Experience the Joys of Winter in Äänekoski

Close to Jyväskylä in Äänekoski you’ll find a wide range of settings for winter fun. For skiers there are traditional cross-country tracks, an early-season snow track, and routes on the ice. For a faster pace, there’s a ski slope where time flies. In winter you can explore the stunning nature on snowshoes or simply by strolling along the ploughed ice routes. How about some winter disc golf on a well-maintained course?

The whole family will enjoy it here

Äänekoski is a perfect winter destination for families with children. There’s plenty to do whether you come for a day, a weekend or even for a longer holiday. Here, the pace slows down and there are no queues. For beautiful winter nature, head to the Kapeenniemi recreation area, where the rushing rapids don’t fall silent even in the harshest frost. Along the outdoor trail you can choose routes of varying difficulty to suit your needs. Along the way you’ll find lean-to shelters where you can sit down to enjoy the surrounding nature and warm up by the campfire.

You can play disc golf in winter too

Laajalahti winter disc golf course is popular among enthusiasts and worth the drive even from afar. The course is especially praised for its excellent winter maintenance. You won’t have to wade through deep snow here, as the course is groomed throughout the season. There’s also a dog park nearby where the family’s furry friends can play.

Feel the rush at the versatile Äänemäki ski slope

Äänemäki ski slope lets you go downhill skiing, sled down the hill with a toboggan, and enjoy your snacks. From the base of the slope you can also access snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. The rental shop has snowshoes, skis and snowboards. There’s a free rope tow for the smallest family members, and an ice carousel is available for everyone’s use. Äänemäki is close to Äänekoski town centre, so after skiing it’s easy to move on to other local services. 

Plenty of trails for both avid and casual skiers

Liikuntapuisto ski trails offer varied terrain for the whole family. Beginners and children will find flat, easy terrain, while more experienced skiers can test themselves on race-style tracks. For the first time, an early-season track made from stored snow serves skiers from the start of winter. Koivisto traditional village trail offers beautiful scenery and campfire sites for a more relaxed pace. 

Saarikas trails in Sumiainen often provide Äänekoski’s first natural-snow tracks for skiers. There are four different routes, three of which are lit, so you can ski even after dark. The route lengths suit the whole family, and the starting point is Saarikkaantie 337, which is also home to the Saarikas village hall. 

For a gentler pace there are also ice ski trails, which take you, for example, to the beautiful island of Risusaari, where there’s a lean-to shelter and a campfire spot for enjoying your snacks. 

Activities for water lovers

For those who enjoy water activities, there are options indoors and outdoors: at the Häränvirta shore you’ll find an ice swimming spot where experience-seekers can cool off in flowing water amid beautiful scenery throughout the winter. 

For those who prefer warmer waters, there are two options: Vesivelho swimming hall and Suolahti swimming hall. Both pools have a waterslide, a children’s pool, a hot tub and a lap pool. After your swim, it’s lovely to relax in the steam room and warm up frost-nipped cheeks. Children under 6 enter free with a paying adult, and family tickets are available.

Go skating together

In Äänekoski you’ll find several skating rinks and ice hockey rinks. The artificial ice rink is free to use all winter, and there’s a heated changing room where you can switch gear and warm up between sessions. The artificial ice is located in the sports park, so you can go skiing and skating on the same day. 

What if you stayed for the evening, too?

After a busy day, a bite to eat really hits the spot. In Äänekoski you’ll find cozy cafés, pizzerias and a variety of restaurants that suit families. Didn’t manage to do everything you planned? Explore our different accommodation options and spend a little more quality time with your family.

Welcome to Äänekoski for a great time with the whole family!