Vuokatti

Vuokatti is a long forested ridge in Kainuu with a downhill area on its slopes, but what it is known for is underground: a tunnel bored into the hill and refrigerated, opened in 1998, holding a cross-country ski track of over a kilometre at a constant temperature, so that skiing is possible in July. National teams and clubs from several countries train in it and it is open to the public. Around it a sports institute, hotels, a spa and holiday villages have grown. In summer the ridge carries walking and mountain biking trails with views over the lakes of Kainuu, and the area is used for training in several other sports.

What you actually see

• The refrigerated ski tunnel - cross-country skiing underground in summer.
• The forested ridge - downhill slopes and trails on the hill.
• National teams training - the reason the tunnel was built.
• Views over Kainuu lakes - the water country from the ridge.

When to go

December to April for the outdoor season and June to September for walking; the tunnel works year round. Two days to a week. Book tunnel sessions ahead in summer.

Honest expectations

The tunnel is a training facility first and public sessions are limited and scheduled. It is cold inside and equipment is needed. The resort area is functional and spread out. Midwinter has very little daylight.

Nearby

Sotkamo is east; Kajaani lies west.