Cross-Country Skiing is one of the most visible sports in Santasport Olympic Training Center. Both amateurs and world-class skiers practice in Ounasvaara, Rovaniemi all year round.
Always first on the track!
Santasport, the national cross-country skiing training center, offers skiers the best conditions in the country every day of the year. The first snow season in Rovaniemi is usually the busiest time of year, as international and national ski teams arrive on the tracks, but summer training is also on the rise thanks to the new roller ski track.
During the winter, Rovaniemi offers approximately 200 kilometers of cross-country ski tracks of varying difficulty levels, and during the snow-free season, skiers can enjoy not only a top-class roller ski track but also the city’s extensive network of bike paths. Best of all, all the routes start directly from our backyard!
For national teams we also provide FIS competitions in November and customized competitions throughout the year.
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Facilities
Sport training
Cross-country skiers practice on the high-quality tracks of Rovaniemi, much of which are located in the varied terrain of Ounasvaara. Different track profiles serve both youth skiers and world-class skiers.
During the snow-free season, Rovaniemi offers excellent opportunities for roller skiing, thanks to the roller ski track completed in the summer of 2026 and the extensive network of bike paths. In addition, the Santasport test facility features a roller ski treadmill for training and testing.
- Cross-Country Ski Tracks (200 km)
- Roller Ski Track
- Comprehensive bike path network
- Roller Ski Treadmill
- Ski Wax Spots for 20 people
Ancillary training
We have great facilities for carrying out the ancillary training and recovery for skiers.
- Sports hall (running track, jumping spots etc.)
- Gym
- Tatami
- Gymnastics area
- Indoor and outdoor playing fields
- Spa
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Roller ski track
Ounasvaara in Rovaniemi offers first-class conditions for roller skiers and roller skaters. Completed in the summer of 2026, the roller ski track features a challenging profile, including both steep ascents and descents. The downhill sections have been designed with inclines that guide skiers in the right direction, making the descents safe.
The roller ski track is 2,5 kilometers long and consists of several different route options, catering to both competitive skiers and younger juniors.
The City of Rovaniemi’s Sports Services is responsible for maintaining the track.
Read more about the roller ski track:
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First snow track
The first snow track at Ounasvaara attracts skiers from near and far to Santasport every year when the track opens in October.
The first snow track is prepared annually using stored snow in collaboration with the City of Rovaniemi, Visit Rovaniemi, and Santasport.
November is the busiest time for the track, as several international cross-country skiing teams arrive at Santasport for training camps in preparation for the competition season.
Useful links
First snow track web cam
first snow track map
first snow track profile -
Coaching and testing services
Coaching services
In our coaching services, you will find experts who know the characteristics of cross-country skiing, such as skill and physical coaching, mental coaching and nutrition coaching.
Testing services
Santasport provides a wide range of tests of the physical properties for cross-country skiers. With the new testing laboratory, international top-level testing services will be available from autumn 2021.
Find out more about our testing services here.
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Our partners
We work together with the following partners:
- Finnish Ski Association
- Ounasvaaran Hiihtoseura
- International Ski Teams