Helsinki city officials have clarified that walking on groomed cross-country ski trails is not permitted, as these areas are designated sports facilities where Finland’s traditional everyman’s right does not apply. The statement comes amid ongoing confusion among park users in Keskuspuisto, Helsinki’s large central green space, where winter trails often overlap with popular summer walking paths. Local residents expressed mixed but calm views during a recent weekend visit to the Pirkkola area of Keskuspuisto. Walker Kari Savolainen noted that ski trails are frequently laid over familiar summer routes, and signage rarely specifies that walking is prohibited—only banning dogs and bicycles. Skier Unna Heimberg acknowledged limited foot traffic on Pirkkola trails but pointed out more crowded conditions near Maunula. She emphasized that trail intersections, not walkers on the tracks themselves, pose the main challenge. Skiers Silja Mentula and her daughter Onerva Martikainen said there’s ample space in Keskuspuisto for both walkers and skiers, though occasional route overlaps happen. They observed that most pedestrians stay off the actual ski grooves. Meanwhile, walker Mika Äijö admitted he avoids confronting people on trails, even when they damage the snow surface or bring in grit from footwear. Skier Olli Kara added that while classic-style skiers like him are less affected, trail quality and cleanliness suffer when walkers use the lanes.
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