Why cross-country skiing across Finland's frozen landscape is the perfect low-impact challenge
Last year, after several attempts at cross-country skiing in Scotland, I decided to 'bite the bullet' and signed up for a week-long skiing holiday somewhere guaranteed to have enough snow. I travelled to Lemmenjoki National Park, in northern Finland, for a week of backcountry skiing with six other women and two guides. We spent the week skiing up frozen rivers and through forests from one off-grid hut to another, towing all of our equipment for the week in ‘pulks’ (sleds). There was no phone signal and no electricity. Just snow, trees and hot chocolate. We saw four other people all week. Bliss!
The Finnish style of backcountry skiing is a low-impact, low-intensity sport, but it certainly uses different muscles to those I use in my usual exercise. The long days and cold environment (usually around -10 Celsius) contributed to the wear and tear too. We needed to keep the pulks light but I did take some massage wax (less likely to freeze than lotion!) so that I could treat my calves and quads each evening. I also made sure to do some dynamic stretching each morning before we set out. When the other women learned that I was a sports massage therapist they joined in too.
At the end of this month, I’m returning to Finland for a similar – but slightly more challenging – trip. This time our goal will be Halti, the highest peak in Finland. Not that high at 4,300ft but I’m sure it will feel high enough going up (and down) on skis! My training has been similar to last year, with plenty of hill running, long hikes and strength training, including dragging a sled around the gym. This time I have made sure to book a sports massage with Debbie just before I go, and as soon as I return. The pre-trip treatment will help to keep me injury-free (and I can blather on about my trip to Debbie), and the post-trip treatment will help to identify and treat any minor injuries I might pick up. Massage often picks up niggles before you know you have them!
Lemmenjoki National Park is ideal for touring on untracked snow rather than maintained trails. Spanning 2,860 sq km, the park features river valleys, old-growth forest and fells with a notable marked maintenance running track from Njurkulahti to Morgamoja for winter adventurers. Finland's largest national park, characterised by vast, snowy landscapes, is best suited for ski touring and backcountry skiing due to the lack of maintained ski track networks. The ski season can last six months, typically from early winter through to May.
Hut-to-Hut Touring: The park is ideal for muti-day, guided or independent trips with various wilderness huts available for shelter, offering an immersive Lapland experience.
Skis lined up outside one of the huts Katie stayed in during her backcountry ski adventure.
Key details for enjoying an authentic wilderness skiing experience
Preparation for cross country skiing: People should possess good navigation and winter survival skills before they embark on cross-country ski tours as they will often be skiing in remote, untracked and untouched snow.
Building cardiovascular endurance is important: Running, cycling and swimming are great for strengthening your core, lats and triceps and exercises like planks, pull-ups and dips will help prepare your body for the ski challenges ahead. Utilise roller skis in autumn for specific training and focus on one-leg balance to prepare for weight shifting – crucial for gliding across snow and ice. Try 'ski-bounding' (hiking/running with poles) to mimic the movement.
Wear breathable moisture-wicking layers: Opt for synthetic or Merino wool clothes (no cotton) to avoid overheating. Merino can absorb up to a third of its own weight in moisture before feeling damp, keeping the wearer dry during activity, and is widely used in hiking and skiing base layers as well as in knitwear and socks. Ensure jackets and trousers are windproof (not just waterproof). Thin, flexible gloves, a warm, insulated beanie hat and boots (with wiggle-room for toes) are essential.
Katie Godfrey is our Hope based Sports Massage Therapist if you would like to book in with her, call our Hope team on
Debbie Grayson, our Totley based Sports Massage Therapist, is also available for bookings, call our Totley team on
If you would like to book an appointment with our team of experienced physiotherapists and sports massage therapists, call one of our friendly clinics:
Totley: 0114 235 2727
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