Malmi Airfield to turn into ski tracks next year

Malmi Airfield will serve the citizens of Helsinki as a venue for diverse events and as a recreational site tens of hectares in size.

The zoning has been completed and development proceeds, In addition, the area will have storage sites and other activities supporting construction, said a press release issued by the City of Helsinki.

The City of Helsinki has drawn up a general plan for temporary uses in the area as well as an associated map of temporary uses for 10 years into the future. The map includes both existing and new recreational routes and sites reserved for various activities.

“The total size of the area is about a hundred hectares, so naturally not everything can be completed overnight. However, the general plan provides a framework for new plans and various activities carried out stepwise in the area,” said project manager Kimmo Kuisma of City Executive Office.

Plans for the area include a number of pedestrian, cycling and cross-country ski routes as well as recreational and events sites. There are plans for a new snow dumping site and possible new temporary spaces for vocational training and boat winter storage. The goal is to retain and to utilize the area’s grassy fields for recreational uses respecting the area’s natural values.

The City of Helsinki is prepared to provide conditions for winter sports such as skiing and skating in parts of the airfield area as early as winter 2020.

In addition to the recreational and ski routes encircling the area today, plans for the grassy fields include new 1.5- and 5-kilometre-long ski tracks. The total length of maintained ski tracks would be about 6 kilometres. Skiers could also open their own tracks in the grassy fields.

“In addition to sports, the area could have urban gardens and sports fields, and it could host concerts and picnics. We’re hoping that city residents will take ownership in the area and create new urban culture in it,” Kuisma said.