The Original Free'kend

Program

The Original Free’kend is for everyone who feels drawn to terrain beyond the marked slopes. The heart of the event consists of three competitions: the Huttu-Ukko Challenge, Poker Rando, and the Aittakuru Freeride Competition.

In addition to the competitions, high-quality freeride workshops will be held on Thursday and Friday and are not to be missed! Explore the full program below.

The organizers reserve the right to make changes.

Thursday 19th of March

Time	What?	Where?	Info
10.30–11.15	Event info	Hotel Pyhätunturi reception	Pick up a wristband and Free'kend cap (included with some passes)
11.30–13.30	Adults freeride workshops	Departure in front of Mesta.	See workshop descriptions below.
15–17	Adults freeride workshops	Departure in front of Mesta.	See workshop descriptions below.
19.30	Free'kend-night	Mesta	Come and speck the weather with Antti Autti and get to know Pyhä's freestyle skiing culture!

Friday 20th of March

Time	What?	Where?	Info
10–12	Adults and juniors freeride workshops	Departure in front of Mesta.	See workshop descriptions below.
10-12	Girls-only freeride jam by Haglöfs	Departure in front of Mesta.	Open and free for all girls. The sessions will be led by Henna Palosaari and Malva Björkman.
13.00–16.00	Test Center	Huttutupa	Salomon, Burton and Haglöfs. More to come.
13.00	Huttu-Ukko challenge competition info	Huttutupa	Huttutupa is at slope number 11.
13.30	Huttu-Ukko Challenge	Slope number 2	Read more about the competition on the ''competition formats'' page.
16.00	Poker rando competition info and Poker rando.	Huttutupa	Huttutupa is at slope number 11. Read more about the competition on the ''competition formats'' page.
20.00	Movie night	The location will be confirmed later.

Saturday 21st of March

Time	What?	Where?	Info
10.15	Aittakuru freeride competition info	Camp Kitchen & Bar	Bibs will also be handed out during the info.
11–15	Test Center	In front of the lower rental shop	Salomon, Burton and Haglöfs. More to come.
11–12	Aittakuru Freeride	Aittakuru	Junior and Masters series.
12–13.30	Lunch break
13.30–15.30	Aittakuru Freeride	Aittakuru	Open series.
16.30–17.00	Junior awards ceremony	The location will be updated later.
20.00	Free'kend closing dinner	Popolo	Requires registration in advance.
22.00	Adult Series Awards Ceremony	Camp Kitchen & Bar	Those under the age of 18 can also come and watch the award ceremony.
23.00	Free'kend party: Vimma	Camp Kitchen & Bar	Included in some of the passes. Tickets are also sold separately.

Sunday 22nd of March

Time	What?	Where?	Info
10.00	Backcountry hike guided by Pyhätunturi Ski School	Departure in front of Mesta.	We practice moving and riding around in the backcountry in a safe company. Duration approximately 5 hours. Price 70 €/person.

ADULTS FREERIDE WORKSHOPS

THURSDAY 19.3.

10.30-13.30 & 15-17

FREERIDE PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP SALOMON X ELIAS KOLI
Welcome to a full-day photography workshop that combines practical shooting exercises on the slopes with an afternoon editing session indoors. During the morning, you will learn how to control camera exposure and settings, practice composition in different conditions, and learn creative angles. In the afternoon, you will go through the basic principles of editing, tools, and stylistic choices that will help you work on your own images. Participants should bring a phone, a backup power source, and the equipment necessary for downhill skiing, including avalanche rescue gear. Photographers of all levels who have good skills in downhill skiing in the backcountry independently and safely can join.

11:30–13:30

FREERIDE TECHNIQUE CLINIC
In this workshop we dive into freeride skiing technique, adapting to different terrain types and prevailing conditions. Skiers of all levels are welcome to join.

GET TO KNOW PYHÄ’S FREERIDE AREAS
In this workshop we explore Pyhä’s freeride areas: visiting new zones in Honka and Huttu as well as other lift-accessed off-piste areas. This workshop is perfect for those who are not yet familiar with Pyhä’s freeride terrain.

15–17

PREPARING FOR THE FREE’KEND COMPETITIONS
In this workshop we take a look at the natural snow slopes of Huttu-Ukko and Aittakuru, plan line choices together with the coach, discuss riding with competition nerves, and encourage fellow riders.

SKINNING CLINIC
In this workshop you will learn how to skin on steep terrain, how to perform a kick turn, when to use ski crampons, and how to choose a sensible skinning route.

CARVING CLINIC
In this workshop carving technique is refined through various drills. Skiers of all levels are welcome to join.

FRIDAY 20.3.

10–12

DROP WORKSHOP
During the workshop we train drops and line choices. The workshop provides a solid starting point for competing in the Huttu-Ukko Challenge and Aittakuru.

RELAXED RIDING SESSIONS WITH A PHOTOGRAPHER
We ride together in Pyhä’s lift-accessed off-piste areas. The sessions include a professional photographer, to whom you can show off your best turns. You’ll receive the photos as a keepsake after the event.

GIRLS-ONLY FREERIDE JAM BY HAGLÖFS
This two-hour girls-only freeride jam is about trying something new and enjoying the process. We’ll ride together, draw energy from each other’s encouragement, and get more comfortable pushing beyond what feels familiar. Expect practice, support, a few falls, and plenty of laughs — while building a solid girl crew heading into the Aittakuru Freeride comp (taking part in the competition is optional). Open to all skill levels, and to both skiers and snowboarders. There’s always something new to learn — and it’s more fun when we do it together.

JUNIORS FREERIDE WORKSHOPS

FRIDAY 20.3. 10–12

SAFELY IN TREE TERRAIN
Juniors explore Pyhä’s freeride areas under the guidance of Freeride Ambassadors, learn about snow safety, and practice moving safely in tree terrain.
Level: suitable for all levels; groups will be formed according to participants’ skill levels. Disciplines: alpine skiing and snowboarding.

Free'kend bileet 21.3.2026: Vimma

VIMMA is indie rock with violins. Their songs explore what it feels like to witness the destruction of the planet — and what can be done about it. The band’s music is the soundtrack to the lives of its activist-minded members: chaotic bursts of energy mixed with wistful moments. Or simply good music.

In spring 2025, VIMMA released their third album ''Ei noi muut'', from which three singles were taken: Kapina on kuumaa, Pestään kädet, and Tarviin. In autumn 2025, VIMMA performed at showcase festivals including Lost in Music and WOMEX Worldwide Music Expo.

The seven-member band VIMMA consists of Eeva Rajakangas (vocals), Pessi Jouste (violin), Roope Jokinen (violin), Kalle Outila (guitar), Aino Kallio (piano), Santeri Kettu (bass), and Vilho Louhivuori (drums). Their music blends influences from indie rock, pop, folk music, and hip hop, while the themes of their songs draw from the climate crisis, activism, and the human relationship with nature.