Getting to know nordic skating
This excursion allows you to skate easily and safely on natural ice and enjoy the peace and beauty of winter nature with an experienced and trained guide. No previous experience or training in skating is required. We will have a short picnic break in a scenic landscape during the two-hour tour.
Programme:
Fitting of equipment, 20 min
Introduction and ice info, 10 min
Skating on natural ice, 30 min
Break in a scenic spot with your own snacks, 20 min
Skating to the starting point, 25 min
Finishing and unloading of equipment, 15 min
Join the excursion
By dressing in layers you can ensure that you are warm, but it is also possible to dress lightly if necessary. We recommend a base layer, wool or fleece jacket, windproof trousers and jacket, gloves and a hat. You can store spare clothes, a warm drink and snacks in the rucksack included in the price of the hike.
If you want to skate with your own cross-country skating boots, please specify the binding type of your boots when booking: BC, SNS (pilot), NNN (Prolink, Turnamic)..
Location
We prefer to skate in the stunning seascapes of East Helsinki. The starting point is the premises of Helsingin Retkiluistelun at Kallvikinniementie 35, 00980 Helsinki. Google Maps
You can leave your car at the P-park of the Culture Centre Sofia. Walk behind a light-coloured brick building, turn left and walk along the beach for about 50 m. Here you will find the Helsinki Retkiluistelu offices, toilets (at the beginning and end of the tour) and a sheltered place to adjust your equipment.
Weather: on natural ice, you always move on nature's terms. Due to the conditions, the starting point or location may sometimes have to be moved. This happens surprisingly rarely and will be communicated separately. The same applies if less than 4 people sign up for the trip.
If sea ice does not allow skating, we will skate on natural ice or ploughed tracks on nearby lakes. If the weather does not allow skating at all, the start time will be postponed. If the rescheduling is not successful, the money will be refunded.
Number of participants: 4-12 people.
Instruction: Helsinki Retkiluistelu's Professional Guide.
Difficulty: The aim is for everyone to enjoy the winter ice and scenery at their leisure. The tour is easy and does not require any previous experience in backcountry skiing. Previous experience in cross-country skiing, ice hockey, ice skating or roller skating is an advantage. If you have no previous experience in any type of skating, we recommend a private lesson.
Any illness or disposition that may affect participation in the event should be reported in advance.
The price includes:
Skating and safety equipment: skates, boots, ice claws, whistle, ice poles, helmet, knee pads, floating backpack, throw line.
Equipment handover, instruction, ice information, guiding
Accident insurance
You can also pay for the excursion with Epass and Smartum directly via the online shop! Ask for the Edenred user guide by e-mail.