Winter NEWS IN ENGLISH09–10

Tahko Spa is open every day

Inside also maps of Tahko and Nilsiä .com

на русском на русском языкеязыке

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New winds blowing in Tahko restaurants

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Will Formula Kimi be seen at Tahko again?

Sanni Leinonen’s bags are always packed

TahkoNews2 .com

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NEWSWinter

The information bulletin of Tahko area

Winter 2009-2010

Published by:Local Newspaper PitäjäläinenNilsiäntie 71, 73300 Nilsiä

Editor in Chief Päivi LaitinenTel. +358 17 288 7793, +358 50 599 7084paivi.laitinen@pitajalainen.fi

Advertisement sale:Aira Hyvönen, Tel. +358 17 288 7792ilmoitukset@pitajalainen.fi

Photo in the cover: Tahkon Markkinointi Oy

Printed by:Lehtisepät Oy, PieksämäkiCirculation approximately 7 000 copies

Editorial

During summer, some massive earthwork was done at Tahko. Ac-cording to Ilkka

Suutarinen, the managing director of Huippupaikat Oy, some of the steepest parts of the slopes have been shaped, making them gently sloping and comfortable also for the less experienced skiers. How-ever, even the more experi-enced skiers have not been forgotten, since there is still plenty of challenge for pros, as well.

– Our goal at Tahko is to have a selection of slopes which has something for eve-ryone. For example fami-lies with kids; we want to of-fer them slopes where every-one can enjoy skiing at their own pace and according to

their own skills, says Mr. Suu-tarinen.

A more advanced skier – or in this case snow boarder – will fi nd his favourite place between Vauhtirinne and Syök-syrinne, where two per-manent

8-metre ramps have been built. Now the ramps are no longer built of snow, so the earth con-struction makes it possible to use the ramps already early in

the winter. Vauhtirinne, the slope next to

the ramps, on the

other

hand, is not as steep as before. Also the start and end part

of the Hevonkorpi slope on the west side of Tahko were evened out to make them easier to ski. In all, tens of thousands of cubic metres of earth has been moved at Tahko slopes dur-ing summer, so the skiers can not help noticing the difference. And will probably also com-ment on the new slopes.

For the skiers arriving by car, Tahko has better servic-es than earlier, since the park-ing area at the end of the Bay has been enlarged. Similarly, the parking area on the West side of Tahko is almost fi ve times bigger than before. Also the bridge crossing the Tahko Bay makes it easier to get to the slopes.

VELIMATTI RÄSÄNEN

Slopes even more enjoyable

There are plenty of slopes to choose from at Tahko, so the beginners and the more experienced skiers can fi nd their favourite.

A rolling stone gathers no moss

I t is always fun to listen to the talks of old visitors of Tahko. The kind of people who have last been to Tahko some fi ve to ten years ago. About how much

the area has changed since; how there are so many new holiday homes, slopes, things to do and see. Golf cours-es, swimming pools, riding manege.

That is exactly what has happened. The old, a bit sleepy skiing centre, which awoke only right before the winter season, has now become a lively, year round oasis offering activities for all kinds of holiday makers.

Also this winter season introduces many new things at Tahko. The slopes have been altered and improved in or-der to make them more suitable especially for families. But on the other hand, more challenge is now offered to experienced skiers. The restaurants have had a facelift and will start the new season with totally different con-cepts than earlier.

The best of all this is that at Tahko, everyone is work-ing together for success. The entrepreneurs in the ar-ea have noticed that they are not competitors, but rath-er partners. Whereas one restaurant offers a pub-like at-mosphere more to men’s taste, another has a romantic, dim nightclub. It pays off to specialize.

Co operation can also be seen in the fact that a neigh-bourhood association has been established at Tahko. There are namely so many permanent residents at Tahko that they want to take care of the area and its vitality to-gether.

Tahko is more than just a holiday and entertainment centre. It is one of the many villages in Nilsiä, with res-idents both from Nilsiä and elsewhere in Finland. But Tahko is also a winter sports centre where the students of the local Alpine School train. In 1994, the fi rst Finnish alpine training and coaching centre was founded in Nil-siä – so last spring, the centre celebrated its fi fteenth an-niversary.

The school has trained many promising young alpine skiers. For example in the World Cup at Levi in Novem-ber, there were as many as fi ve current or prior students of Tahko Alpine School competing. Not bad at all!

After a couple of years, we may see the day when an athlete who has studied at Tahko Alpine School is stand-ing on the winner’s podium of the Olympic Games.

I believe it is only a matter of time.

PÄIVI LAITINENEditor in Chief

TahkoNews 3

When alpine ski-er Sanni Leinon-en answers her phone, you can hear humming

sound in the background, as if she was in a car.

Am I calling in a bad time?– Oh no, now is just fi ne,

I have time to talk now. Just started to drive to Levi.

Oh yeah, it’s the World Cup. Next competition will take Ms. Leinonen all the way to the United States. I can imagine there is not much empty space in the calendar of the alpine princess.

