The winter is slowly arriving  with a big variety of  fun winter sports around the city. 

Winter sports can be very enjoyable provided that you are dressed according to the weather.
Warm and dry wind safe clothes are very important.Dry gloves and a hat made of wool are good choices.
To avoid accidents please wear proper shoes. Prefer studded  shoes  or shoes with high friction soles at slippery weather. 

Pease note, that the ice on Saimaa lake  is still thin at same places and not always safe! 
For safety it is good to wear "Jäänaskalit", a kind of ice spikes around the neck while walking on the ice.
You find them at most department stores. Her an example

Crosscountry skiing

25 skitrails to be used for free around the city:
Skitrails -click Service location

Up to date maintenance of the skitrails and trailmaps:
Ice rink and ski trail maintenance

Ski equipment 
To be sold in local sportshops and big supermarkets
Second hand from for instance Redcross Kontti or tori.fi
For renting  Drakkar sport

Skiwaxing by the airport trail parkingplace Lappeeen riento skicottage 

Skischool for Adults  New!

Lappeenranta Airport skitrail. Parking area. Lavolankatu3

Try Out for absolute beginners

Tuesday 20.1.-27.1.2026 ( 2 sessions)   
Get a new fun winter experience! Course fee: 10€
Skiequipment can be rented for the sessions for totally 25€  from the company Drakkar Sport 
At 4-5 pm  Registration HERE
At 5-6 pm Registration HERE

Advanced beginners ski course

Tuesday 3.2.-17.1 2026, 5-6 pm.  ( 3 sessions)
We practice basic skills and do balance exercises.Course fee: 15€
Skiequipment can be rented for the sessions for totally 37€  from the company Drakkar Sport 

The courses are organized by the Lappeenranta Sports Department in cooperation with Drakkar Sport Company.
Registration for both courses  HERE

Skischool for children

Courses for children are arranged by the local sports club Lappeen Riento.
Check further  information here
Registration here

Ice skating

28 public icerinks around the city  to be used for free:
Icerinks to be found under service location

To be sold in local sportshops and big supermarkets
Second hand from for instance Kontti Redcross or tori.fi
Skates for short time use  to borrow from the Sports Department (mostly adult sizes).
Contact: p.040-6317428  stina.tevajarvi@lappeenranta.fi 

Skating School for Adults and Families  New! 

Kisapuisto out door ice rink .Kisakatu 9.
Saturday-Sunday:
January 31st, February 1st at  11.30-12.30
February 14th and 15th at  11.30-12.30
The aim of the course is to learn basic skating skills.
Warm wind safe clothing, including gloves, is very important. 
Affordable skates are to be found at for instance Kontti second hand.
The Sportsdepartment also has some skates to borrow.
It´s compulsary to wear a helmet on ice! 
We have no insurance for the participants
Course fee: (4 lessons) adults 20€, children under 18 years 10€
In cooperation with Saipa Ice Hockey Club 
Registration and payment here

 

Downhill skiing 

Myllymäki Ski Center  is in Joutseno, Myllymäentie 84
See fees and more information in Finnish

Snowshoe walking

Snow shoes to borrow withour costs from the city library. Search on the heilikirjastot- website under "lumikengät"  
Snow shoe rental and hiking   Saimaan palju rental  Retki Saimaa rental
Snow shoe try outs   Lappeenranta Sports Department Snow shoe try out

Snow Shoe Try out for free

LUT Main door
Thursday 26.2. at 4-5.30 pm
Also children from 10 years up are welcome. Please dress warmly and use hat+gloves!

Arctic swimming

On the  Myllysaari beach area  there   is a public ice hole with a dressing room. 

Close to the ice hole in Myllysaari , there also is public sauna open all year round .
The sauna ticket includes arctic swimming.  Read more here

Free Arctic Swimming Tryout

MYLLYSAARI City beach area.Myllysaarenpolku 37
Tuesday 10.2. at 5.30-6.30 pm
Please bring non slippery shoes and a towel