Winter Hiking in the Lauhanvuori–Hämeenkangas Geopark Area – Tips for National Parks and Hämeenkangas

In Lauhanvuori and Kauhaneva–Pohjankangas National Parks, walking trails are not maintained or ploughed during winter. In Lauhanvuori, a wide skiing trail network replaces summer trails, and walking on ski tracks is prohibited. In Kauhaneva–Pohjankangas, winter visitor numbers are low, and trails generally do not become compacted enough for walking.

I want to use my skis – where are the ski tracks?
Hämeenkangas is a true winter paradise with its well-maintained ski trails. The area is especially suitable for fitness skiing, with tracks for both classic and skate styles. The trail network is maintained by the City of Kankaanpää and the Municipality of Jämijärvi.
In Lauhanvuori National Park, there are recreational ski trails for classic-style skiing. The peaceful nature makes skiing especially enjoyable. The trails are maintained by the Municipality of Isojoki and the City of Kauhajoki.
In Kauhaneva–Pohjankangas, skiing in open snow-covered bogs is possible off-track. Please note that the Kauhaneva restricted area has a movement ban starting from 1 April.

Up-to-date skiing information can be found, for example, on ladulle.fi.

If a parking area is maintained in winter and a campfire site is nearby, visitors often compact a walkable path between them. Information about winter maintenance can be found by clicking the parking area icon on the map or by checking the site’s “How to get there” page.

Campfire sites that are easily accessible even in winter include:

• On Hämeenkangas, there is access to Niinikota from the Niiniharju parking area.
• In Kauhaneva–Pohjankangas, it is 250 metres from the Salomaa parking area to the Salomaa lean-to.
• In Lauhanvuori, you can follow the Rantapolku trail for about one kilometre from Lauhanvuori parking area to the Lauha Hut lean-to.

In the nature destinations of the Lauhanvuori–Hämeenkangas Geopark, there are no designated snowshoeing routes. You may snowshoe anywhere while respecting restricted areas and avoiding ski tracks. Note that snowshoeing in deep snow is physically demanding, so beginners should choose short routes.
Lauhanvuori’s snowy, easy-to-walk terrain is especially well suited for snowshoeing.
When planning your snowshoe trip, start by checking the winter maintenance of parking areas by clicking the parking icon on the map or by reading the site’s “Directions” information.

• Walking or snowshoeing on ski tracks is prohibited.
• Beware of thin ice!

The Katikankanjoni gorge area in Kauhaneva–Pohjankangas is not recommended for winter excursions due to safety reasons. The route includes very steep sections that become dangerously slippery in winter. The parking area is also not ploughed in winter.

Lauhanvuori National Park
Kauhaneva–Pohjankangas National Park
Hämeenkangas