The length of the Hetta-Pallas ski trail is 58 km. While it climbs to the open fells between Sioskuru and Hannukuru, the ski trail mostly goes through low-lying forests and marshes. The distances between huts are longer on the winter trail than on the summer trail. Due to the wet ground, the trails intended for skiing are not suitable for hiking in summer.
The full length of Hetta-Pallas ski trail along maintained tracks is available in March and April. The maintenance of ski tracks starts in February in the vicinity of tourism centres. Mid-winter visitors must have the skills to navigate in demanding conditions as the hours of daylight are short and you cannot rely on finding any ready-made tracks on the trail, or the tracks may be covered with snow. Freezing temperatures, darkness and snowfalls make the conditions particularly challenging.
The trail is marked with wooden crosses. The signposts between Hetta and Pallas were replaced in summer 2020. Trail junctions and rest stops have signposts that point to the following destinations and give the distances to them.
The ski tracks are looked after by local maintenance pools. Three different ski trails lead from Hetta to Pyhäkero. Starting in Hetta, they are usually open in late February as far as Sioskuru. The track between Sioskuru and Hannukuru is only opened in mid-March, and it is maintained once a week.
The trail from Hannukuru to Pallas is opened in February or March (infogis.fi). The trail continues to the Nammalakuru Wilderness Hut.
Mid winter from November to the end of January is not a recommended hiking time, because there is day light only few hours and the weather can quickly change dangerous due to icy winds and freezingly low temperatures.
