Winter activities in Saimaa, Lappeenranta and Imatra

The Saimaa area does not quieten down for winter. As nature gets dressed up in its winter gear, the curtain of Saimaa pulls back to unveil completely new opportunities. When it gets freezing, you can go skating on the lake; but there is no need to forget about tricking the fish. As rowing boats rest for the winter, skates and skis are fetched from summer storages.

The versatile skiing routes in the Saimaa area are well marked and make cross-country skiing a relaxing and down-to-earth method of exercise, suitable for all ages. The Imatra Spa features a first-snow track as its speciality, completed with snow from the previous winter season. It offers visitors an opportunity to go skiing every November, whatever the weather.

Another great way to experience Lake Saimaa is going to a relaxing ice-fishing trip. This and many other activities are available at the Saimaa Adventures weekly programs, which you should pay close attention to when planning a trip to South-Karelia.

You can test your skills on the area’s downhill slopes that offer tighter curves than those on the cross-country tracks. Travellers with nerves of steel can enjoy the chill of winter by jumping through a hole made in the ice. There is a straight, covered path to a hole in the ice from the public swimming pools in Imatra, ensuring that the heat of the sauna is not too far away. Heat is also in store in the home arena of Lappeenranta’s ice hockey team Saipa, as the crowds cheer their team on.