Oulanka river canyon and Pieni Karhunkierros loop on skis. Oulanka NP, straddling Kuusamo and Salla, offers river-canyon scenery rather than alpine fells.
Oulanka NP, straddling Kuusamo and Salla, offers river-canyon scenery rather than alpine fells. The 80 km Karhunkierros summer trail is partly skiable in winter, while the shorter 12 km Pieni Karhunkierros loop from Juuma is a well-trafficked touring objective. It is the friendlier end of Finnish backcountry, but still wild.
The Pieni Karhunkierros loop takes in the Kiutaköngäs and Myllykoski rapids and is the most popular line. Snowpack is reliable from December into April, with deep tree skiing in the valleys. Terrain is rolling canyon and forest rather than open fell.
Bridges over the Oulanka and Kitkajoki rivers are kept in winter condition only on parts of the route, so check Metsähallitus updates before committing to a longer line. The full February-to-April window is reliable for snow. River crossings are the key hazard to plan around.