Arctic Lines Episode 8: Tierbmisvarri - The Finnish Couloir Heaven

After amazing mission in Ridnitsohkka it’s was time move to Termis sector. An area that is known for Finland’s best couloirs.

In general, finding multiple options for steep riding is very rare in Finland. Termis sector is an exception. It has many clearly visible couloirs and holds great potential for freeriding. This area gets a lot of wind and is famous of it’s rugged beauty. Termis is one of the most amazing natural high country environments in Finland.

Enni Rukajärvi, one of the most accomplished Finnish snowboarders, stayed for the Termis mission which turned out to be much more challenging than it first seemed.

Enjoy!

ABOUT TERMIS SECTOR

Termis sector is located 15km from the village of Kilpisjärvi. There is many clearly visible runs there and also lot of good steep descent options if snow is stable. The most interesting locations for steeps are Jollanoaivi and Tierbmisvarri.

You can travel to Termis by ski touring or with snowmobile transport which only guides or local authorities are licensed to do.

In Termis there is also wilderness cabin which has two sides. One that’s open and the other that you need reservation.
Staying in the wilderness cabin is recommended for ski touring only.
Find out more https://www.nationalparks.fi/kasivarsi

For snowmobile transport and guiding: https://arcticchapter.fi and https://laplandguiding.com

JOLLANOAIVI

Jollanoaivi is located at the eastern part of Termis sector
The southface is surprisingly amazing. It has some mellow lines and two clearly visible couloirs that are very inviting.
This face is avalanche prone and gets a lot of heat in springtime.
If you want to attempt the steeper lines in Jollanoaivi you must not leave it too late in the season.

You have multiple options to reach the line but the most common is to stay in the camp near the wilderness cabin. Distance from the cabin to the bottom of the couloirs is about 5,2km. Once at the bottom you can continue touring up as high as you can before switching to boot packing. Hiking up these lines is rarely easy, especially the wider couloir. On a narrower and steeper one you need to be aware of some cornices and steep exposed snowfield while you climb it.

Once on the top, prepare and ride down the same way you came up. At this point you will have lot of information about the on the face and can make decisions based on that. Enjoy it, Jollanoaivi is a nice experience!

TIERBMISVARRI CENTRAL COULOIR
This is the couloir heaven of Finland. A rare sighting of multiple steep lines offering great adventures in the Finnish wilderness.
The mountain is very wind exposed and can offer challenges even to more experienced.

Approach the couloirs from the cabin. Distance to the bottom is in between 2 - 4km depending of the line you want to do.
Once at the bottom, you can tour up until you reach the mouth of the couloirs but most of the time the low part is very wind effected so it’s highly recommended to prepare that you might have to hike the line all the way from the bottom.

If you decide to try the Central Couloir here is few tips.
The couloir is very straight forward climbing. Take at least one ice ax just in case because the top of the couloir is very steep. Once you reach the crux, take a small break and then continue to the top.
Once at the top, you can choose which entry point you want to use for a drop in. Base your desicion making to conditions you experienced on the way up the couloir.
The crux in the middle is not difficult to navigate but can be dangerous if conditions are hard. Take care here.
Once the crux is cleared you enter the lower part of the couloir which is very aesthetic. If you are lucky, you can enjoy good snow here. Ride all the way down to lake and be happy you did it, even if the conditions were tough.
Experiencing couloir riding or skiing in Finland is always special thing!