Skiing the Planet

"Mongolia is kind of close, right?" Story about an attempt to ski everywhere in the world where there's snow. And in some places where there isn't. On and off-piste skiing on all continents, skiing into craters of live volcanoes, climbing, photography, and travel.

The blog about skiing around the world. The most recent blog articles can be found in Blogspot. This page lists all the skiing-related articles from this blog series.

Grani May Skiing .. but the snow has been STOLEN!
Managed to tick off May skiing on my local hill this evening, was quite nice in the sunshine. Even if they took most of the snow to a massive pile and covered it. Damn snow hoarders! Although I suppose it will help the season's start next winter... in any case, June will be a challenge.
Full story
Alternate link

May 2024, Kauniainen ski hill, Kauniainen, Finland
Skiing (Outdoor, Snow, Hiking)

Ski like it is the last day. And it is.
Ski like it is the last day. And it is. Last ski hill in the Helsinki region, Sveitsin Hiihtokeskus, closed Saturday for the season. Here’s me skiing afterwards on the road to my car. Volvo is (temporily) fine but couldn’t get up the hill on this only road that was not clear of snow and ice, so parked it. Could also be Volvo’s last ski trip, at least to an officially open place. Also a photo from skiing on the hill, and a clip of Sveitsi’s Volvo showing how it climbs snowy hills. Wondering if they need a blue one as well…?
Full story
Alternate link

April 2024, Hyvinkään Sveitsin hiihtokeskus, Hyvinkää, Finland
Skiing (Outdoor, Snow, Lifts); Car

The Final (?) Breakdown
The problems keep piling up. After the check-up disaster, the car now also stopped running... left me on the side of the highway. Is this the last straw?
Full story
Alternate link

April 2024, Kivenlahden silta, Espoo, Finland
Car; Skiing (None, Equipment)

Genuine accessories
No Volvo news, but invested €15 in a wash and loaded it with my fav accessories.
Full story
Alternate link

April 2024, House Arkko, Kauniainen, Finland
Car; Skiing (None, Equipment)

Sunny skiing at the Talma Glacier and Sherwood Forest
It was a sunny day, there were hammocks... and great skiing! Both in a running ski area (Sipoo's Talma) and one that had been abandoned years ago (nearby Kerava's Keinukallio).
Full story
Alternate link

March 2024, Keinukallio, Kerava, Finland; Talma Ski, Talma, Sipoo, Finland
Skiing (Outdoor, Snow, Lifts)

Night skiing. Really night, as in no lights.
Lux Nuuksio is an event in the wintery Nuuksio, in a popular national park north of the capital region of Finland. The scenery is lit with candles, fires, lanterns, and ... skier's headlamps. And in my case, skier's Christmas lights and the big, shining Mickey Mouse ears.
Full story
Alternate link

February 2024, Swinghill, Espoo, Finland
Skiing (Outdoor, Snow, Lifts)

Bromma lounge
I travel less than I used to. Good for me, good for the environment. However, sometimes I get to travel, and it is to see new places, go skiing, or work with your colleagues. After a long pause I visited Sweden for work, and on return flew through my local airport, Bromma.
Full story
Alternate link

January 2024, Bromma Airport, Stockholm, Sweden
Flying; Travel; Skiing (None)

Grani hill 90 years!
My local ski hill in Kauniainen turned 90 today. This little hill got the first ski lift in Finland in 1934. Congratulations!
Full story
Alternate link

January 2024, Kauniainen ski hill, Kauniainen, Finland
Skiing (Outdoor, Snow, Lifts)

Väsjöbacken night skiing in northern Stockholm
The nice work trip turned even nicer with an evening visit to the Vasjöbacken, local ski hill somewhere between Kista and Arlanda. Not bad at all!
Full story
Alternate link

January 2024, Väsjöbacken, Sollentuna, Sweden
Skiing (Outdoor, Snow, Lifts)

Google Maps Approach to Going Skiing
We were talking about skiing in places that I have not been to, like Tunis or Alger. I asked Google Maps about "Tunis ski" and it helpfully interpreted this as a request to drive from the Finnish skiing association to Tunis :-) Helpfully, it also displayed all the speed cameras on this 4000+ km journey ;-)
Full story
Alternate link

January 2024, Cima Bianca, Bormio, Italy
Skiing (None)

Grani slope opening day
In 2023, the Grani ski slope opened on 2nd of December. I walked to the hill, a nice experience in the cold morning weather. And I feel lucky for having a ski hill within walking distance, maybe a bit over a kilometer away. On the way back (unless the roads are sanded) it is also downhill, so I can ski big parts of it.
Full story
Alternate link

December 2023, Kauniainen ski hill, Kauniainen, Finland
Skiing (Outdoor, Snow, Lifts)

Popova Shapka
Popova Shapka is one of the major ski resorts in North Macedonia. Perhaps THE major resort even. At the time I was there, however, in early season it had not yet opened. Wanted to see it though.
Full story
Alternate link

