Hundreds of specially trained reindeer with their drivers and service teams come to Inari to take part to the competition. The racers stand on skis behind the reindeer. The event is organized as a knock-out competition, starting with qualifying heats and leading up to grand final on Sunday where the fastest fight it out for the title of Champion of Finland. As the overall winner is only crowned after the last race, suspense is guaranteed until the final moments.
The Reindeer race has long traditions in Inari and the reindeer are trained by using traditional knowledge. From spring till autumn the reindeer graze freely living normal reindeer life in the fells and forests with their reindeer friends.
Snacks, drinks and other refreshments together with a wide range of local products are also available at the venue. Events in the region don’t get more local than this with long traditions of reindeer racing. The first Reindeer Championship was held in Inari in 1959.
Come and enjoy an unforgettable day in Inari! Transportatipon is organized from Saariselkä to the race venue and back both days. Race venue is on the Inari Lake by Holiday Village Inari, Inarintie 26, 99870 Inari. Ticket 10€ / adults, children free of charge.
Program 2019
Saturday 30.3. at 11.00
Opening ceremony
Supunki (lasso) throwing qualifying women and men
Junior series (8-13 years) 1000 m
Group start 1000 m
Hot series, group start, qualifying
General series, group start, qualifying
REINDEER AUCTION!
Sunday 30.3. at 11.00
Opening the competition day
Supunki (lasso) throwing finals Women/ Men
Children’s series (registration on site)
General series, finals
Hot series, finals
Relay race
Junior/ contest driver/ senior
At 14.00 Championships, single start, 2000 m
At 16.30 The Reward ceremony, Sámi Cultural Centre Sajos
Transportation Saariselkä-Ivalo-Inari
Saturday 30.3.
10.00 Lapland Hotel Riekonlinna, Santa’s Hotel Tunturi, Holiday Club Saariselkä
10.30 Ivalo bus station– Inari, race venue
16.30 Return transportation Inari, race venue – Ivalo – Saariselkä
Sunday 31.3.
10.00 Lapland Hotel Riekonliina, Santa’s Hotel Tunturi, Holiday Club Saariselkä
10.30 Ivalon bus station – Inari, race venue
18.00 Return transportation Sámi Cultural Centre Sajos – Ivalo – Saariselkä
Tickets/ day:
Saariselkä-Inari-Saariselkä
20 € / adult
10 € / child
10 / 5 € / one way
Ivalo-Inari-Ivalo
15 € / adult
7 € child
7 / 3 € / one way
Tickets can be bought in advance at the Tourist information point Saariselkä or from the bus driver. The bus ticket does not include ticket to the races, it has to be bought on site. The transportation is organized by Inari-Saariselkä Tourism.
Organized by: Finnish Reindeer Competitors Association/ The competition committee
More information: Reindeer race