– Well, that’s true. But this is normal for an athlete. Life is often busy and you have to al-ways have your bags packed.

Despite the tight schedule, Ms. Leinonen keeps on a hap-py face, remembering that after even the busiest times there will eventually be a re-freshing break.

– I suppose I will have a break at least in early spring. Then, if not earlier, I will also visit Tahko. However, Tahko is with me where ever I go, for example in a logo in my skiing outfi t, for we have signed a co operation contract. And I also have a blog on Tahko Internet pages, so there you can read where I am at the moment.

It is not an exaggeration to say, that lately Sanni has be-come the fi gurehead of Tahko.

– I suppose you can think so. But it is by no means un-pleasant for me, even though at fi rst it felt weird to see my face in so many brochures and photos.

With her name becoming more and more famous, her face has also be seen on the

pages of tabloids. – That sure is confusing.

Publicity is ok as long as peo-ple talk about sport, but I would like to keep my person-al life to myself.

Looking at the booming ca-reer of Ms. Leinonen, it be-comes clear that sport editors will be writing many more ar-

ticles about her. However, the alpine skier herself will not speculate on the results of the future competitions.

– My principle is to ski fi rst and talk afterwards. All I can say is that I always try my best.

ANTTI HEIKKINEN

Sanni’s bags are always packed

Sanni Leinonen has become the fi gurehead of Tahko. The slopes have become quite familiar to Sanni when she was stud-ying at Nilsiä Alpine School.

Alpine skier is busy

F irst there is Tanja Poutiainen – and right after her there is the

20-year-old Sanni Leino-nen. The Finnish women’s alpine skiing has a sharp top of two, Poutiainen and Lei-nonen having a clear lead to all others.

Ms. Leinonen was born in Siilinjärvi, the neighbouring town of Nilsiä. Despite her young age, she is already quite a veteran in alpine ski-ing. She got her fi rst World Cup points at Levi in Novem-ber 2006, and achieved her

best result yet during the same season in Semmerling. Her fi rst season in the World Cup resulted in the great 23rd place in the slalom cup.

Tahko is a very familiar place for Sanni, since she used to study at the Tahko Alpine School for a couple of years and was of course training at Tahko slopes.

The whole Leinonen fam-ily is very much into sports, for Sanni’s twin brother Kal-le is a successful freestyler. He also used to study at the Tahko Alpine School.

Sanni Leinonen ranks top in Finnish alpine skiing

TahkoNews4 .com

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E l Monte, the popular din-ing restaurant at Tahko, will start the winter sea-

son by opening a renewed wine cellar. It is a nightclub style wine bar for socialising, designed es-pecially for adult taste.

– We want to offer quali-ty wines also per glass, and intend to combine them with right cheeses. We are lucky to be able to order Italian and Swiss cheeses directly from producers. There are brands and qualities you can not fi nd in stores, says restaurant

keeper Pekka Liukkonen, mentioning for example Lam-brusco with goat cheese.

– The idea of a wine cel-lar came from customers’ re-quests. There was a need for a quiet, cosy place where you can get together with friends. We have set the traditional night club age limit. Towards spring, opening hours will be extended. There is no en-trance fee, but with live per-formances there may be a small fee to cover the costs, says Liukkonen.

There are approximate-ly 100 seats in the wine cellar. The variable space of El Mon-te suits well meetings and oth-er events.

– In the restaurant, we of-fer good, simple, quality food. There are 30-35 dishes on the menu. For the fi rst time this season, we are offering Saturday brunch from 11am-1pm, as well as cheese fondue made in a traditional way of real Swiss cheese.

VELIMATTI RÄSÄNEN

Quality wines, cheeses, live performances…

Restaurant El Monte will open a renewed wine cellar this season.

The renewed Wine cellar of El Monte is designed for adult taste

The fi rst bear statue stands right at the front entrance of the restaurant: with a friendly smile on its’

face, it looks towards the cen-tre of Tahko. Once you step in-side, you immediately feel the gaze of another bear, glancing at the customers from the ceil-ing. The wooden bear couple keeps watch next to the bear tabs. And on there walls, there are paintings of – naturally – bears.

It should not be a surprise that we have just entered the premises of Restaurant Karhu – Bear in English.

– I was surprised how many bear items I managed to fi nd, says the host of the pub, res-taurant-keeper Jukka Savo-lainen and sits on a stool – a bear stool, to be specifi c.

The pub-type restaurant is a new one at Tahko, opening its’ doors for the public this winter season. Pub is locat-ed at the very heart of Tahko in a building owned by Tahko Tours, located in the former caravan site and op-posite Tahkon Tähti grocery store. There is also a lounge for taxi driv-ers in the same premises.

The atmosphere at the restaurant is down-to-earth: the interior has a lot of stone and wood el-ements, the walls are

covered with old haypoles, and for example the big ta-ble in the middle of the room is made of solid wood. The many details and the whole interior have obviously been given a lot of consideration. The wood-en bear statues and paintings are made by local artists.

Mr. Savolainen wants to make Restaurant Karhu an easy-going, cosy place.

