Arctic wellbeing ecosystem
For a number of years, Rovaniemi has had an informal coalition that has included actors in the fields of sports, exercise, wellbeing, research and development, and regional administration.
People living and visiting the Arctic Circle region have the opportunity to experience four distinct seasons. Some places in Lapland even speak about eight seasons. The impact of the four seasons is very empowering.
Let’s start with winter: the winter season lasts from five to six months, which is the time when the ground usually has snow cover. Winter conditions bring out the good sides of the Arctic climate. There is snow cover on the ground and there are occasionally harsh below-freezing temperatures, but from the perspective of Arctic wellbeing, this is by no means a hindrance. Activities and exercise in nature are very popular activities in the winter. Coping with the harshest temperatures is merely a question of the right clothing and a positive attitude. After the winter season, the brief yet mighty springtime is a fine experience in the Arctic Circle region. Snow quickly thaws, waterways thaw, nature comes back to life, and already at the end of March there are more hours of sunshine than in the areas south of the Arctic Circle.
What about Lapland’s bright summers? This is purely a time of vitality and wellbeing extracted from nature. Summertime is followed by a short, yet powerful autumn – a time when nature and the locals alike once again make preparations for the onset of winter.
A network of actors has been created around the theme of Arctic Wellbeing. One of the members of this network, Santasport Lapin Urheiluopisto, together with its customers, undertakes to promote Arctic Wellbeing. The opportunities for accessing the nature of Ounasvaara directly from the entrance of Santasport is emphasised for all visitors. The Ounasvaara area boasts around 200 kilometres of hiking routes, a network that allows you to experience the nature of the Arctic right by the centre of the town of Rovaniemi. The Santasport visitors combine their nature experiences with sports and exercise, either independently or with a guide, and often using Santasport’s rental equipment. Santasport has made a decision that all activities are implemented using muscle power.