Over 500 young skiers are set to compete for the Hopeasompa championships this weekend at the Saukkovaara ski center in Ristijärvi. According to competition director Arto Tolonen, the volunteer crew has put in tremendous effort over the past week to ensure that athletes aged 12-16 can hit the tracks. Tolonen highlighted the resilience of the volunteer team, stating they have stretched their efforts to the limit, working vigorously in the face of challenging conditions.

This spring has seen an unusually early loss of snow, which has led to the cancellation or rescheduling of multiple skiing events in the north, including the recent decision to move the biathlon championships in Oulu to Vuokatti. The mild weather poses significant complications for the event in Ristijärvi, prompting the team to use tractors and hand shovels to collect snow and fortify the race course ahead of the competition. The timely collection of snow was critical; otherwise, they risked losing the opportunity to host the championships altogether.

Tolonen expressed relief at their successful timing, noting that they began collecting snow from the edges of the track when conditions still permitted. Their proactive approach has ensured that the event will hopefully proceed despite the unfavorable weather conditions. This scenario underscores the challenges faced by winter sporting events in Finland and highlights the dedication of the volunteers who strive to maintain these traditions, often under difficult circumstances.