– Our principle is that

you can drop in during your evening walk, in your sweat-er – or, on the other hand, in a formal evening gown.

The pub will serve the fa-mous English breakfast start-ing at nine o’clock in the morning. There are also ham-burgers and smoked pork and mutton on the menu.

There are 80 seats in the pub. In addition, the premis-es have a sauna for up to 12 people. Outside, there will be

built a spacious, south-fac-ing terrace with seats for up to two hundred peo-ple.

– And feel free to dance on the terrace ta-bles, I guarantee they won’t shake! They are namely made of stone.

PÄIVI LAITINEN

Bears over here, bears over thereBears on the cabinets and everywhere

peopbui

inu

PÄ

The bear paintings show the nature changing in different sea-sons: in summer, the teddies enjoy the light summer nights, in winter they nestle.

- We sure have managed to gather a lot of teddies, says Jukka Savolainen, laughing.

the

re is he of el-s are - We sure have

TahkoNews 5

Tahko Park for newschoolers

Werneri Park for kids’ joy

Bring your family to enjoy winter at Tahko – in the middle of Finland! There are plenty of new experiences for snow boarders and newschoolers in the mega ramps, whereas the kids will love for example the ski or sled carousel. A new lean-to and another carpet lift have been built to kids’ slope, and the parking area of Lumilaakso has been broadened.

We have 23 well kept slopes, five slope restaurants, two equipment rental shops and a ski school waiting for your gang. Welcome!

Adults Children 7-12 y Seniors over 65 y

3 hrs 26 17Day pass (9.30-19) 32 22Afternoon pass (12-19) 30 20Evening pass (17-19) 20 132 days 60 403 days 80 553/5 days 90 654 days 100 705 days 120 805/7 days 130 906 days 130 907 days 140 1008 days 150 1109 days 160 12010 days 170 130Season pass 390 290Smartcard 5 5

Ski passes

5 extra is added to all ski pass prices unless you have your own smartcard. Smartcards are not refundable.

Opening hours:Until Dec 17, 2009: Sun-Thu 9:30-17, Fri-Sat 9:30-19.Dec 18, 2009-Jan 16. 2010: daily 9:30-19.Jan 17-Feb 18, 2010: Sun-Thu 9:30-17, Fri-Sat 9:30-19.Feb 19-Apr 4, 2010: daily 9:30-19.From Apr 5, 2010: onwards daily 9-17.Exceptions: Dec 24, 2009: 9:30-14:30. Dec 25, 2009: 12-19.

TAHKONRINTEETTahkolahdentie 3, 73310 TAHKOVUORITel: +358 (0)17 481 200, fax +358 (0)17 481 202tahkonrinteet@tahko.com, www.tahko.com

TAHKO SKI SCHOOLTel: +358 (0)400 681 792skischool@tahko.comOpen 10-16

Tahko Spa is a year-round service cen-tre of Tahko area. The doors are open every day around

the year. – It’s easy to come to Tahko

Spa, whether you are look-ing for a spa, meeting facil-ities, time for exercise, or a delicious meal at our restau-rant. There is also plenty to do for kids, starting from the ev-er so popular Kidius Corner. Kids love especially the spa. All our services, excluding karaoke, are suitable for chil-dren, tells sales manager Jaa-na Määttä.

Spa is also a versatile res-taurant. Chef Anssi Valtonen points out, that even though there is a ready made menu, also customers’ requests can be realised. The kitchen staff is happy to take up a chal-lenge, even though at busiest times they recommend choos-ing from the menu.

– To be able to take custom-er’s wishes into account is part of the professional pride and skill of out kitchen. In addition to á la Carte dishes, we also serve genuine wood fi red piz-za, as well as hamburgers.

The new dishes for the sea-son are raclette and fondue. Raclette is also available to

take away, so you can order the delicacies to your holiday home in advance. The order even includes raclette grill and other equipment need-ed for a perfect evening. All you have to do is put every-thing on the table and grill the cheese. In fondues, you can choose from meat and cheese fondue.

– You can walk in our res-taurant at any time, since we

do not have set serving times and we are fl exible in open-ing hours. When needed, the kitchen is open from buf-fet breakfast until late snack at 11pm. In its basic form, our restaurant has 130 seats, but thanks to our space, we can easily increase the number of seats if necessary, tells head of the restaurant Sanni Kor-honen.

Besides working, Ms. Kor-

honen has been studying and is now a qualifi ed barista, so you can expect some enjoy-able coffee breaks at Tahko Spa. Sanni promises there will be even a wider selection of special coffees available in the future. Her personal fa-vourite is mochaccino, a cap-puccino style coffee spiced up with chocolate.

VELIMATTI RÄSÄNEN

Spa day is every day

Cook Eija Räsänen takes a delicious wood fi red pizza out of the oven.

S anta Claus is quite a brisk man. Santa vis-its many Tahko restau-

rants, which naturally al-so offer tables groaned with Christmas delicacies.

