Winter sports in Estonia

With recent reports of snowfall across Alpine skiing resorts at an all-time low, here are five winter alternatives to try in Estonia. Winter sports in Estonia are growing in international popularity – this February the European Sauna Marathon recommences, where teams race through South Estonia while visiting a range of saunas.

Ice-Sailing in Haapsalu

Although the colder months often signify the end of the sailing season across much of Europe, this period brings about a whole different sailing season in Estonia. Thrill-seekers take to the hardened ice, boarding boats with sledge-like bases to move across the frozen sea often reaching speeds of over 60 mph. As one of the bays to freeze first, Haapsalu, Estonia is the ideal spot to try sailing on the ice.

Snowshoeing in the Kõnnu Wetlands

Snowshoeing, walking, or running in specialist outdoor snowshoes provides a unique workout. Estonians recommend practicing over the Kõnnu Wetlands: a lake that rests between eskers in a giant basin which has paludified over the course of thousands of years. In the winter, densely covered bog-pools on the surface of the swamp freeze, allowing safe footfall. The beautiful panoramic view to the otherworldly landscape that is ornate with bonsai-like pines can also be enjoyed from the top of the lookout tower erected in the middle of the swamp near Lake Paukjärv.

Winter kiteboarding on Pärnu beach

Winter kiteboarding is incredibly popular in Estonia and uses a snowboard or skis while being carried by the kite. It is done on snowy lands in windy weather. Kiteboarding can be done on snow-covered open fields in windy weather, but better still, on the open beach in Parnu looking out onto the Baltic Sea.  

Kicksled hiking in Soomaa National Park

The rivers and water meadows of Soomaa National Park freeze over, providing the perfect conditions for kicksled hiking, one of the easiest winter sports to take up. Users grasp a front handlebar and kick off the ground from the sled, propelling them forward across the ice. These “scooters on snow” are used as a fun alterative to cross country skiing and racing.

Husky Sledding

Adventure-seekers can try riding a husky-led sled; additionally learning about the life of huskies, their training, and their fun and friendly character. Several husky tours, depending on the route, visit the most important sights of the region such as Põhja-Kõrvemaa Nature Reserve, Estonia’s third largest nature reserve of forest holding bears and lynxes.

Cross-country skiing

The rolling hills in the south and northeast of Estonia offer tracks for all levels of skiiers, from beginners to enthusiasts as well as offering night skiing on lit tracks when it’s possible to see wild rabbits, fox or deer. Tehvandi Ski Track in Otepaa, Estonia’s winter sports capital, offers five- and ten- kilometre tracks along with tuition and ski hire for all abilities.

For more information, please visit: https://www.visitestonia.com/en/what-to-see-do/activities-adventure/winter-fun