Embracing the Winter Break: A Finnish Tradition
As the days grow shorter and the snow blankets the landscape, the anticipation of Finland’s winter break—a cherished skiing holiday—mounts. Established in the 1930s, this week-long recess was designed to punctuate the lengthy spring semester and foster a love for winter sports among children, particularly skiing.
For many families, the ski holiday, known as “ski holiday” in Finnish, serves as an opportunity to escape to the slopes, indulge in winter sports, or simply enjoy the great outdoors. This year, schools in southern Finland will enjoy their break from February 16 to 20, while children in central regions will follow suit in week 9, and those in the north will take their turn during week 10.
Despite the hopes for milder weather and fresh snow, forecasters warn that a persistent high-pressure system has brought clear skies and frigid temperatures to much of the country—a trend that looks set to continue. General Meteorologist Anniina Valtonen predicts that the mercury is unlikely to rise above freezing in the coming days, though she notes an increase in cloud cover as the high-pressure front shifts southeast. Her advice? “Enjoy the sunshine now,” she quips, reminding us to relish the clear skies, even if they come with a chill.
While February remains firmly entrenched in winter’s grip, there are whispers of a warming trend in the weeks ahead. Families across Finland embrace the holiday not just for the snow but as a chance to bond, with many planning trips to beloved wintery locales like Lapland or even venturing abroad.
Traffic has already begun to pick up around the country, with Finland’s traffic management agency, Fintraffic, reporting busy roads over the weekend. Families have been flocking north from the Helsinki Metropolitan area and other regions, all eager to create lasting memories amidst the snow-covered landscapes.
As this near-century-old tradition continues to unfold, the joys of winter sports and the simple pleasure of spending time together remain at the heart of the skiing holiday. For Finns, it’s a time to embrace the beauty of winter and the excitement of adventure.