Snowmobiling in Kuhmo

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The snowmobiling trails in Kuhmo are primarily located on state-owned land, with a total length of approximately 400 km, of which around 250 km are maintained mechanically, depending on conditions. There are good connections to all neighboring municipalities, and several route options are available. One of the most popular snowmobiling trails is the so-called Eastern Loop (Itälenkki 170 km), which has been praised for its diverse terrain and varying conditions.

 

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Trails and Maintenance

In Kuhmo and the Kainuu region, you can enjoy snowmobiling in stunning landscapes. Riding in the area is now even more convenient with a regional trail permit.

Useful Links:

The winter maintenance of Kuhmo’s snowmobile trails is managed by the City of Kuhmo in cooperation with the Kuhmo Snowmobile Team.

For the latest updates on snowmobiling in Kuhmo, follow Kuhmon Kelkkateam ry.

Trail Permits

Kainuu Regional and Municipal Trail Permit

Starting in winter 2025, you can ride across the stunning landscapes of Kainuu with a single regional trail permit. Trail permits are available for purchase through the City of Kajaani’s online store:
🔗 https://verkkokauppa.kajaani.fi/tuote-osasto/kainuun-uraluvat/

Kainuu regional trail permit prices:

  • 1 day – €30
  • 3 days – €50
  • 10 days – €80
  • Seasonal permit – €170 (includes children under 18 in the same household, personal use)
  • Seasonal permit for work snowmobiles – €30
  • Seasonal permit for historic snowmobiles – €30
  • Seasonal permit for safari operators – €200 per business

Municipal trail permit price:

  • €70 per municipality per snowmobile

All revenue from trail permits is fully allocated to trail maintenance. The income from the regional permit is distributed among municipalities based on the length of their trails, while municipal permit revenue is used entirely for maintaining the respective municipality’s trails.

For local riders, spring 2025 will serve as a transition period, allowing permits to be purchased either through the Kajaani online store or using the previous system. From the 2025–2026 winter season, all riders must have a valid regional or municipal trail permit, purchased through the online store.

Freeride area in Kuhmo

Romuvaara – 1,300 ha

In Kuhmo, you can enjoy snowmobiling in the Romuvaara freeride area, which is bordered by a snowmobile trail to the south and west, a ditch/old pathway to the north, and a creek/lake to the east (see map attachment). The distance from Kuhmo city center to Romuvaara is approximately 25 km along the snowmobile trail.

For car access, you can reach the area from Lentiirantie via Riihivaarantie and Sarvijärventie (the area is along Sarvijärventie). However, road access depends on whether the City of Kuhmo has plowed the road—otherwise, access is only possible by snowmobile via the trail.

Management & maintenance

The City of Kuhmo and Metsähallitus have signed a usage agreement for the freeride areas in Kuhmo. The City of Kuhmo is responsible for the winter maintenance of both the freeride area and the road leading to it. The city will also provide updates regarding the area’s accessibility.

Important safety guidelines

  • Exercise caution and responsibility when riding in the area.
  • Streams in the area may have weak ice, so avoid crossing them.
  • Wildlife, including moose, may be present—snowmobiling must not disturb animals.

Romuvaara freeride map >>

Snowmobile safaris in Kuhmo

Snowmobile rentals and safaris in Kuhmo are available in the Kalevala region. Snowmobiling is a quick and easy way to explore nature! Safaris offer a chance to ride through diverse terrains, helping participants get comfortable with handling a snowmobile. Enjoy the freedom of the open trails and the beauty of the surrounding wilderness. All safaris are guided by a professional instructor.

Important information:

Participants must have valid leisure insurance.
Safaris are not suitable for young children.
Minimum group size is 4 people (ask for a quote for smaller groups).
Prices include guidance, riding gear, fuel & lubrication, and trail permits.
Group size: 4–24 people.
Book in advance to ensure availability!

