Ruka Nordic’s 25th anniversary preparations progressing strongly – Pauli Mäkelä appointed Competition Manager

Press release 1 July 2026

Ruka Nordic is strengthening its organisation by appointing Pauli Mäkelä as Competition Manager until the end of 2026. As Competition Manager, Pauli Mäkelä is responsible for leading the competition organisation and ensuring the competition conditions, and acts as the primary contact person towards the sports organisation of the International Ski and Snowboard Federation FIS. The role emphasises close cooperation with the rest of the event’s production team and responsibility for the smooth execution of the competitions in accordance with the rules. The role also includes compiling post-event development measures and future plans.

– Pauli Mäkelä brings strong Ruka Nordic experience and extensive expertise in delivering major sporting events to the role. He has a significant track record in demanding event management roles and a strong understanding of the international elite sports environment, says the Chair of the Board of Ruka Nordic, Sirpa Korkatti.

– I am taking on the role of Competition Manager with great enthusiasm. Over the past four years I have got to know Ruka Nordic very well in different roles, most recently as Venue Manager for the past two years. The atmosphere at Ruka is unique, and every year it earns praise from athletes and spectators alike. It is great to have the opportunity to develop the competitions to be even better. The conditions and competition arrangements must be fair and world-class, because at the start of the season Ruka Nordic is an important place to show form, especially for athletes aiming for the World Championships, says Pauli Mäkelä.

We have found a strong solution

Sirpa Korkatti says she is pleased that a solution for the Competition Manager role was found quickly.

– After the organisational change in June, the Board’s most important task was to ensure the continuity and success of the event preparations. We have moved forward quickly, in a solution-oriented way and in good cooperation with the various parties. Our discussions with Pauli Mäkelä quickly confirmed that he has exactly the kind of expertise, experience and ability to cooperate that we need at this stage. We are very pleased to have him on board to strengthen the Ruka Nordic organisation. Pauli Mäkelä knows the event, its operating environment, the volunteers and the requirements of international elite sport. His experience in leading major sporting events gives us a strong foundation to continue preparations towards the anniversary year, says Korkatti.

For the time being, no separate Secretary General will be appointed for the event. Instead, Board Chair Korkatti will handle background tasks in support of a strong and competent team. The staff of the Finnish Ski Association will also be more closely involved than usual in producing the event where needed.

Preparations are progressing well

The year 2026 is a special one for Ruka Nordic, as the event celebrates its 25-year history as part of the opening of the international World Cup season. Preparations for the anniversary year have progressed very well, and in several areas the work is currently further along than at the same time in previous years. The development of the event continues purposefully, with the aim of building an even more impactful event for athletes, spectators, volunteers and partners – while respecting traditions and history. At the same time, the Board of Ruka Nordic continues to build the organisation for the future in order to ensure the long-term development and growth of the event in the coming years.

According to Korkatti, the strength of the event is particularly visible in its sense of community.

– Ruka Nordic is not the event of one person or one organisation. It is the joint effort of hundreds of people. Skilled staff, committed volunteers, partners, the City of Kuusamo and operators from across the region together form the foundation on which the event is built year after year. Preparations have progressed excellently, and I have strong confidence in our team. The anniversary year event is once again shaping up to be a step forward from last year.

Ruka Nordic will host the Kuusamo evening market on 23 July. At the event, the Meijän Nordic community will get more information about the event’s plans for next winter.