Cross country skiing and biathlon
Imatra's tourist information helps with planning training camps and events, and choosing the best services.
Contact us - matkailu@imatra.fi
Cross country skiing and biathlon
The Ukonniemi area in Imatra offers world-class facilities for cross-country skiing and biathlon training and competitions – all year round. The competition tracks in the area are designed to meet international (FIS) standards. In addition to the race trails, skiers can enjoy Imatra’s extensive natural snow trail network during the natural snow season.
Imatra’s first snow ski track opens already in October each year, enabling snow camps even in Southern Finland. During the snow-free season, skiers train on Finland’s leading roller ski track, built in 2015 and specifically designed for summer training in skiing disciplines. The course profile matches that of modern competition tracks.
The Ukonniemi biathlon range features 30 shooting lanes with modern target systems, meeting all requirements for high-level biathlon training and events. The combination of a multifunctional stadium and race tracks creates ideal conditions for both versatile training and competitions.
Ukonniemi has hosted several top-level events, including the Finnish National Cross-Country Skiing Championships in 2016, 2019, 2021, and 2025, as well as the National Championships in roller skiing and summer biathlon. The area has also welcomed numerous international FIS competitions.
Discover the area's wide range of accommodation and dining options.
Training facilities and other services
The ski track network surrounding the Ukonniemi Stadium, the first snow ski track, and other sports facilities in the Ukonniemi area offer an excellent setting for sport camps and competitions.
Imatra’s First Snow Ski Track will open again on October 15, 2025.
Located in Ukonniemi, the First Snow Ski Track offers high-quality skiing conditions even before the official ski season begins. The trail profile features varied terrain, steep climbs, and fast descents – creating excellent training conditions for skiers of all levels.
The full 3.5 km track opens in three phases.
The roller skiing track in Ukonniemi is among the best tracks in Finland designed for ski sports summer training. Completed in 2015, the track is modern and has a profile similar to current competition tracks.
During the natural snow season, approximately 35 km of ski trails are accessible from Ukonniemi.
In addition, the eastern side of the Vuoksi River offers around 70 km of maintained trails for skiers. The competition tracks in the Ukonniemi terrain are built to meet FIS standards.
- The gym at the Imatra ice rink
- Aviasport Areena – a full-length football field and an over 100 metre five-lane running track
- Athletics stadium and artificial grass field
- Indoor tennis courts
- Indoor ball game facility at Imatra Spa
- There are two downhill skiing centres within a 25 min driving distance for Nordic walking on slopes in summer.
The centres have several slopes with an elevation of 70 metres for the training.
Freeski in Ruokolahti and Myllymäki in Lappeenranta. - Fitness stairs (60 steps) and outside gym next to the athletics stadium
There are 15 ski wax cabins located in the vicinity of the Ukonniemi Stadium. The booths have mechanical ventilation and can be rented in connection to training camps and competitions.
Enquiries & reservations: matkailu@imatra.fi
The 30-lane biathlon shooting range at Ukonniemi Stadium, completed in 2015, is equipped with an automatic Kurvinen Biathlon Targets system.
Changing rooms and showers are available at the nearby Ukonniemi Arena, and multiple restrooms can be found at the stadium, in the spectator stands, and at the customer service area.
Biathlon Stadium Orientation Map
Biathlon Range Target Fees 2025
- Day 16,50 €
- Weekend (3 days) 25,90 €
- Week (7 days) 41,50 €
- Winter season (19.10.-30.4.) 72,60 €
- Summer season (1.5.-18.10.) 72,60 €
Saimaa Sport Oy specialises in ski maintenance services, and it is located conveniently in Ukonniemi Stadium. The service selection includes waxing, scraping, and repairing. Scraping of skies is done with the Mantec scraper that utilizes the latest technology. The company also has a comprehensive selection of equipment and waxes for sale.
The Ukonniemi testing center offers services to private individuals and groups. The testing services are intended for people exercising for fitness as well as top athletes of different sports.
The testing center services include versatile possibilities for determining health, body composition, muscle balance, respiratory and circulatory system health and the performance of the neuromuscular system. Nearly all available testing services can also be performed outside the center in a sport-specific environment.
Taiga Activities rents cross-country skiing equipment at Imatra Spa, right next to the ski trails.
Their rental selection includes skis, boots, and poles for both children and adults (110–205 cm).
Ski equipment is also available for rent from Saimaa Sport.
Optical ecoaims shooting equipment can be rented for the use of camp groups. Ecoaims are excellently suited to biathlon shooting training.
They allow for firing a large number of shots at a low cost, as no bullets are needed.
Rifles and targets can be rented for € 51,80 per day.
Best conditions for training in Southern Finland- already available in October!