The more devout spirit of Christmas can be found for example in the Christmas Eve service in Tahko Spa. The service used to take place in the chapel of Tahko Spa, but since there were so many people, they de-cided to take the service to the Multi Functional Arena. There you can also sing the most beautiful Christmas songs on Christmas day.

But there are plenty of oth-er things to do for the holi-

day makers. The dim lights of Christmas and the joy of exercise can be combined at Tahko Spa candlelight swim-ming event on both Christ-mas Eve and Christmas Day. If you gained a few pounds at the Christmas feast, you can loose a couple right at the day after Christmas, for restaurant Tirol next to the slopes has a Boxing Day Dance then.

If you are not interest-ed in the traditional Christ-mas, you can of course go on a snow mobile of ATV-safari, ride Icelandic hors-es or simply check out the walking or skiing tracks of Tahko.

Santa visits many places

TahkoNews6 .com

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T he fast food selection of Tahko becomes even wider this win-

ter, when Sokos Hotel Tahk-ovuori opens a new Hes-burger hamburger restau-rant.

– We hope to be able to open in the early 2010, tells hotel manager Heidi Ko-ponen.

There is no need for any big new construction, for the so called Mini-Hese

hamburger restaurant will be located in the same premises with pizza place Rosso Express. There are enough seats already at the restaurant.

– We have been planning this for approximately a year. There has been a lot of feedback from visitors say-ing it would be nice to have a familiar fast food restau-rant at Tahko, says Ms. Ko-ponen.

Sokos Hotel Tahkovuori introduces a new hamburger place

A lready twice before, the Finnish Formula 1 World Champion Ki-

mi Räikkönen has partic-ipated in the Kelkkakunkku at Tahko, the biggest snow mobile competition in Eu-rope.

Räikkönen has compet-ed under the pseudonym James Hunt, but has still not been able to bluff the audi-ence: fans have recognised the formula star immediate-ly, asking for his autograph.

Whether Kimi will join the competition this year or not, there will surely be a lot more to see at the competi-tion, too. There will be more

than 400 participants com-peting in Enduro and Snow-cross. First time in years al-so Hill Climb will be taken into program. The 25 fastest competitors will be at the fi -nals which determine who will be crowned the King of Snowmobiling 2010. The competition takes place on February 5-6.

Last winter, the event took place on the natural ice of the Bay of Tahko, but this year the cross track will be located on the driving range of Tahko old golf course. This is to ensure even better safety for both the competi-tors and the audience.

Will Formula-Kimi participate in Tahko snow mobile competition once more?

Formula 1 star Kimi Räikkönen tested his skills in snowmo-biling at Tahko last winter.

If you get tired of walk-ing, you can jump in-to a horse-drawn sleigh for a change. There are several sleighs waiting

for you under the slopes. And you can be sure you won’t get cold, since there are thick blankets for everyone. Just hear the bells ring and enjoy the ride!

The passengers will sure-ly have fun, but how is it with the driver?

– It sure is fun! says the host-ess of Keskipiha horse farm Paula Laakkonen, who was once nominated as the Horse-man of the Year in Nilsiä.

As soon as winter comes, Ms. Laakkonen and her horses will head to Tahko to provide visitors with some unforgetta-ble moments in a horse-drawn sleigh. And even though this is her fi fth winter at Tahko, she has no complaints – on the contrary.

– I think the best part of this job is meeting people. It is nice to chat with them about everything possible, joke and laugh with them.

And the chatter can be heard in many languages, at least in Finnish and English.

– In January, there are often many Russian customers, but overall during the whole win-ter there are as many Finns as there are foreigners.

This winter, there may be

more horse-drawn sleighs at Tahko than ever, since as many as six horsemen are considering heading there. Among them, it makes no dif-ference whether the driver is male of female.

– They have totally taken me into the gang. But I still of-ten look at older drivers kind of upwards. After all, you can not help having respect for the kind of experience they have, says Ms. Laakkonen.

T here are plans to build an adventure park at Tahko. The park will

have many fun things for kids and adults alike.

– The park will operate year round, and it will be located next to the Adventure House of Tahko Safarit, tells Ms. Sini Kesti, the Executive Director of Tahko Safarit Oy.

At the moment, the park is in a planning stage and the opening date has not yet been determined. There are plans to include the so called Zorb globe riding track in the ad-venture park. The track would be built in a way that both adults as well as juniors could try out getting inside the hu-man ball.

Also cableway and rope ac-tivities and a rope slide have been planned, as well as a

climbing wall which could be used for ice climbing in win-ter. For children, there would be an ATV track in the area, and also huskies for safaris.

According to Ms. Kesti, the idea of an adventure park came from the requests of cli-ents.

– We are planning the park to suit particularly families and groups of friends. The area could also be used for corporate customers for ex-ample as a part of team build-ing program.

Already at the New Year, there will be children’s ATV track, husky safaris, small sledging slope and non-stop snow mobile safaris in the area. Also Santa will certain-ly visit.

HELENA KUOSMANEN

Rely on horsepower for a change

This winter, there will be as many as six horse-drawn sleighs at Tahko.