December 2023, Popova Shapka, Tetovo, North Macedonia
Skiing (None); Caving (None)

Albania skiing with goats and chicken
Topped off my 2023 by skiing in Albania. A bit early season... but friendly people, great restaurant, beautiful scenery. and lots of other skiers on the slopes with goatees and fresh eggs. Ski Pista Bigell, in Dardhe, near Korcë.
Full story
Alternate link

December 2023, Ski Pista Bigell, Dardhe, Albania
Skiing (Outdoor, Snow, Lifts)

Mavrovo skiing North Macedonia
North Macedonia. I have to confess I did not much about it beforehand, almost anything. We had attempted to arrange a ski trip there once but did not find enough information or people to talk to. So let it be known to everyone: North Macedonia is a major ski destination, with massive mountains with well-organized large ski resorts and specialty services like cat skiing. Much recommended.
Full story
Alternate link

December 2023, Mavrovo ski resort, Mavrovo, North Macedonia; Helsinki-Vantaa, Vantaa, Finland; Frankfurt Airport, Frankfurt, Germany; Zagreb Airport, Zagreb, Croatia; Skopje International Airport, Skopje, North Macedonia
Skiing (Outdoor, Snow, Lifts); Flying

Riihivuori, what a nice place to ski at!
Coming back from my visit at the bat cave headquarters, I was faced with a choice: drive straight home with my crappy car and minimize risk of breakdown? Or detour extra two hours via Jyväskylä and visit the a ski hill that I've never been on, Riihivuori? They had just opened... in the end I took the risk. And wow, was it worth it!
Full story
Alternate link

November 2023, Riihivuori, Jyväskylä, Finland
Skiing (Outdoor, Snow, Lifts)

Opening day + 1 at Vihti... at children's slope...
Wow, I missed the opening the day by one day, but no matter. The slopes at Vista are running at full speed! Or slope, rather. There's just the children's training slope. And full speed is not exactly Ludicrous Speed, it felt a bit like standing on a carpet and waiting for it to move. For sure it was worth to pay 39€ for the lift ticket to ski on this for an hour? Still, wonderful. Everyone seemed to be having a lot of good time. I did too! Kudos to Vihti, Hyvinkää, and Talma opening their slopes so early this year!
Full story
Alternate link

October 2023, Vihti ski, Vihti, Finland
Skiing (Outdoor, Snow, Lifts)

This is the 3th set of articles. The previous sets were set 1, and set 2. The next sets are set 4, set 5, set 6, set 7, set 8, set 9, set 10, set 11, set 12, set 13, set 14, set 15, set 16, set 17, set 18, set 19, set 20, set 21, set 22, and set 23.

See also the Planetskier blog articles about caving, urban exploration, climbing, cycling, flying, swimming, and saunas. There is also a full list of all articles regardless of topic, a list of services "approved by the Planetskier, and a world map of all skiing related destinations from the blog series:

	Grani May Skiing .. but the snow has been STOLEN! Managed to tick off May skiing on my local hill this evening, was quite nice in the sunshine. Even if they took most of the snow to a massive pile and covered it. Damn snow hoarders! Although I suppose it will help the season's start next winter... in any case, June will be a challenge. Full story Alternate link May 2024, Kauniainen ski hill, Kauniainen, Finland Skiing (Outdoor, Snow, Hiking)

	Ski like it is the last day. And it is. Ski like it is the last day. And it is. Last ski hill in the Helsinki region, Sveitsin Hiihtokeskus, closed Saturday for the season. Here’s me skiing afterwards on the road to my car. Volvo is (temporily) fine but couldn’t get up the hill on this only road that was not clear of snow and ice, so parked it. Could also be Volvo’s last ski trip, at least to an officially open place. Also a photo from skiing on the hill, and a clip of Sveitsi’s Volvo showing how it climbs snowy hills. Wondering if they need a blue one as well…? Full story Alternate link April 2024, Hyvinkään Sveitsin hiihtokeskus, Hyvinkää, Finland Skiing (Outdoor, Snow, Lifts); Car

	The Final (?) Breakdown The problems keep piling up. After the check-up disaster, the car now also stopped running... left me on the side of the highway. Is this the last straw? Full story Alternate link April 2024, Kivenlahden silta, Espoo, Finland Car; Skiing (None, Equipment)

	Genuine accessories No Volvo news, but invested €15 in a wash and loaded it with my fav accessories. Full story Alternate link April 2024, House Arkko, Kauniainen, Finland Car; Skiing (None, Equipment)

	Sunny skiing at the Talma Glacier and Sherwood Forest It was a sunny day, there were hammocks... and great skiing! Both in a running ski area (Sipoo's Talma) and one that had been abandoned years ago (nearby Kerava's Keinukallio). Full story Alternate link March 2024, Keinukallio, Kerava, Finland; Talma Ski, Talma, Sipoo, Finland Skiing (Outdoor, Snow, Lifts)

