Ruka Nordic Opening 2024 Concludes, Aiming for a Permanent Spot in the FIS Calendar

Press Release – December 1, 2024 

The Ruka Nordic Opening 2024 once again attracted a large number of tourists and teams to Ruka. Athletes often arrive in Ruka a week prior to the first race of the season due to its excellent conditions. 

Ruka Nordic officially launched the Nordic disciplines’ World Cup season in cross-country skiing and Nordic combined. Additionally, two Ski Jumping World Cup events were held on Ruka’s large hill during the weekend. Ruka Nordic has solidified its position as the season opener in the World Cup calendar, recognized also by the International Ski Federation (FIS). The Nordic discipline Race Directors – Michael Lamplot (Cross-Country Skiing), Lasse Ottesen (Nordic Combined), and Sandro Pertile (Ski Jumping) – jointly stated that Ruka Nordic is an internationally recognized brand as the joint season opener for Nordic disciplines. Ruka’s strong status as the winter season opener is significant because all three disciplines can be held in the same weekend under reliable snow conditions. 

Ruka Nordic’s significance has grown year by year from the perspective of regional tourism marketing. This year, the World Cup calendar coincided with the men’s freestyle skiing moguls’ event in Ruka, and according to traffic monitoring estimates, the weekend was close to setting a new attendance record. Exact audience numbers were not yet confirmed by Sunday evening, but according to Event Manager Jarkko Ruhanen, attendance figures came close to last year’s levels. A new feature this year was the “Forest Grandstand” constructed near the “Impilinna ascent”, for which over 500 tickets were sold in just two days. Over the three days, nearly 25,000 visitors attended the event. 

Future investments in infrastructure will play a crucial role in Ruka Nordic’s long-term success. Regional stakeholders share a strong vision to enhance the reputation and services of the Kuusamo and Ruka area to solidify the event’s status as the season opener. Long-term investments are also possible if the International Ski Federation (FIS) confirms Ruka Nordic’s position as a winter season joint opener. 

“Based on discussions during the competition week, we can proudly state that the goals of FIS, the Finnish Ski Association, the City of Kuusamo, the organizing club Kuusamon Erä-Veikot, and Ruka Kuusamo Tourism Association align regarding the long-term development of the event. The next step is to quickly determine the operating model for planning future competitions,” concludes Ruhanen. 

Ruka Nordic 2025 will be held for the 24th time next year, November 28–30. 

For more information:
Jarkko Ruhanen
Event Manager
FIS World Cup Ruka Nordic
+358 40 148 5530