Info & Q&A
This page contains answers to the most frequently asked questions as well as lots of useful information. If you have any additional questions about Mimmi Free’kend, feel free to contact us at:
What is Mimmi Free’kend?
Mimmi Free’kend is a friendly and community-focused freeride event, centered on doing things together. During the weekend, participants learn new skills both in skiing and avalanche safety.
The event is for everyone who identifies as a woman.
Who is Mimmi Free’kend for?
Mimmi Free’kend is designed for adult women snowboarders and alpine skiers looking to challenge themselves. Telemark skiers can join the alpine groups.
The event program is organized by levels (Mimmit 1–3). There are separate programs for first-timers, those needing confidence in freeriding, and more experienced participants. Please review the skill requirements and programs carefully, and choose your level based on your abilities and experience. This ensures smooth and safe group movement during the weekend workshops.
Where is Mimmi Free’kend held?
The event takes place at the Pyhätunturi Ski Resort in Finnish Lapland.
Pyhätunturi offers several lift-accessed freeride areas. During the Mimmi Free’kend weekend, participants make full use of these off-piste slopes to improve freeride techniques and challenge themselves in a variety of terrain.
In the optional program, weather and snow conditions permitting, there is also the opportunity to join a backcountry tour organized by the Pyhä Ski School into the national park.
How do I get to Pyhä?
You can reach Pyhä conveniently and sustainably by train and bus. The nearest railway station is in Kemijärvi, where you can catch a morning bus directly to Pyhätunturi. From southern Finland, such as Helsinki, a night train is the most convenient.
From Rovaniemi railway station, there are several ski bus connections daily, and the bus ride to Pyhätunturi takes less than two hours.
If you’re flying, the nearest airport is Rovaniemi.
Explore travel options
Is off-piste skiing safe?
At Mimmi Free’kend, safety is a top priority, and all unnecessary risks are avoided.
The current snow conditions are always taken into account, and instructors familiarize themselves with the terrain in advance. In addition, an avalanche technician provides recommendations on which areas are safe to ski during the event.
For safety reasons, please also carefully review the skill requirements to choose the group that best matches your abilities when registering. Below, you will also find a gear list outlining essential equipment, including mandatory avalanche safety gear for participants.
What equipment do I need to bring?
Mandatory equipment for all participants includes a lift pass, avalanche safety gear (beacon, shovel, and probe), and skiing or snowboarding equipment. We also recommend having insurance that covers off-piste skiing. Please take a look at the detailed gear list below.
Equipment
Below you will find a list of the equipment needed for Mimmi Free’kend. It’s important to familiarize yourself with your gear, if possible, before the event.
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LIFT PASS
A lift pass is required for all programs, as workshops involve using the lifts. For the optional backcountry tour on Sunday, at minimum a single ride lift ticket is needed, since the trip to the national park starts from the top of the ski resort, accessible by lift. You can buy a lift ticket when registering. See lift tickets
A lift pass is required for all programs, as workshops involve using the lifts. For the optional backcountry tour on Sunday, at minimum a single ride lift ticket is needed, since the trip to the national park starts from the top of the ski resort, accessible by lift. You can buy a lift ticket when registering. See lift tickets
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SKIS OR SNOWBOARD, BOOTS
For freeride skiing or snowboarding, slightly wider skis or a wider snowboard work well for off-piste terrain, or you can use the equipment you are already comfortable with. If you wish, you can rent gear from Pyhä’s Kultakero rental when registering. Equipment is limited, but we do our best to ensure everyone has suitable gear.
For freeride skiing or snowboarding, slightly wider skis or a wider snowboard work well for off-piste terrain, or you can use the equipment you are already comfortable with. If you wish, you can rent gear from Pyhä’s Kultakero rental when registering. Equipment is limited, but we do our best to ensure everyone has suitable gear.
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BACKPACK
A freeride backpack should fit snugly on your back and be able to hold at least your avalanche safety gear, snacks, and a warm jacket for breaks.
A freeride backpack should fit snugly on your back and be able to hold at least your avalanche safety gear, snacks, and a warm jacket for breaks.
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HELMET AND GOGGLES
A helmet is mandatory for every skier or snowboarder. Goggles protect your eyes from the sun, snowfall, and obstacles such as branches along the ski run.
A helmet is mandatory for every skier or snowboarder. Goggles protect your eyes from the sun, snowfall, and obstacles such as branches along the ski run.
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TOURING GEAR
Touring equipment is used to ascend the mountain. This gear is required for level 3 groups throughout the event, and for levels 1–2 only if you participate in the optional backcountry tour on Sunday. Touring gear can be rented from Pyhä when registering, if needed.
There are several possible gear combinations:
-Touring skis, touring boots + skins
-Splitboard + skins and telescopic poles
-Snowboard + snowshoes and telescopic poles
Touring equipment is used to ascend the mountain. This gear is required for level 3 groups throughout the event, and for levels 1–2 only if you participate in the optional backcountry tour on Sunday. Touring gear can be rented from Pyhä when registering, if needed.
There are several possible gear combinations:
-Touring skis, touring boots + skins
-Splitboard + skins and telescopic poles
-Snowboard + snowshoes and telescopic poles
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AVALANCHE SAFETY GEAR
Avalanche safety gear includes a beacon, probe, and shovel. If you don’t have your own gear, you can rent it from Pyhä when registering. Rental equipment is limited, but we do our best to ensure everyone who wants gear can get it.
Avalanche safety gear includes a beacon, probe, and shovel. If you don’t have your own gear, you can rent it from Pyhä when registering. Rental equipment is limited, but we do our best to ensure everyone who wants gear can get it.
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APPROPRIATE CLOTHING
Choose outerwear suitable for active movement and dress in layers according to the weather. For the Sunday backcountry tour, it’s a good idea to bring a warm jacket for breaks.
Choose outerwear suitable for active movement and dress in layers according to the weather. For the Sunday backcountry tour, it’s a good idea to bring a warm jacket for breaks.
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WATER BOTTLE AND SNACKS
It’s always a good idea to have a water bottle and small snacks, such as energy bars, in your backpack in case you need a boost. If you’re joining the Sunday backcountry tour, bring more substantial snacks, enough water, and optionally a hot drink.
It’s always a good idea to have a water bottle and small snacks, such as energy bars, in your backpack in case you need a boost. If you’re joining the Sunday backcountry tour, bring more substantial snacks, enough water, and optionally a hot drink.
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INSURANCE
Insurance that covers off-piste skiing is recommended for all participants.
Insurance that covers off-piste skiing is recommended for all participants.