The Finnish capital of Ruka is a top-notch destination for anyone into freeriding. Some of the best hills in Finland are in Ruka, and that’s where you’ll find plenty of powdery goodness, too. The city itself is not exactly known for its shredders, though. That’s why it’s a great place to learn how to snowboard – just not for the faint of heart.

Ruka is located at the northern tip of the Kvarken archipelago, the part of Finland that juts northeast into Russia. Consequently, the place is blessed with long, tree-covered beaches, and the surrounding hillsides are covered with dense forests that shelter an abundance of nooks and crannies where skilled boarders can find some serious pow.

In this article, you’ll learn about Ruka, the best spots for snowboarding in Ruka, and how to get there. You’ll also learn about the most popular backcountry destinations in the area, and tips on how to stay safe in the backcountry. Read on to find out more.

What is the best place to snowboard in Ruka?

Ruka is a cold city and the best place to snowboard in Ruka is on the southern part of the city. From there, you’re able to access the hillsides via a number of trails. The southern part of the hills are a little more accessible than those further up, but they’re just as steep and offer just as much fun. The best thing about riding on these hills is that you can find some sweet spots where nobody else has gone, which means you can go fast without having to worry about avalanches or other people getting in your way.

The best time for skiing in Ruka is between December and February, when there’s plenty of snow and temperatures are low enough for it to stay on the ground long enough without it turning into slush or ice. You can also enjoy some powdery goodness at any time of year – with the exception of summer, when temperatures rise above freezing and snow melts quickly.

To get from Helsinki to Ruka by train, you can use service from Helsinki Central Station to Suontaka station in Northern Finland (Estimated Time: 3 hours). To get from Helsinki to Ruka by car, take Highway 1 northbound from Helsinki-Vantaa Airport (Estimated Time: 2 hours)

Ruka – the history

The city of Ruka has a long history of hosting summer residents, beginning in the 18th century when the Finnish king and his family built a palace there. In more recent years, the resort’s popularity has skyrocketed, with the number of visitors increasing each year. There’s no denying that people flock to Ruka for its natural beauty – but they also come here because it offers a great place to learn how to snowboard.

Today, you can find plenty of places where people can rent snowboards and gear out at affordable rates. There are plenty of options for lodging as well; many ski resorts offer full-service accommodations for those willing to pay a little extra for quality accommodations.

Getting to Ruka

There are two main airports in Ruka, the Helsinki-Vantaa airport and the Mariehamn airport. From Helsinki-Vantaa, it’s a 4.5 hour drive to Ruka and from Mariehamn, it’s a 2.5 hour drive.

There are also plenty of trains and buses that can get you to Ruka from Helsinki or other Finnish cities like Oulu or Tampere, but this will take significantly longer than driving.

The best spots for snowboarding in Ruka

The best spots for snowboarding in Ruka are Kontio, Lahnus, and Nellim. These are all top-notch backcountry destinations that offer up some serious pow. If you’re looking for a more developed run, you can always book a session at the ski resort of Ruka.

Ruka – safety tips

Ruka is a small town, so it shouldn’t be too hard to find your way around. It’s also relatively close to Helsinki, the Finnish capital. If you plan on staying in Ruka for a few days, make sure you bring warm clothes and gear for the outdoors.

Many of the stores in Ruka are closed during winter, so it’s best to stock up when you arrive.

Conclusion

The best way to get the most out of a day of snowboarding in Ruka is to enjoy the whole experience. From urban freeride and urban backcountry, to heli-skiing and traditional backcountry, there’s something for everyone in Ruka’s diverse terrain.