October 15, 2011 – Here’s an update from Finland by Ritva and Ahvo Taipale who were skiing today at the ski season’s “Grand Opening” and sent us a short report and some photos. Readers will remember the dynamic duo’s superb behind-the-scenes reports from Oslo 2011 at the Nordic World Championships.

Greetings from Finland
Hi guys! Ahvo and I got in some skiing today in central Finland (in the city of Jyväskylä only a 15-min jog from my flat =). Today (Oct. 15th) was the “grand opening” where Orienteering World Champion Minna Kauppi cut the ribbon and throughout the day skiers of all ages started their outdoor ski season. The sun was shining and it was about 40 degrees.

The snow was made in the late part of the winter and stored under a pile of sawdust all summer (see pic of the “hole”). The snow is approximately one meter deep and the loop is about 2km long with a couple of small hills and one solid climb/rapid decent to mix things up (see picture of the climb/decent). Both classic and skate tracks are groomed.

Attached are a few photos for your enjoyment!

Best wishes for the ski season,
Ritva and Ahvo