Taking snowboarding right back to its routes with just a board and a leash snow surfing has seen something of a resurgence in recent years.  We decided it was about time to find out what all the fuss was about and and pay our dues to the origins of snowboarding.

 

Dressed for the slopes I waited excitedly for Antti to pick me up from his local resort of Pyha, feeling slightly naked without my snowboard in tow I waited eagerly for Antti to arrive. Leaping out of his van I shook the hand of the Antti (Finland’s number one Patrick Swayze look alike)  and hopped in to for the short 5km drive to Antti’s home and business Lucky Ranch which also provided out gateway into the backcountry. Upon entering the Lucky Ranch I was amazed at how much Antti and his partner Anu  had already got setup here. A whistle-stop tour ensured where Antti led us to the stables and horse riding facilities, we also visited the ice igloos and heard tales of the wild reindeer he regularly caught eating the horses hay.  

 

Listening to these stories it was clear to see Antti‘s love of animals equalled his passion for the great outdoors. Anu explained her passion for horses and showed us around the stables. We were also introduced their son, cat and horses we met his favourite backcountry buddy, a corgi with who was probably more eager than any of us to get out into the fresh snow. I did wonder how a corgi would cope with such small legs, maybe I should have been more worried about myself! Out of ear shot of the corgi Antti explained we had two options leave the dog at home and take a quick snowmobile ride up the fell or we could take the hard route don the snow shoes and hike up the fell bringing his friend with us. Already aching from the previous days fat biking I consider the easy option but only for a minute before deciding I could not say no to those puppy dog eyes! 

 

Gathered in his workshop Antti showed me the evolution of his snow surfing board from the initial prototype to his newest and lightest models, he also explained his plans to put together a build and ride your own snow surf board class which looks sounded like a great idea to us! Further details about the board can be found on the Ilahu snow surfboards website After the quick history lesson we donned our snow shoes packed the boards and headed on our way with the dog in tow!

 

 

The first part of the hike stretched out before us and truth be told started pretty gently, it did not take long however before we were climbing the steeper terrain with thighs starting to burn I looked on enviously to our four legged friend who seemed to be having no issues prancing through the snow. Having decided to ditch the snowmobile really made me appreciate the solitude of the mountains and the beauty of earning your turns out in the backcountry.

 

 

We climbed up slowly taking the odd rest stop where Antti produced his flask and poured us a hot berry drink accompanied with chocolate to keep the energy levels up. After about an hour of snow shoeing we reached our first snow surfing descent. Antti explained the basics of how to balance the board without bindings and instructed me to give it a go, with the waist deep powder all around us my first attempts were interesting to say the least. One thing you will quickly learn about these things is that falling off them and getting back up is hard work. Antti said nobody finds it easy and scrambling around in the powder I was beginning to think he was right.

 

 

After a few more attempts I managed to get the right stance leaning my weight to the back of the board I began to float on the powder I put in a few nervous turns, not been able to see how I was stood it was not long before I ending up covered head to toe in powder. Trusting your feet without bindings was an alien experience to me but I could definitely see why Antti was hooked this was fun.

 

 

We rode down the whole of the slope with me slowly getting to grips with the board. It was certainly more tiring than Antti made it look.  At the bottom we re-donned our snow shoes and hiked some more to Antti’s secret hide out a small wooden hut where fresh fire wood was available. In no time at all Antti got the fire going produced some ice cold beer and made some delicious cheese, potato and ham toasties. With a beer in hand I began to relax and take in the surroundings as I learnt more about Antti plans for the Lucky Ranch in general. Leaving me to warm up inside Antti disappeared and came back with another board puzzled as the where it has come form he explained it had been stashed in the outside loo, things don’t go walkabout in Finland so rather than carry a board up here he just leaves it around.

 

 

With a new board in tow it was not long before we were off again ready for another hike to a different part of the hill. Perhaps it was the Dutch courage form the beer or generally getting used to the board but my second attempt at snow surfing went much more smoothly, I was now able to stay upright and do some longer distances with some turns thrown in for good measure Antti was cheering me on as my confidence grew. I was finally getting the hang of it on the wider slopes and was feeling good when Antti gave me the option of hiking down or snow surfing through the trees. I decided snow surfing might be faster so off I set and surprisingly I was able to stay on board for most of the tree section despite the narrower tracks I took the odd tumble but felt I had progressed significantly since the morning efforts.

 

 

Reaching the bottom of the tree run and both grinning like fools we were met by our favourite friend who sensibly had packed his powder paws away and taken his own route down to meet us. One last drink of berry juice and some snacks for the dog and we began to make out way back to the ranch, with the sun setting behind out backs it was the perfect end to a perfect day. In total we spent about 5 hours in the backcountry and in this time I was able to pick up the snow surfing basics. I would imagine you could spend years mastering the sport but you would never need a lift pass again. I am itching to try it again as the feeling was pretty special and who know perhaps next year I will return and build a board with Antti I am already picturing a corgi inspired base graphic! 

I would imagine you could spend years mastering the sport but you would never need a lift pass again. I am itching to try it again as the feeling was pretty special and who knows perhaps next year I will return and build a board with Antti I am already picturing a corgi inspired base graphic! Watch the video below to see Antti in action!

 

 

 

Pyhä area is freerider`s paradise. Long season and about one meter of snow mean that there is always something to shred. You are able to reach Soutaja backcountry without transportation from Lucky Ranch. Lucky Ranch is a test center of Ilahu snowsurfs and home for many freeriders.

 

 

Price includes a guide, snowsurf board, hot drink and snacks. Suitable for beginners also.

 

Duration: 4 hours

Price: 80€/ person

Min. 2 persons

Book up your adventure!