Rukatunturi
The Rukatunturi seen from the southeast
Ruka [ rukɑ ] is a winter sport center in northern Finland. It is located at 493 meters high Fjell Rukatunturi ( briefly also Ruka ) in the area of Kuusamo. On the 28 slopes of Ruka, winter sports are possible until the beginning of May.
Hiking
Ruka is the starting point for many hikes in the picturesque landscape of northern Finland. It is a starting point for the famous Bear Trail ( Karhunkierros ).
Sports
Ruka is the venue of several international winter sports competitions. On the mountain there is a ski stadium with the Rukatunturi hill ( HS142 ) and a smaller K64 ski jump and lit trails and a biathlon facility. Since 2002 is the World Cup opener in ski jumping and Nordic combined and cross-country skiing World Cup race at Ruka Nordic Opening end of November at a joint event in Kuusamo. 2006 16,000 spectators watched the competitions. In 2005, the freestyle skiing World Cup was held in Ruka.