Winter hiking in Syöte National Park – tips for a day trip

Syöte National Park has maintained multi‑use trails suitable for winter fatbiking, snowshoeing, and backcountry skiing. Walking is also allowed when trail conditions permit. The routes are groomed by snowmobile at least once a week, depending on the weather. You can follow trail maintenance updates via the InfoGIS service (infogis.fi).

On foot, a popular recommendation is a trip to Annintupa, located by the Pärjänjoki River, along the Naavaparran Trail. Annintupa is a day hut where you can enjoy your own snacks by the campfire. Be sure to pack fire‑making supplies and food. The trail starts at the main trailhead of Syöte National Park at Erätie 1. The Trail is groomed by snowmobile about once a week, as it is part of the park’s winter trail network. Please note that walking on ski trails is not allowed!

With snowshoes, head for the Teerivaara Trail, which passes through old forests, dips into marsh landscapes, and climbs high up to the top of Teerivaara. From the summit, you’ll have impressive views across the national park, and at Teeritupa you can enjoy your own snacks by the fire. The route begins at the park’s main trailhead at Erätie 1. The trail often stays open thanks to visitors and can sometimes be walked without snowshoes, but after snowfall or during slippery spring conditions, snowshoes—or at least studded shoes and poles—are recommended. The route is demanding due to elevation changes.

For fatbiking, more than 40 km of winter trails are available starting from the winter holiday weeks onward, including the Syöte Winter Loop (10 km) and the Ahmatupa Trail (17 km). Both are accessible from the national park’s main trailhead at Erätie 1.

Please note:

• The winter trail is also used by a local husky sled operator and park maintenance staff. Hikers must yield.
• Trails are not marked in the terrain except for signposts at intersections.
• After heavy snowfall or strong winds, trails may be soft or blocked, and they are not maintained daily.

Syöte offers more than 100 km of maintained ski trails, about 40 km of which run through the national park. The trails are suitable for both classic and skate skiing. You can also pull a pulk on the ski tracks, making it possible to ski to one of the national park’s cozy huts for an overnight trip.

Pytkyn latu (The Pytky Trail) is a fun and varied ski route. You can start from the parking area at the lower station of Iso‑Syöte, making the total distance about 14 km. Along the trail you’ll find the Pytky Ranch café, which serves tasty snacks during the ski season. There is also a pleasant rest spot, Riihitupa, where you can make a fire and enjoy your own food.

Family‑friendly trails can be found between Luppovesi and the main trailhead of Syöte National Park. The Kelosyöte trails near Pikku‑Syöte are also fairly flat and well suited for skiing with children.

For long, sunny spring‑skiing adventures, head toward Ahmavaara in Syöte National Park and the Ahmakallio loop that runs north of it. It’s hard to find a more beautiful trail. If you start from the park’s main trailhead, the loop is about 25 km, and it’s recommended to return via Ylpiätupa, unless fast downhill sections make you nervous.

Please note:

• Remember to pay the ski trail fee. You can pay it, for example, at the Syöte central booking office.
• You can follow the grooming status of the trails via the InfoGIS service (infogis.fi).
• Trails are easily accessible from the Iso‑ and Pikku‑Syöte ski resorts as well as from the main trailhead of Syöte National Park (Erätie 1).
• On most Syöte trails, skiing with a leashed dog is allowed. Only the SM 3 trail and the Pikku‑Syöte back loop are not dog‑friendly.

Syöte National Park has several easily accessible rest spots that can be reached from plowed parking areas.

Here are two popular destinations for an easy campfire outing:

Kellarilampi Lean‑to – at the foot of Pytkynharju

Located in the scenic Pytkynharju area, the walk is about 1 km along an easy trail from the plowed parking area.
The lean‑to has a designated fire pit, and firewood is available in the woodshed. If you have snowshoes with you, it’s worth climbing up to the top of Pytkynharju, which rises right next to Kellarilampi.

Snack tip: Hot chocolate in a thermos, Karelian pies, and sausages to warm over the fire; for dessert, a chocolate bar or frozen berries with warm caramel sauce.

Visitor Centre Lean‑to – at the main trailhead of Syöte National Park

Located right next to the main trailhead of the national park, just beside the plowed parking area. You can combine the outing with the short Korpikolva Nature Trail (0.5 km), where you can learn about Syöte’s nature through interesting information boards.

Snack tip: Warm soup in a thermos (e.g., vegetable purée soup), a fresh roll with cheese, cocoa in a thermos, and a sweet bun for dessert.