	Night skiing. Really night, as in no lights. Lux Nuuksio is an event in the wintery Nuuksio, in a popular national park north of the capital region of Finland. The scenery is lit with candles, fires, lanterns, and ... skier's headlamps. And in my case, skier's Christmas lights and the big, shining Mickey Mouse ears. Full story Alternate link February 2024, Swinghill, Espoo, Finland Skiing (Outdoor, Snow, Lifts)

	Bromma lounge I travel less than I used to. Good for me, good for the environment. However, sometimes I get to travel, and it is to see new places, go skiing, or work with your colleagues. After a long pause I visited Sweden for work, and on return flew through my local airport, Bromma. Full story Alternate link January 2024, Bromma Airport, Stockholm, Sweden Flying; Travel; Skiing (None)

	Grani hill 90 years! My local ski hill in Kauniainen turned 90 today. This little hill got the first ski lift in Finland in 1934. Congratulations! Full story Alternate link January 2024, Kauniainen ski hill, Kauniainen, Finland Skiing (Outdoor, Snow, Lifts)

	Väsjöbacken night skiing in northern Stockholm The nice work trip turned even nicer with an evening visit to the Vasjöbacken, local ski hill somewhere between Kista and Arlanda. Not bad at all! Full story Alternate link January 2024, Väsjöbacken, Sollentuna, Sweden Skiing (Outdoor, Snow, Lifts)

	Google Maps Approach to Going Skiing We were talking about skiing in places that I have not been to, like Tunis or Alger. I asked Google Maps about "Tunis ski" and it helpfully interpreted this as a request to drive from the Finnish skiing association to Tunis :-) Helpfully, it also displayed all the speed cameras on this 4000+ km journey ;-) Full story Alternate link January 2024, Cima Bianca, Bormio, Italy Skiing (None)

	Grani slope opening day In 2023, the Grani ski slope opened on 2nd of December. I walked to the hill, a nice experience in the cold morning weather. And I feel lucky for having a ski hill within walking distance, maybe a bit over a kilometer away. On the way back (unless the roads are sanded) it is also downhill, so I can ski big parts of it. Full story Alternate link December 2023, Kauniainen ski hill, Kauniainen, Finland Skiing (Outdoor, Snow, Lifts)

	Popova Shapka Popova Shapka is one of the major ski resorts in North Macedonia. Perhaps THE major resort even. At the time I was there, however, in early season it had not yet opened. Wanted to see it though. Full story Alternate link December 2023, Popova Shapka, Tetovo, North Macedonia Skiing (None); Caving (None)

	Albania skiing with goats and chicken Topped off my 2023 by skiing in Albania. A bit early season... but friendly people, great restaurant, beautiful scenery. and lots of other skiers on the slopes with goatees and fresh eggs. Ski Pista Bigell, in Dardhe, near Korcë. Full story Alternate link December 2023, Ski Pista Bigell, Dardhe, Albania Skiing (Outdoor, Snow, Lifts)

	Mavrovo skiing North Macedonia North Macedonia. I have to confess I did not much about it beforehand, almost anything. We had attempted to arrange a ski trip there once but did not find enough information or people to talk to. So let it be known to everyone: North Macedonia is a major ski destination, with massive mountains with well-organized large ski resorts and specialty services like cat skiing. Much recommended. Full story Alternate link December 2023, Mavrovo ski resort, Mavrovo, North Macedonia; Helsinki-Vantaa, Vantaa, Finland; Frankfurt Airport, Frankfurt, Germany; Zagreb Airport, Zagreb, Croatia; Skopje International Airport, Skopje, North Macedonia Skiing (Outdoor, Snow, Lifts); Flying

	Riihivuori, what a nice place to ski at! Coming back from my visit at the bat cave headquarters, I was faced with a choice: drive straight home with my crappy car and minimize risk of breakdown? Or detour extra two hours via Jyväskylä and visit the a ski hill that I've never been on, Riihivuori? They had just opened... in the end I took the risk. And wow, was it worth it! Full story Alternate link November 2023, Riihivuori, Jyväskylä, Finland Skiing (Outdoor, Snow, Lifts)

	Opening day + 1 at Vihti... at children's slope... Wow, I missed the opening the day by one day, but no matter. The slopes at Vista are running at full speed! Or slope, rather. There's just the children's training slope. And full speed is not exactly Ludicrous Speed, it felt a bit like standing on a carpet and waiting for it to move. For sure it was worth to pay 39€ for the lift ticket to ski on this for an hour? Still, wonderful. Everyone seemed to be having a lot of good time. I did too! Kudos to Vihti, Hyvinkää, and Talma opening their slopes so early this year! Full story Alternate link October 2023, Vihti ski, Vihti, Finland Skiing (Outdoor, Snow, Lifts)