Have a Hassle-Free Ski Holiday in Äänekoski - 10 Tips for Travelers

Äänekoski is an effortless winter destination for families with children as well as all leisure travelers. There’s plenty to do whether you come for a day, a weekend or a holiday. The area has plenty of services close to one another, and enjoying yourself doesn’t depend on the weather. There’s lots to do both outdoors and indoors for all ages.

Come enjoy snowy adventures and spend unforgettable moments in Äänekoski. Read below for tips for a winter holiday in Äänekoski! We’ve listed 10 things to do in Äänekoski in winter.

10 tips for your winter holiday

In Äänekoski you can enjoy an effortless winter holiday with the following activities, among others.

Skating

In Äänekoski you’ll find several skating rinks and ice hockey rinks. The artificial ice rink serves users free of charge throughout the winter, and next to it you’ll find a warm changing cabin where you can change your gear and warm up in between. The artificial ice is located in the sports park, so you can go both skiing and skating on the same day.

How about staying for the evening?

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

Things to do for water lovers

In Äänekoski and Suolahti you’ll find popular winter swimming spots and swimming halls. Take a dip in a refreshing ice hole or relax in the jacuzzi bubbles at the swimming hall. Äänekoski has two official winter swimming spots. Enter the ice hole listening to your body and with proper gear. Winter swimmers often wear a beanie as well as gloves and booties designed for the activity. Please note that you need a key for the winter swimming huts, which you can redeem for the winter swimming season at the swimming hall cashier.

For those who prefer warmer waters, there’s the cozy swimming hall Vesivelho, where you’ll find  a water slide, a children’s pool, a jacuzzi and a lap pool. After a swim it’s nice to relax in the steam sauna and warm up cheeks nipped by the frost. Children under 6 enter the swimming hall free of charge when accompanied by a paying adult; family tickets are also available.

Plenty of trails for avid and casual skiers

In the embrace of nature, skiing along the trails soothes the mind. In Äänekoski you’ll find lots of tracks, both on the ice and in the forests. Liikuntapuisto trails offer varied terrain for the whole family. Beginners and children will find flat and easy terrain, and for more experienced skiers the trails offer the challenge of race courses. Along the Koivisto traditional village trail you’ll find beautiful scenery and campfire sites for a more relaxed pace. Saarikas trails in Sumiainen often provide the first natural-snow tracks in Äänekoski for skiers. There are four different routes, three of which are lit, so you can ski even after dark. For a flatter outing, there are also ice trails, which take you for example to the beautiful island of Risusaari, where there is a lean-to and a campfire spot for enjoying snacks. Psst.. Did you know that Äänekoski also has two trails where you can ski with dogs? The dog-friendly trails maintained by active locals can be found in Koivisto and Hietama.

With children to the sledding hill or the ski slope

Skiing and snowboarding are easy at Äänemäki. The ski slope near the center offers runs suitable for all levels. An approx. 5 km outdoor route circles Äänemäki, which you can walk, mountain bike or even snowshoe. Children under 6 can use a free rope tow to practice skiing. On site you’ll also find a café and an equipment rental where you can rent ski gear or snowshoes. For the littlest ones there is also a sledding hill. You can also enjoy your own snacks at the lean-to at the bottom of the slope, where firewood is provided.

Take a breather in nature

In winter landscapes it’s lovely to explore the surroundings and visit new destinations. Have you already explored the Gallen-Kallela routes in Äänekoski?  At the Kapeenniemi recreational area you can follow various routes, enjoying the esker scenery where the foaming rapids don’t quiet down even in the harshest frosts. Risusaari is a popular destination among outdoor enthusiasts, especially in winter. It is within a convenient walking distance from Mustaniemi harbor and you can get there on foot or by skiing. Also Petäjäsaari is worth a visit in winter. On Petäjäsaari a few kilometers from the Sumiainen harbor, there is a sauna, a fire pit and a kota.

Ice fishing

Ice fishing is an experience especially for visitors from abroad, but it’s enjoyable for everyone. In Äänekoski you can go ice fishing on Keitele, Kuhnamo and the area’s smaller lakes. Ice fishing combines fresh air, stunning scenery and unwinding. Remember to move on the ice with caution and take ice picks with you. When was the last time you went ice fishing?

Enjoy Äänekoski’s cultural offerings

Enjoy movies with the whole family or just the adults at Cinema Kino Hirvi. The selection features a range of films in two auditoriums. It’s also worth visiting the regularly changing exhibition at the Äänekoski Art Museum.

You’ll find other current events worth checking out in our event calendar.

Snow and ice art

While outdoors you can let your imagination fly and make art. For example, by stomping on natural ice you can make wonderful patterns, and the whole family gets exercise without noticing. Building snowmen and snow castles is a great way to spend time together. If the frost is biting, you can also make ice lanterns and decorations. Have you tried making frozen soap bubbles and photographing them?

Go shopping

Various flea markets and brick-and-mortar shops offer great shopping opportunities. In downtown Äänekoski you’ll find several different stores close to one another. The area has many small specialty shops and chain stores. Those passing by on Highway 4 will also find diverse shopping opportunities.

Share your photos of winter activities using #visitaanekoski or tag us @visit_aanekoski. We’re happy to share your post on our channels, and you’ll inspire others too!

Updated 16 Jan 2024.