Husky safaris and other adventures

Shall we go? The adventure house will soon have for example husky safaris in its program.

TahkoNews 7

All services under the same roof

New for season 2009-2010We have

Spanish style

á la Carte dishes,

Rosso Express Pizza

and pasta, Hesburger

hamburgers and

groceries from Sale.

Sokos Hotel TahkovuoriTel. +358 (0)17 192 3000www.sokoshotels.fi

F O O D & F U N

Offi ce in Tahko: +358 40 591 8338www.fi nchalet.ruinfo@fi nchalet.ru

- real estate- building ”key ready”- property maintenance- Selling manufactured log houses

QUALITY QUARANTEE

The traditional Pa-norama Bar on top of Tahko hill has had a facelift. The new owner Kat-

ja Kuulusa has renewed the restaurant together with the Tahko Slopes. The reno-vation of the restaurant was made honouring traditions, but still being open to new solutions.

– The kitchen, equipment and air conditioning have all been renewed. By doing so, we have invested in good service, selection and com-fort. In addition to food, we will also offer more café prod-ucts. And we will also be open in the evenings on reserva-tion, tells Ms. Kuulusa.

A new concept in Panorama

is the area outdoors, where there will be a barbecue and some timely games arranged.

– The improvements are also refl ected in our name, which is now Panorama Bar & Café. Inside, we have 23 seats, and altogether there will be over 250 seats available in winter, once the terraces are opened. We are currently ap-plying for liquor licence. We have also made an opening to the wall, enabling us to sell products directly to the ter-race. We hope it will shorten the line inside, says Ms. Ku-ulusa.

Panorama Bar has certain-ly credit for its name: no other place has such a magnifi cent view down to lake Syväri and the centre of Tahko than Pano-rama Bar.

VELIMATTI RÄSÄNEN

Barbecue spiced with magnifi cent views

Panorama Bar has been renewed

Katja Kuulusa hosts the tradi-tional Panorama Bar this sea-son.

Keijo Mäkiä (left) and Harri Jokela have been in charge of the renovation.

T he General Store, “Sekatavarakauppa”, was opened a year ago

and is located opposite K-gro-cery store Tahkon Tähti. It of-fers basically everything you would expect a general store to offer.

We have game delicacies, honey, gifts, fi rewood… lists Mr. Kari Pirinen.

And there is a lot more. Since there is an automatic pet-rol station next door, naturally the General Store has oils, an-tifreeze and other car related

items on its shelves, too. If you get hungry while

shopping, you can fi nd re-lief next door in Pizza-Tahko. There are seats for 40-50 peo-ple, and besides pizza, there will be soups, pasta and ke-bab on the menu.

Firewood and game delicacies – General Store has everything

TahkoNews8 .com

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One of the most le-gendary winter events at Tahko is the Contrap-tion Competition at

Easter, specifi cally on the 4th of April. The principle of the competition is simple: to build a device as bizarre as possi-ble and ride it a short distance downhill. The judges then de-cide which team has the best conveyance and is the winner.

During the history of the competition, any number of devices have been seen on the slopes of Tahko. There has been the South Park School bus, an airplane, a summer terrace, a toilet bowl… East-er Island, a hospital bed and who knows what. The rules are simple. The contraption can be anything, as long as you are able to ride it down-hill, steer and break.

Many participants follow the local news carefully, building their vehicle based on a time-ly topic. The plans to arrange straight charter fl ights from Britain to Tahko inspired one team to build their own plane for the Contraption Compe-tition. Also the plan to raise Tahko has given the builders some ideas. And when Kimi Räikkönen won the F1 cham-pionship, of course there was a Ferrari driving doawn the hill… However, this Ferrari had skis instead of wheels.

The Contraption Compe-tition has long traditions, for

this winter the funny vehicles compete at Tahko for the 29th time. The event also lures a lot of spectators: every East-er there have been some 2000 people admiring the creative means of transportation.

There is a lot more going on

at Tahko during Easter time. Months ahead, the kids and the childlike start planning their dress for the costume skiing competition. Batmen, along with all kinds of animals and cartoon characters have been seen in this competition.

A new game was invented a couple of years ago when the bridge over Tahko Bay was built. So nowadays, there is al-so a competition in crossing the bridge.

PÄIVI LAITINEN

W hen the snow is glim-mering white and the slopes are full of ski-

ers, it is exactly the right time to start planning for summer. Summer is, well perhaps not on the doorstep, but at least around the corner!

Next summer will be full of music, biking and water sports. As usual, the Nilsiä Music and Dance Camp will start right after Midsummer, celebrating its 50th anniversa-ry in 2010. The many concerts, Jazz-jam and visiting musi-cians are part of the program.

In the beginning of July, the roads and paths of Tahko are full of bikers. Last summer, al-most 1500 bikers participated in Tahko MTB mountain biking event, and at least as many are expected next sum-mer. Besides Finland, there have been participants from neighbouring countries, as well. Those in best condition can try out the 180 kilometre marathon which starts at sun-

rise. In addition, there are 120 and 60 kilometre routes, as well as shorter routes suitable for the whole family.

