Traditional reindeer racing has captivated an international audience in the frigid northern reaches of Finland, near the Russian border. The Salla Reindeer Cup, held this past weekend in the remote town of Salla, attracted hundreds of enthusiastic fans from across Europe, braving subfreezing temperatures to witness this decades-old spectacle.
International Spectators Brave the Cold
Approximately 1,000 people attended the competition, despite the challenging conditions in this isolated location roughly 264 kilometers northeast of Oulu. Spectators hailed not only from Finland but also from Italy, Norway, Germany, and France, among other nations. They watched intently as reindeer galloped across snow-covered tracks, pulling their handlers on skis in a race where speed determines the victor.
A Deep-Rooted Cultural Tradition
Reindeer husbandry has been a cornerstone of Scandinavian culture for many decades, particularly for the Sami Indigenous people in Finland's far north. "Salla has a long history in reindeer racing—it's been going on here since the 1950s," explained Lasse Aatsinki, head of the Salla Reindeer Cup. "Back then, men spent winters in the forest without snowmobiles. In late winter, the reindeer were in peak condition, so racing them became a natural pastime."
Today, reindeer racing is a highly organized and regulated competition featuring trained male reindeer. The premiere event, known as the hot series, requires reindeer to qualify by completing a kilometer-long track in 1 minute and 19 seconds or less. Only the fastest animals earn a spot in this elite race.
The Science and Strategy Behind the Sport
"It's a science," Aatsinki noted. "A lot depends on the reindeer's character—it must tolerate crowds, other reindeer, noise, and movement. Everyone has their tricks, usually kept secret under their fur hats. Each owner has a unique approach." During races, crowds cheered their favorites with Finnish phrases like "hyvä, hyvä" (good, good) and "mene, mene" (go, go) as the reindeer sprinted down the final stretch. Between events, attendees warmed up with reindeer soup and kampanisu, a traditional local pastry specialty from Salla.
Pompom Claims Victory
The competition culminated on Sunday with final rounds, where a reindeer named Pompom emerged victorious. "Pompom is exceptionally fast and smart, and you rarely find one like that," said Hannu Krupula, the winning animal's owner. "If there's any weakness, it's that it's not very good-looking—which can be misleading. When you look at that reindeer, you might quickly think it's poorly fed or something. But it eats well. It's a rare individual."
After the race, Pompom and all participating reindeer received their reward: lichen, their favorite treat. This event highlights not only the thrill of the sport but also its deep cultural significance, blending tradition with modern competition in Finland's harsh yet beautiful landscape.
