Snow Gods Answer Finland's Call: Levi and Ruka Receive Much-Needed Snowfall - SnowBrains

"Ruka and Levi are the first non-glacier resorts to open each year, usually by the first week of October. Both resorts rely on snow left over from the previous season, which is carefully preserved during the summer months by piling it together and covering it with sawdust and felt for insulation against the sun's warmth-a process known as snow farming."

"Enter Ullr, the Norse god of snow, who seems to have heard the prayers of Finnish skiers and riders. In the past 24 hours, both Levi and Ruka have received 18 centimeters (7 inches) of fresh snow, with more continuing to fall. While 18 centimeters might seem modest by the standards of Utah's legendary powder, it's actually a game-changer for these resorts."

Ruka and Levi opened earlier than most resorts using preserved snow from the previous season that is insulated with sawdust and felt through a snow farming process. Unseasonably warm temperatures eroded spread-out snow, forcing temporary closure of cross-country tracks and leaving lower Nordic areas particularly vulnerable, while downhill runs stayed open. Some international moguls teams relocated to Hintertux, Austria, for more stable conditions. In the past 24 hours both Levi and Ruka received 18 centimeters (7 inches) of fresh snow with more falling. That 18-centimeter event is the largest single-day snowfall Levi has seen in over a decade and significantly boosts early-season prospects.

Read at SnowBrains