During midsummer, there are competitions also in the marina of Nilsiä. Tahkon Uiste-lu is a traditional fi shing com-petition, but also the Coin Throwing World Champion-ship competition has equal traditions. A Euro-coin is thrown from fi ve meters to a stick, and whoever hits closest to the mark is the winner. Sim-ple – but oh so incredibly fun! This is a truly addicting game!

In the end of July, the ac-tion takes place on water. The Tahko Rowing and Paddling event is arranged for the se-venth time next summer. The two day event starts in Kuopio. The participants can row or paddle through one of the most scenic lake area to Syväri and to the marina of Tahko. After a hundred kilometre row you re-ally know you have not been just lazing around.

Summer is right around the corner!

The participants of Tahko MTB mountain biking event have praised the routes of Tahko as challenging and interesting.

Spirits run high in the Coin Throwing World Championships.

Contraptions roll, slide and crawl downhill

I wonder if it is Kimi Räikkönen himself who is steering this Fer-rari?

Savo Air started for its fi rst fl ight at Tahko slope.

If you really have to go, you can fi nd relief even in the slope: a slope toilet on skis!

Has Easter Island fl oated to Tahko? Yes, it has been seen in the Contraption Competition.

TahkoNews 9

LUNCH BUFFET

8,50 €

mon–fri cl 10.30–15.00sat 12.00–15.00

including soup, salad buffet,main course

In the centre of Nilsiä

Catering to holiday cottages, check the menu on our websitewww.syvari.com/sarvin

Catering to holiday cottages, check the menu on our websitewww.syvari.com/sarvin

at 11am-1pm starting on the 26th of December till the end of season.

Renovated wine cellar open during season Wed-Sat 9pm-02am.

Reservations tel +358 17 369 9090.www.elmonte.fi

The popular Á la Carte restaurant in a central location at Tahko.

New!Saturday Brunch

Estecia Bodyshape treatment Normal price 450 €, Tahko Spa customers 225 €

Get slim and pampered!We offer Tahko Spa customers the popular Estecia Bodyshape ultrasound treatment half price.

Call and make your reservation at +358 20 1980 000 weekdays 8am-5pm. More information www.myclinic.fi

400 173 699

You can buy our products also in local markets12 3

Good morning Hyvää huomentaHello Hyvää päivääGood evening Hyvää iltaaGood night Hyvää yötäGood bye Näkemiin!Nice to meet you! Hauska tavata!

Help! Apua!I need help! Tarvitsen apua!

Excuse me, but where is Anteeksi, mutta missä on- Health centre - terveyskeskus- Pharmacy - apteekki- Shop - kauppa- Petrol station - bensa-asema- Bus station - linja-autoasema

I would like to buy/rent Haluaisin ostaa/vuokrata- Skis - sukset- Downhill skis - laskettelusukset- Snow board - lumilaudan- Skates - luistimet- Snow mobile - moottorikelkan

How much is this? Paljonko tämä maksaa?

That is fi ne! I will take it! Onpa se hieno! Otan sen!

Can I have the menu, please Saisinko ruokalistan

Can I have the bill, please Saisinko laskun

Cheers! Kippis! (In Savo: Hölökynkölökyn!)

Useful phrases I n the area where tourists wander today, the mam-moths once marched. A

mammoth’s tooth was found on the bay of Tahko in 1873. The age of the tooth has been estimated to be more than 22 000 years. The replica of the tooth can be seen in the Nilsiä Home District Centre.

***

A pproximately fi ve kilome-tres from the centre of Nil-siä you can fi nd the quar-

ry arena: a magnifi cent arena for performers and 1900 spectators built in an old quarry in the mid-

dle of beautiful quartzite rocks. For example opera has been performed in the arena. The high, red rocks and the turquoise ponds right next to the spectators give the arena its unique character.

***

N ilsiä used to be part of the boundary area be-tween Sweden-Fin-

land and Russia, and many disputes took place there. In 1595, the Treaty of Täyssinä set the new boundary on top of the Pisa hill.The boundary marks were

carved in the rock and can still be seen today, for exam-ple the year 1595, the three crowns of Swedish empire and the orthodox cross repre-senting Russia,.

***

A famous Finnish painter Juho Rissanen has paint-ed the altarpiece of the

church of Nilsiä. The altar-piece depicts the process of Christ to the Mount Calvary. Rissanen lived in Nilsiä in the beginning of the 20th centu-ry and used local people as models of his paintings.

