Snowshoeing, when conditions are right—particularly on a sturdy, load-bearing snow crust—can be an invigorating activity that gets your heart racing, even in the chill of winter. Nestled in the Pallastunturi fells is Palkaskero, an ideal destination for both novice and seasoned snowshoers alike. The path leading from the nature center to Palkaskero is not overly long, and the breathtaking scenery greets you almost immediately.
On a crisp Sunday morning, my friend and I set off toward the Pallastunturi Fells, our hearts set on snowshoeing. The forecast promised splendid weather, and we eagerly anticipated a dazzling winter landscape bathed in sunlight.
As we parked in the nearly vacant hotel parking lot, we noticed the nature center appeared closed, lending an unhurried air to our expedition. Strapping on our snowshoes, we made our way towards Palkaskero. The path was considerably shorter, and less imposing than the ascent to the majestic Taivaskero, the tallest of the Pallastunturi fells. This made Palkaskero the perfect choice for a leisurely Sunday stroll—our agenda was simple: to soak in the views without a specific destination in mind.
And those views didn’t disappoint. During the snow-free months, hikers are advised to stick to the official Salkaskero trail, which meanders around the reindeer fence before reaching the summit. However, with the solid snow crust beneath us, we felt a sense of freedom, venturing off the beaten path toward the slope. We noticed the summit of Taivaskero shrouded in a gray cloud, and we kept a cautious eye on the situation—losing visibility in the fells can quickly escalate into a challenge. Thankfully, the cloud hung overhead but began to thin out as we made our trek.
Our aim wasn’t to reach the peak; instead, we enjoyed meandering along the Pallaskero-facing slope. The landscape felt untouched, stretching before us in a myriad of whites and blues. The biting wind nipped at our fingers, especially as I paused to capture some photos. Yet, my faithful camera held up admirably against the cold.
We encountered other small groups scattered across the fells, many gliding by on skis, some navigating their descents with varying levels of control. As someone who isn’t particularly daring, I was more than content to traverse at a stable pace on my snowshoes.
Below us, the Pallaskota Hut stood out—as picturesque a spot as any for a post-hike snack by the warmth of an open fire. I, however, had come prepared with a trusty food thermos filled with homemade tofu wok. We took a brief respite at a random spot on the slope, opting not to sit. I hurriedly shoveled the steaming meal into my mouth while my friend savored her tea.
After a quick cool-down, we decided to venture toward the steeper upper slope, gradually angling back toward our starting point.
The sun made a striking appearance on our return trip, illuminating the chain of fells to the south with renewed vigor.
In total, we spent a couple of hours savoring the wintry scenery—though we never checked the time, preferring to follow the sun’s arc and monitor the shifting clouds in case conditions changed. Fortune smiled upon us; the weather was kindly cooperative, and the firm snow crust transformed our outing into a truly enjoyable adventure.
Before embarking on your snowshoeing journey to Palkaskero, consider visiting the Luontoon.fi website where you can find detailed descriptions of the trails, including The Conquest of the Sámi Layer, among the Pallastunturi route options.
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