Kirkonmäki in Joensuu has been awarded as Finland's best sledding hill following a public vote and evaluations by a panel from the Finnish Hiking Association. The recognition highlights not only the hill's accessibility and well-designed profile but also emphasizes its importance to the local community. The award was given to the city of Joensuu and the church, as they own the land where the ski hill is located. This accolade reflects a growing trend in Finland to celebrate local attractions that promote family-friendly outdoor activities and enhance community engagement. Additionally, there have been previous favorites in the sledding hill competition; for instance, a decade ago, Yle News declared the Kaunispää hill in Inari as a reader's favorite, further indicating the competition's popularity and the appeal of these winter recreation sites across the country.