A wonderful, longer distance cross-country ski excursion from Luosto to Pyhä that follows the line of the fell range. Stopping at the huts and lean-tos in the middle of the national park will create unforgettable memories.
Skating, Classic
difficult
Distance 33.3 km
Duration7:30 h
Ascent484 m
Descent548 m
Highest point359 m
Lowest point194 m
The Luosto-Pyhä ski track is a wonderful, varied route that connects the two fell centres. The track follows along the line of the fell range, with uphill climbs and some enjoyably fast downhills. When the track exits the forests, you'll be treated to some spectacular views of the fell landscape. You can also stop for a break at a charming hut or lean-to in the middle of the wilderness. Most visitors run the Luosto-Pyhä track from the north to the south, i.e. from Luosto to Pyhä, due to the better scenery and more downhill sections, but the track can be skied in either direction. You can even modify your route by, for example, skiing around Ukko-Luosto at the start of the track, or by skiing around all five peaks of Pyhä at the end of the track. You can take the SkiBussi from one fell centre to the other at the start or end of your trip. You can also spread your ski trip out over two days by staying overnight in, for example, the Kuukkeli or Huttujärvi rental hut or the Huttuloma open wilderness hut. The trail is usually taken from Luosto to Pyhä due to the longer downhill stretches and better scenery. The trail starts at Luostonportti for those approaching from the ski slopes and runs to Pyhä via Lampivaara, Pyhälampi, Kapusta and Huttuloma. You can take SkiBussi at the start or end of your trip.
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
Experience
Landscape
Highest point
359 m
Lowest point
194 m
Best time of year
Jan
Feb
Mar
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Dec
Track types
Show elevation profile
Safety information
This long ski track requires above-average outfitting. Make sure to bring along plenty of food and drink as well as warm clothes. For more information, visit the Hiking in Finland section: https://www.nationalparks.fi/hikinginfinland
The route is usually travelled from Luosto to Pyhä because of longer downhills and nicer scenery. The route starts from the Luostonportti, next to the skiing slopes and ascends toward Lampivaara, where you will find the first resting area and café. From Lampivaara, the trail runs comfortably downhill towards Pyhälampi day hut. From Pyhälampi, the track meanders up the side of Latvavaara, descends close to the Kuukkeli rental hut and ascends again towards the Porontahtoma lean to and the Kapusta day hut. In Kapusta, the trail runs at its highest point and with a little luck you can ski in between the trees covered by thick snow. The ski track continues downhill to the Huttujärvi rental hut, after which you can decide whether to ski a shorter route through Kiimaselkä or go on a longer run around the Pyhä fell range through the Salmiaava and Haarainselkä day huts. If you continue on a shorter route, you will pass Huttuloma after a small mound, from where you continue gently downhill towards the Kiimaselkä day hut. The final journey towards Pyhä runs through swamps and forests, with nice views to the fells.
A return trip can be made by SkiBus. The route is a clear track, following mainly summer routes with a wide variety of route markings. There are signs at the intersections.
The route is medium demanding due to altitude differences and demanding due to its length. The route has quite steep downhills, fast-paced bends and long uphills. Due to its length, the route also requires better equipment, proper snack, and warm clothing. The route is not recommended for beginners, the skier is required to be able to brake on downhills and have good ski control.
Directions
The starting point Luostonportti can be reached by driving 500 meters uphill towards the ski slopes from Lapland Hotel Luostotunturi in Luosto village. Before the slopes the street goes under a bridge, and after you will see the Luostonportti starting point on the left. There is a parking lot at the starting point. An alternative starting point is the Ukko-Luosto parking area which can be found when turning on Ukko-Luostontie slightly less than 2 km from Luosto when driving towards Pyhä. See Pyhä-Luosto National Park directions and maps.
When skiing on the maintained ski tracks (for classic style), cross-country skis must be used. The trail is long, so you should have plenty of snacks and drinks, as well as warm clothes. Matches, toilet paper, a first aid kit, a map and a headlamp are also necessary. On this longer route, it’s worth remembering to take decent breaks to prevent fatigue and unnecessary injuries. There are cafes along the route, but you should check their opening hours before leaving. The track is only for skiing, you are not allowed to walk, snowshoe or cycle on the trail.
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