- Tourism
World Kick-Sled Championships
The World Kick-Sled Championships are retu
ing to Central Finland after a break of several years. The World
Kick-Sled Championships will be held from 13 to 15 February 2026 at Keurusselkä Resort in Keuruu. Retu
ing after a break of several years, the event will once again bring this traditional Finnish winter sport into the national and inte
ational spotlight, bringing together the public, athletes, enthusiasts, and corporate and club teams. A
long tradition and a new setting The
World Kick Sled Championships have a long history in Central Finland. The competitions have previously been held in Multia, and now the tradition continues in Keuruu. The event is organised by Keurusselkä Resort Oy and Keuruun Kisailijat Hiihto in collaboration with the City of Keuruu.
Partners also include ESLA, a Finnish manufacturer of kick sleds and KickSpark racing sleds.
The competitions will take place on a race track built on the ice of Lake Keurusselkä, in front of Keurusselkä Resort. The actual World Championship day is Saturday 14 February, when the competitions will start at 10 am.
Keurusselkä Resort serves as the event’s competition centre and offers competitors and spectators hotel and cottage accommodation, restaurant services, as well as spa and sauna facilities. All key services are located in the immediate vicinity of the competition course.
Three-day programme 13–15 February 2026
The event weekend kicks off on Friday 13 February, when competitors and guests arrive in Keuruu. The competitions will be officially opened on Friday 13 February 2026 at 7 pm by Janne Teeriaho, Mayor of Keuruu. Following the opening ceremony, the atmosphere at Keurusselkä Resort will be set for the competitions with a dance evening featuring Antti Ahopelto & Etiketti.
On Saturday, world championships will be decided in events including the 100-metre sprint and the 2000-metre endurance race, as well as in the fitness category, which is open to everyone from 7-year-olds to seniors. As part of Saturday’s programme, a challenge relay will also be organised, and companies, workplaces, associations and groups of friends are encouraged to take part. The challenge relay is a light-hearted team competition where participants are welcome to dress in themed costumes if they wish.
Saturday evening culminates in a dinner and entertainment programme at Keurusselkä Resort. The programme features a dance evening accompanied by Heikki Koskelo, Nina Åkerman and Mantra, as well as a disco. The day’s entertainment also includes the musical play Kikka by Teatteri Eurooppa 4.
On Sunday 15 February, the programme features a Shrove Sunday-themed closing day, including a Shrove Sunday brunch and a relaxed programme of winter and outdoor activities suitable for the whole family in the Keurusselkä area.
Rooms at the main hotel, the holiday hostel and the cosy holiday cottages at Keurusselkä – all of these can be found within the competition area.
Link to accommodation bookings at Keurusselkä Resort.
Other accommodation in Keuruu.
Photo @ESLA
This content has been translated using AI
