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Cross-Tunnel Skiing
Ski Wax and Flashlights?
by Tiina Alanko
Associate Editor
Finland is known for its many unique winter
attractions. Although geographically situated in Northern
Europe, some people think that Finland has snow all year
round. But this is not the case. While most of us rely upon
the mercy of Mother Nature's snow conditions, Finns can enjoy
skiing all year long - regardless of the effects of nature.
How do Finns do this? By skiing in a tunnel...of course.
 At
first, this may sound crazy. However, Finns are known as
innovators of unique ways of doing things. Vuokatti is one
of the most popular ski resorts in Finland. The resort, located
in the middle of Finland, decided to extend the ski season
by building the DNA Ski Tunnel. This unique tunnel resembles
a long-pipe or an underground railway tunnel measuring more
than one mile in length. It offers perfect indoor ski trails
of man-made snow for all Nordic ski devotees 12 months a
year.
The creation of the DNA Ski Tunnel has become
somewhat of a legend in a country where people learn to ski
almost as soon as they learn to walk. When the news first
spread of building the Ski Tunnel in Vuokatti, some people
thought the idea was totally bizarre - or as Finns call it Pahkahullu.
However bizarre the cynics initially described the facility,
today Vuokatti is the world's leading center for Nordic ski
disciplines.
 By using simple technology in combination
with Finnish inventiveness - construction of the first part
of the tunnel began during the spring of 1997. Only a few
months later, the first skiers were able to hit the ski tunnel's
trails. Today, nearly more than a mile of ski trails is available
for skiers. The DNA Ski Tunnel's environment looks like any
other natural born ridge. It is covered by a protected and
concealed layer of soil.
The Ski Tunnel's air and snow temperature
are computer monitored and controlled. In order to maintain
the artificial winter-fresh air, the air has to be changed
every four hours. The temperature of the air is typically
kept between 21-30°F. However, the controls can drop it all
the way down to 0.4°F, if needed.
 A good snow volume in the
tunnel is guaranteed with the high pressure cannon system.
The cannon blows the man-made snow directly onto ski trails,
which are then to be groomed by machine.
If you find yourself
in the middle of Finland, visit the Vuokatti resort for some
unique cross country - cross tunnel - skiing.
Information
on the DNA Ski Tunnel was gathered from www.skitunnelvuokatti.fi For more information: myyntipalvelu@vuokattisport.fi Tel: +358-8- 6191-400
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710
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Volume
14 Issue 2 -
December 2004