There have been at least two avalanches in Lapland in just over a week. The latest avalanche occurred early this week in Malla Nature Park.
Metsähallitus Nature Services reminds those travelling outside the official routes in the fells that the risk of avalanches is real.
An avalanche occurred early last week in the Malla Nature Park in Käsivarke. Last week, there was also an avalanche in Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park on Keimiötunturi.
Metsähallitus manages and develops national parks and other state protected areas. The nature services also provide hiking advice at nature centres.
– Marked winter routes and tracks run in safe areas, it’s always a good idea to stay on them.
Avalanche risk in fell areas can be monitored on the website of the Finnish Meteorological Institute.
Responsibility and respect for nature
Free skiing is skiing or snowboarding on ungroomed natural slopes. Free skiing is often done in nature reserves, and it is especially important for skiers to take care of responsibility in addition to safety, reminds Metsähallitus.
– Always make sure that the planned freefall route is not in a restricted zone. It is forbidden to move on them.
The skier must also consider the welfare of Lapland’s animals.
– Skiers must take into account that endangered birds nest on the fells later in the spring. Your own activities must not disturb the reindeer’s bathing either, says Karinen.
Ylläs distributes information to skiers
Local avalanche forecasts have been made at Ylläs since 2016.
According to Poukkanen, skiers’ understanding of the dangers of avalanches has been growing all the time.
– We have tried to share information and talked to freelancers. I believe that their awareness is improving all the time, that there is such a danger in our conditions as well. A large number of climbers already use the right safety equipment.
Poukkanen also highlights the avalanche training system in Finland. Thanks to that, there are many people in the country today who are able to train people all over Finland.