Did you know that…

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The centre of

NilsiäNilsiä 1. Car repair shop 2. Speciality shops 3. Health centre 4. Petrol station, post offi ce 5. Liquor store, speciality shops 6. UusMarkkala, business premises 7. Taxi stand 8. S-market (grocery and general store), petrol station 9. Market place, town hall, police licence services, speciality shops 10. Library 11. Dentist 12. Harbour 13. Wanha Postitalo, Old Post house (speciality shops) 14. Kiosk, speciality shops 15. Grill, bar, speciality shops 16. Clothes and sports store, hardware and agricultural products 17. Bank, pharmacy 18. K-Supermarket (grocery and general store) 19. Bus station, petrol station 20 Restaurant 21. Church 22. Beach, Sports fi eld 23. Speciality shops 24. Orthodox church 25. Tourist information, Tahko Central Booking Offi ce 26. Honey store 27. Tokmanni (General store) 28. Furniture store 29. Illusion theatre Taikavuori 30. Local museum, summer theatre

In addition, there are several gift shops, masseurs, hair dress-ers, beauty parlours, etc. in Nil-siä. Most of them are located in the main street Nilsiäntie or its vicinity.

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ServicesTAHKO-BUNGALOWSTahkolahdentie 4, 73310 TAHKOVUORITel. +358 400 713 083tahko@kolumbus.fi www.supertravelnet.com/tahkobungalowsSemi-detached cabins in the cen-tre of Tahko, close to all ameni-ties. Log cabins for 2–6 people. Distances from the cabins: slopes 200 meters, fl oodlit cross-country tracks 10–100 meters, The Piazza Restaurant Hotel Tahko-vuori 100 meters.

EAGLE TRAVELS KYToni ReingoldtReservations and information:tel. +358 500 843 822info@eagletravels.fi www.eagletravels.fi HOVERCRAFT RIDES YEAR ROUND!HOVERCRAFT SPECIAL* ON RESERVATION Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays*RIDES OPEN TO THE PUBLIC:Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays

10am-5pm.Departure on the Bay of Tahko.

TAHKO SAFARIT OYNipasentie 2, 73310 TAHKOVUORITel. +358 17 481 800Fax +358 17 481 801tahkosafarit@tahko.comwww.tahkosafarit.fi TAHKO TOURS OYHirsivalkamantie 1, 73310 TAHKOVUORITel./fax +358 17 363 6253info@tahkotours.fi www.tahkotours.fi Snow mobile safaris and rental. ATV safaris, rope activities, husky safaris. Fishing, snow shoe and MTB-tours, ice track races, Nordic walking school, games, paintball, shooting activities, F1-tours and big program packages!All our programs include the equipment needed, outfi ts, insur-ances as well as services of pro-fessional guides. New, high quality Vip, Superi-or and Lux villas and detached

apartments in a lakeside holiday village. Altogether 26 alternatives, 2,5 km before the centre of Tahko.

RECREATIONAL SPA FONTANELLAKuiluntie 2, 71800 SIILINJÄRVITel. +358 17 462 1200, fax +358 17 462 6550myyntipalvelu@fontanella.fi www.fontanella.fi Finnish saunas and Turkish bath, 10 different pools, including a fi tness pool, a hydrotherapy pool, a wave pool and a cave pool, a play pool with a mushroom cabin and oth-er water spouting fi gures, two wa-ter chutes, the 90-meter chute has a tunnel with lighting effects, water climbing wall, pool bar with ther-apeutic lights. Two well equipped gyms, squash courts, bowling and solarium. Private sauna and infra-red sauna on reservation. Meeting and restaurant services. Spa and dining packages for private individ-uals, families and groups.

Caravan sites available.

ICEWAY OYTel. +358 50 314 2003tahko@iceway.fi www.iceway.fi Tour skating ice track and equip-ment rental. A 6-kilometre tour skating track on natural ice on the Bay of Tahko. Equipment ren-tal, route tickets and guided tours from IceWay rental shop, by the lake outside restaurant Piazza.

S-MARKET NILSIÄNilsiäntie 75Tel. +358 17 197 561Groceries. Daily goods.We are open Mon-Fri 8am-9pmSat 8am-6pmSun 12noon-6pm

SAVO SHOT AYHenry, tel. +358 50 577 2760Heikki, tel. +358 400 190 663henry.kainulainen@villatarpinen.comwww.villatarpinen.com/savoshot

Shooting sports and adventures.Complete packages for shooting trips at Tahko.Shotguns, pistols, rifl es.Our shooting trips are suitable for everyone.Smoke sauna also available!

HORSEFORTE OY Tahko-Areena Equestrian CentreSääskiniementie 388, 73310 TAHKOVUORITel. +358 17 483 330 or +358 40 559 8088/Arja Huttunenarja.huttunen@tahko-areena.fi Horse camps and riding lessons. Icelandic horse treks. ”The Pony Park” - lead-line lessons for under 7s everyday 12–1 PM. Group programmes are also available.

NILSIÄ PHARMACYNilsiäntie 6573300 NILSIÄTel. +358 (0)17 368 770Fax +358 (0)17 368 7774

apteekki.nilsia@apteekit.netwww.nilsianapteekki.fi Extensive range of vitamins and supplements, cosmetics, fi rst aid supplies, etc.Open every day throughout the year.Opening hours: weekdays 8:30 AM-7:00 PM, Saturdays 8:30 AM-3:00 PM, Sundays and public holi-days 12:00-3:00 PM.

