Kiilopää region

There are about 80 kilometres of maintained winter trails in the immediate vicinity of Saariselkä, some of the winter trails also run into Urho Kekkonen National Park. Most of the trails can be travelled by bike, snowshoes or on foot, though some of the routes in the Kiilopää area are only intended for cycling. Departure points are Saariselkä, Laanila and Kiilopää, Wilderness Hotel Muotka and Kakslauttanen. Routes and starting points are marked on the terrain with blue sticks. Route maps are also available at the departure points. When entering the track, always check the intended use of the route on the map and wayside signs.

The winter trails are regularly maintained with a sled and levelling drag. If the route is soft, reduce the tire pressure or turn back from the route. Alternatively, choose another route with harder snow. Biking in the national park is not covered by everyman’s right to roam, but it is governed by park regulations. In Urho Kekkonen National Park, you can cycle everywhere else except on the ski slopes during the snow-covered season. Cycling becomes easier after hard spring frosts, because the hardened snow supports mountain biking. At other times in winter, paths and trails must be used.

Planning a winter bike trip

When planning a bike trip, first familiarise yourself with the area’s winter trails. There are routes for both beginners and enthusiasts of the sport. You can grab a free map of the winter trails from the tourism service companies in the area. The map shows the difficulty of the routes, the distances and the purpose of use of the route, as well as the camping and cafe services located along the way. The winter trails of the Saariselkä-Laanila area are also shown on the cross-country ski map. You can buy cross-country skiing maps at the Urho Kekkonen National Park service point in Kiehisen, K-market Kuukkeli, Partioaitta and tourist companies in the area.

Plan your trip according to your own skill level and fitness. When planning a trip, it is important to consider the demanding winter conditions in the north. Wind and snowdrifts can blow away the routes in an instant, and make traveling very difficult. It is therefore recommended to go in calm weather or only moderate wind. Remember too that some of the routes are not in the mobile phone coverage area. Phone network coverage is better in high places.

In the Saariselkä-Kiilopää area, there are many rental companies where you can rent a bike for anything from a few hours to several days. If winter cycling is a new sport for you, and you want to quickly master the basics, you can get to know winter cycling together with a competent guide. Ask about guided tours from bike rental companies.

Equipment needed for winter cycling

Basic winter hiking gear is perfect for winter cycling. Dressing in layers is important in cold conditions, and warm gloves, socks and shoes are especially important for winter cycling. You can wear a cycling or skiing helmet, with a warm beanie or balaclava underneath to keep your head warm. Ski goggles protect your eyes in windy conditions.

You should pack spare gloves, a change of clothes, a map and a headlamp in your backpack. Even for a short trip, it’s good to take a thermos of hot drink and a snack, in case your energy levels suddenly drop. Before leaving, make sure that your phone battery is fully charged because the battery wears out faster in the cold. When going on a longer route, leave a route plan with the bike rental company or a friend.

Winter cycling etiquette

When moving on the trails, remember to consider other users. As a rule of thumb, the faster always gives way to the slower. Dogs must also be kept on a leash. Another important thing to remember: what you can carry on the terrain, you can also carry off it.

Translated into English by Sally Ulich