Stage 1

The Kulmakuru trail is one of the true classics of Saariselkä!

Startloop to the fells

The first stage of Saariselkä MTB Stages starts towards fell Kaunispää. We recommend taking the first climbs easily - there is plenty of more climbing to come along this trail.

From the top of Kaunispää fell the trail takes a long and fast descent towards fell Urupää. After the descent you will find yourself from the "the most wet start swamp in Finland". There is no need to try to save your shoes from getting wet because they will get wet, latest by river Tolosjoki. After the swamp, the trail climbs up to Urupää and returns to Saariselkä. After this startloop the trail continues towards Hammastunturi Wilderness.

Towards Kulmakuru gorge

After passing Saariselkä village, the trails takes you through some fine pine tree forests and towards Kuusipää fell. After riding for 17km you will meet our first service point.

After the first service point you will cross the river Tolosjoki. It is not allowed to try riding across the river - all the participants must walk over the river. Normally the river is relatively easy to walk over. In August, the typical water level is around 30-40cm.

After the river crossing you will start the 3km long climb towards Kulmakuru gorge. The climb is steep at places and some of you will have to walk some parts of the climb. The view from the top is rewarding. You will pass the Kulmakuru gorge and at the same time you can see the fell summits all the way to Urho Kekkonen national park.

From the top of the fell you will start a 5km long single-track descent. This part of the track is particularly enjoyable with all the curves and small jumps.

Back to Saariselkä

After Harrioja, the trail turns back to Tolosjoki river and to the 2nd river crossing. This time it will already be much smoother. After the river crossing the trail starts climbing up to Hangasselkä.

The 2nd service point is located in Laanila and after the service there are some faster trails before you start the final section of the stage. On the final section there is a long and partly technical climb up to Vahtamapää fell. The views in this final climb are amazing. You can see the village of Saariselkä down in the valley and views to the national park on the other side.

From the top of Vahtamapää you will have a fast and curvy descent down to the village. After the descent, there is only a 1km final sprint left.