Example safaris in Kuhmo:

Snowmobile Trip (1 hour) – Introduction to Riding
A guided tour across ice and terrain, depending on conditions.
Distance: 15–20 km

Campfire Tour (2 hours)
Ride through forest trails towards Lieksa and return across open ice.
Distance: 20–40 km
Includes: Warm drink and snacks by the fire

Two Fires Tour (3–4 hours)
Ride towards the Lieksa border, with a juice break at a wilderness shelter.
Enjoy campfire coffee and grilled sausages at Honkinen shelter.
Distance: 50–70 km
Five-Hour Adventure
Ride towards Lentiira, with a juice break in the wilderness.
Enjoy campfire coffee and grilled sausages at Lentiira shelter.
Distance: 70–100 km

Eastern Border Tour (6–8 hours, max. 12 people)
A scenic loop along the eastern border, featuring stunning ridges and untouched wilderness.
Duration: 6–8 hours, Distance: 170 km
Riding: One person per snowmobile
Includes: Campfire soup lunch with sides and trail snacks

Snowmobile Rentals
Touring Snowmobiles (2 people)
1st hour: €75
Additional hours: €25/h
Full day: €175
Sport Snowmobiles (1 person)
1st hour: €95
Additional hours: €25/h
Full day: €200

📍 More information & bookings:
Kalevalan Juhlatakomo Oy
📞 +358 45 2709100
📧 info@juhlatakomo.fi
🔗 www.juhlatakomo.fi

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stories about snowmobiling in Kuhmo

Kuhmo – snowmobiling near the eastern border

Kuhmo offers excellent collaboration between various organizations to develop and maintain its snowmobiling infrastructure. The city of Kuhmo and the local club Kuhmon Kelkkateam ry maintain 400 km of trails each season, ensuring they are in great condition for riders. Additionally, a freeride area is available in cooperation with Metsähallitus. The main trails are groomed two to three times per season, with more frequent maintenance near the town center.

Kuhmo is a snow-reliable destination with a particularly long snowmobiling season, typically lasting from December to April.

Diverse and well-connected trail network
The trail system in Kuhmo caters to both relaxed cruising and high-speed adventure. The varied terrain offers something new each day—pine forests, swamps, lakes, and rolling hills.

Trail connections extend to neighboring municipalities:
✅ Suomussalmi
✅ Sotkamo
✅ Nurmes
✅ Lieksa

One of the most popular loops is the eastern loop (170 km), and by extending into neighboring areas, riders can enjoy multiple long-distance routes over several days. There are numerous rest stops along the trails, making it easy to take a break and enjoy the journey.

Freeride area – Romuvaara (1,300 ha)
Kuhmo offers a 1,300-hectare freeride area for those looking for a more challenging experience. The Romuvaara freeride zone provides natural snow conditions and diverse terrain, including elevation changes and hills for climbing.

Freeride features:

Large parking area with fire pits and restrooms
Located along the eastern loop, making it easily accessible via trail
Only 25 km from Kuhmo city center
Ideal for day trips
A new fire pit and wood shelter were built in fall 2023 by Kuhmon Kelkkateam volunteers, led by chairman Harri Halonen. Trail maintenance also includes clearing fallen trees and updating bridges.

In Kelkkalehti (spring 2023), freeride enthusiast Juliaana Väärälä, who has been riding for over five years, praised Romuvaara’s elevation changes and exciting hills.

Trail permits required
To ride on both maintained trails and freeride areas, you must have either a municipal or regional trail permit.

For more details on permits, see the Kainuu trail permit information.

 

Accommodation and fuel

There are several accommodation options directly along the snowmobile trails. You can choose from cottages or local hotels like Hotelli Kainuu or Hotelli Kalevala.

For fuel, snowmobilers can stop at two stations in the town center (Kuksa and Shell), or even at Lentiira Holiday Village with an advance reservation. If you don’t have your own snowmobile, you can rent one from Juhlatakomo.

While you’re here, it’s also worth checking out local cultural events or sampling traditional products like rönttönen (a local pastry) or something with tar flavor, recommended by Inka Makkonen, the city’s communications and tourism coordinator.

Kuhmo Lumiajot – the event returns!
The Kuhmo Lumiajot event, now in its 6th year, is a family-friendly gathering for snowmobile enthusiasts from near and far. It’s a great way to spend time together while enjoying snowmobiling! The event will take place on Saturday, March 8, 2025. Stay tuned for more details! The event hub will be at Hotelli Kalevala.

Stay updated
Follow the local action on social media via the @kuhmonkelkkateam Instagram and Facebook accounts for the latest trail information and updates.

Welcome to Kuhmo!