Mielakka brings together everyone from starting skiiers to world famous professionals.

Why should ski slopes be situated far from where the people are? Kouvola’s own Mielakka Ski Centre, which recently celebrated its 50th anniversary, rises up very near the city centre.

In summer, Mielakka is home to Bike&Hike, which organises guided cross-country cycling tours. Kymi Anti-Flow is beginning downhill cycling on Mielakka’s slopes, so if the lifts appear to be turning in the summer, there is a good reason for it.

The slopes at Mielakka are suitable for skiers of all levels. A beginner can try out the free-of-charge Practice Slope with its rope lift and then move on to the steeper slopes.

Those with a taste for speed can head for the gentle slopes of Turistinrinne and Pohjoisrinne, the latter being the longest and most popular of the slopes. Perherinne and Kisarinne provide challenges for more experienced skiers.

The home of top-class skiers

Pohjoisrinne at Mielakka is home to a jumping area called Snow Park, a Street astir with rails and obstacles. A new addition is BigAir. The constantly developing Street has been much praised by enthusiasts of the sport.

On the Turistirinne side is Minipark, which is targeted at children and those just starting to learn to jump. When we said that the slopes of Mielakka have something for skiers of all levels, we really meant it.

Mielakka is the home base of Roope Tonteri, twice world champion at BigAir and Slopestyle. Nina Halme, five times Finnish champion at downhill, giant slalom and super-G also learned her trade at Mielakka.

When he is in Finland, Tonteri trains at Mielakka and, in his wake, Kouvola is producing new champions of snowboarding and freestyle.

Pipes, cross-country skiing and downhill skiing

An illuminated ski track circling the slope starts from the car park at Mielakka, and from there tracks branch off elsewhere into Kouvola’s network. The ski resort rents out top-quality equipment for both traditional and skate skiing. Those wanting to ski need bring nothing other than themselves and their own determination.

And for those who don’t feel like doing any skiing, Mielakka also has Lastenmaa (children’s world). It has a sledging slope and a pipe that can be descended on tyres rented from the ski resort. Sledges can ascend Lastenmaa on a mat lift. You can fry your own sausages in Mielakka’s ‘kota’ (Lappish-style hut) or in one of two lean-tos.