TL;DR
Ruka Ski Resort in Finland is set to make a grand winter debut with its first 8-person chairlift, the Masto III, offering a speedy and high-capacity experience for skiers and snowboarders. The resort's newest addition will open in December, coinciding with Finland's Independence Day, and includes four new ski slopes and 40 snow cannons to boost snowmaking capacity. This €14 million project represents a significant expansion, increasing Ruka's slope count by 10% and its ski lift capacity by 15%. While the chairlift is ready, work on the slopes is ongoing, with a festive opening planned for the long weekend of December 6-10. Ruka's commitment to family-friendly amenities and its status as an early-season ski destination make it an alluring choice for winter adventurers.
As winter approaches, Ruka Ski Resort in Finland is set to make this season a memorable one for winter sports enthusiasts. The resort is unveiling its latest addition, the Masto III – an impressive 8-person chairlift that promises to transform the skiing experience in the region. With a grand opening scheduled for December, along with several other exciting developments, Ruka Ski Resort is gearing up for a festive and action-packed winter season. In this article, we'll take a closer look at what's in store for visitors to this picturesque Finnish ski destination.Riding to New Heights: The Masto III ChairliftThe centerpiece of Ruka's winter transformation is undoubtedly the Masto III, the resort's very first 8-person chairlift. This Leitner chairlift is not only a game-changer but also a record-breaker, earning the title of "Finland's fastest chairlift" thanks to its remarkable 6 meters per second travel rate. With an astounding capacity of 4,000 people per hour, this state-of-the-art chairlift will significantly enhance the skiing experience at Ruka. Skiers and snowboarders will now be able to reach the summit of the Masto ski area in just 2 minutes, a journey that previously took much longer. This addition will also increase Ruka's ski lift capacity by an impressive 15%. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ruka Ski Resort (@rukaskiresort) A Special Opening on Independence DayThe grand opening of the Masto III chairlift and the expanded Masto ski area is planned for a festive long weekend from December 6 to 10, 2023. Interestingly, December 6 holds a special place in Finnish hearts as it marks Finland's Independence Day, celebrating the country's declaration of independence from the Russian Empire in 1917. This unique timing promises an extra layer of excitement and patriotism to the resort's opening.A Winter Wonderland in the MakingThe transformation of the Masto ski area doesn't stop at the chairlift. The resort is introducing four new ski slopes, making it an even more enticing destination for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. Additionally, Ruka has invested in upgrading its snowmaking capacity with the acquisition of 40 new snow cannons. This ambitious project comes with a total investment of €14 million (approximately USD 15 million) and will not only enhance the Masto area but also improve connections to the Vuosseli and Kelo slopes.One of the most exciting additions is the creation of a Snow Valley, known as 'Tykkylaakso' in Finnish, which will increase Ruka's slope count by 10%. With these developments, Ruka is bound to offer an even more exhilarating experience for winter sports enthusiasts.A Note on TimingWhile the Masto III chairlift is ready for operation, work on the slopes in the Masto ski area is still in progress. Therefore, the entire area will remain closed until the highly anticipated Independence Day opening. This delay allows for the final touches to be added to ensure the highest quality skiing and snowboarding experience. View more Ruka cams Pre-Opening Skiing ActionBefore the holiday festivities commence, Ruka is set to host the FIS Freestyle Moguls World Cup, featuring the world's top mogul skiers. Traditionally, Ruka's moguls event serves as the opening event of the FIS Moguls Series, adding to the resort's reputation as one of the first non-glacier ski resorts to kick off the European ski season each year.Increased Snowmaking CapacityRuka's commitment to enhancing the ski experience is further demonstrated by a significant boost in snowmaking capacity. With an increase of 40 snow cannons, the resort's snowmaking capacity has surged by nearly 50%, making it more resilient against uncertain weather conditions. Combined with Finland's early winter, Ruka aims to open Tykkylaakso, Masto I, and Masto II on December 6, 2023, and Fun Slope on December 15, 2023. Many other slopes in Ruka will also be available for skiing and boarding from early December, and some may even open as early as November.A Vision Two Decades in the MakingRuka's transformation has been a long-term project guided by the Ruka Masterplan, created by Canada's Ecosign planning office. This strategic plan has elevated Ruka into a year-round, globally appealing mountain resort, featuring two pedestrian-friendly villages and a network of Express chairlifts. The villages are designed to provide families with a car-free holiday experience. In 2022, Ruka added two new slopes and lifts tailored for children and families, reinforcing its reputation as a family-friendly destination. The Masto's ski area will build upon this concept, further solidifying Ruka as a destination for all ages.