MATTOKESKUS* Carpet specialist store *Commercial Centre Kantti, 2nd fl oorLeväsentie 2 B, KuopioTel. +358 17 361 2661

RUOTSALAINEN OY Nilsiä www.ruotsalainen.fi

Shopping centre of friendly service Welcome!

Sports store

An all-round grocery store in Nilsiä

K-Market serves you in Tähtitie, Tahko

Tel. +358 1053 85200

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1. Sokos Hotel Tahkovuori 2. Ukkotahko Huoneistot, ravintola Ukkotahko, FinFun Tahko3. Promenade-huoneistot ja SkiMac Promenade 4. Tahko-Bungalows 5. Rinnepelto lomamökit/reception6. Loma-Rantala 7. Ravintola Wanha Maatila 8. Tahkonhovi 9. Villa Tarpinen 10. Ketunpolku safarit & seikkailut11. Ravintola Tirol12. Pehku (rinnerav.), Mualiman Sauna ja Riihi 13. Panorama Bar (rinnerav.) 14. Lännen Lokari (rinnerav.) 15. Tahkonrinteet lipunmyynti 16. Tahko Golf Club, Old Course 17. Tahko Safarit/BlueWhite Resorts18. SeikkailuKuopio 19. Horseforte Oy/ Tahko-Areenan Ratsastuskeskus20. Ravintola Piazza ja Ravintola Tahko Promenade 21. Tahko-Shop 22. Hiihtokoulu23. Syvärin Kunkku, Hovipuisto ja Kunkunvintit24. Tahkovuori Oy (Keskusvaraamo, Tahko24h)25. Tuolihissi 26. Aholansaaren loma- ja leirikeskus, laivalaituri/jäätie27. Tahkon Kiinteistöt LKV, IceWay 28. Tahko Huoneistohotelli 29. Tahko Spa30. Latukahvio 31. Pizzeria Väinö ja Tahko Catering 32. SpaSuites 33. K-Market Tahkon Tähti, ravintola El Monte34. Tahko-Tours 35. Pendoliinon pysäkki 36. Tahkovaraamo37. Tahko Chalet -huoneistot38. Riistaravintola, caravan-alue39. Primavera40. Nuotiopaikka41. Kotipizza, hampurilaisravintola Jokes, polttoainejakelu42. Tahkonpelto ja Tahkon Niitty43. Ensiapu44. Tahkon Kehdot45. Hotelli Golden Resort, Tahko Golf Club, New Course46. Tahkovuori Chalets47. Tahkon Silta

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CentreCentre

1. Sokos Hotel Tahkovuori 2. Ukkotahko apartments, restaurant Ukko, FinFun Tahko accommodation booking offi ce 3. Promenade apartments SkiMac Promenade ski rental shop and ski maintenance service / lift ticket sales 4. Tahko Bungalows 5. Rinnepelto holiday cottages / reception 6. Loma-Rantala holiday village 7. Restaurant Wanha Maatila 8. Tahkonhovi chalet 9. Villa Tarpinen holiday home 10. Ketunpolku Safarit & Seikkailut – safaris and adventures 11. Restaurant Tirol 12. Pehkubaari slope restaurant, Riihi restaurant and meeting facilities, sauna 13. Panorama Bar & Café slope restaurant 14. Lännen Lokari slope restaurant 15. Tahkonrinteet lift ticket sales 16. Restaurant Casa (Tahko Golf Club, Old Course) 17. Adventure House (Tahko Safarit) 18. AdventureKuopio - activities 19. Horseforte Oy / Riding Centre Tahko Areena 20. Restaurant Piazza and Restaurant Tahko Promenade 21. Tahko Shop 22. Tahko Ski School 23. Restaurant and Pub Syvärin Kunkku Hovipuisto and Kunkunvintit apartments 24. Tahkovuori Oy Central Booking Offi ce for accommodation and all holiday services Tahko 24H property maintenance, cleaning and security services 25. Chair lift 26. Aholansaari holiday and camp resort, ferry dock, ice road 27. Tahkon Kiinteistöt LKV, property sales and rentals, Iceway tour skating 28. Tahko Junior Suites 29. Tahko Spa entertainment centre 30. Ski Track Café 31. Pizzeria Väinö and Tahko Catering 32. Spa Suites 33. K-Market Tahkon Tähti grocery store, Restaurant El Monte 34. Tahko Tours holiday village 35. ”Pendolino” Stop – transportation to the top of Tahko 36. Tahkovaraamo accommodation booking offi ce 37. Tahko Chalet apartments 38. Riistaravintola game restaurant, Caravan area 40. Lean-to / campfi re 41. Automatic petrol station, General Store, Pizza-Tahko 42. Tahkonpelto and Tahkonniitty semi-detached apartments 43. First aid 44. Tahkon Kehdot (Tahko junior suites II) 45. Hotel Golden Resort, Tahko Golf Club, New Course 46. Tahkovuori Chalets 47. Tahko Bridge

The services of

Tahko areaTahko area

Huutavanholma nature reserve

Shooting range

Information sign

Ferryto Aholansaari

Ice road

To Aholansaari

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