The first snow of the coming winter fell not in Lapland, but in the Kainuu region. Much of Finland may still have to wait a while for its first snow cover. Nevertheless, the snow season has now officially been declared open at the annual national Pyry’s Day Snow Seminar. The declaration also encourages the public to take part in snow observations.
The 14th national Pyry’s Day Snow Seminar was held on 29–30 October 2026 at the Finnish Meteorological Institute’s Arctic Space Centre in Sodankylä. The event was organised by the Finnish Meteorological Institute in collaboration with the Finnish Environment Institute and the Universities of Lapland and Oulu.
The theme of this year’s seminar was Snow in a Changing Climate. The event brought together researchers, artists and people interested in snow from a range of professional and practical perspectives. A panel discussion, for example, explored snow observation from the perspectives of reindeer herding and climate research. Presentations covered topics ranging from snow as a water resource to snowmaking, snow storage and the role of snow in society.
Although a national event, the seminar also welcomed international colleagues, with presentations and discussions in both Finnish and English. Over the years, the seminar has become an important meeting place for people from different fields and generations of snow research. This year, Professor Emeritus Matti Leppäranta from the University of Helsinki shared memories from his long career in the field.
For the first time, the seminar was held in Sodankylä, giving participants an opportunity to learn about the Arctic Space Centre’s observation activities. In the coming years, the event will return to the Helsinki metropolitan area, where snow is becoming an increasingly rare visitor as the climate changes.
The public is also invited to contribute to snow monitoring. Observations can be submitted through the Finnish Winter Monitoring website: https://luontoliitto.fi/talviseuranta/ . The site also offers educational materials for schools.
Submit your snow observations here .
Declaration marking the start of the snow season in Finland
The following is a translation of the official declaration.
Dear residents of Finland, visitors to our country and friends of snow,
Sunday is Pyry’s name day. Today, we officially declare the snow season open in Finland.
Finland is a long country, and the snow season begins at different times in different regions. In the north, it usually starts in October, while in the south it typically begins in December or January. The first snowfall may, of course, come earlier. On average, snow melts in March in the south and in May or June in the north. Along the coast and in the archipelago, there may not be a distinct snow season every year. In the fells, snow melts later, and snow patches can remain even through summer. Snowfall is possible even in midsummer.
For much of the year, snow is an essential part of the habitat of Finland’s plants and animals. It affects how animals move and find food, but most often it also provides protection against the winter cold. Snow cover and its properties influence Finnish society, everyday life and almost every sector of the economy. Finns are accustomed to snow, which has shaped our culture, customs and language.
Snow is also a major attraction for Finnish tourism and a source of wonder for visitors. People of all ages look forward to the first snowfall. Snow brings light to the dark winter months. On the other hand, it can also cause problems, for example in traffic.
The climate in northern Europe is changing, bringing changes to snow conditions and the length of the snow season. Finland’s long-standing knowledge of snow must not be lost. Traditional knowledge and experience can help us adapt to these changes.
In a changing world, we need more and new kinds of knowledge about snow.
Snow depth and mass are measured at observation stations, while satellites provide information on snow cover extent and snow water equivalent. However, surprisingly little is known about how much snow there is in different places and what its properties are. How much snow lies on lake ice? How much does snow depth vary across a landscape? Is the snow icy?
These observations are easy to make. School groups, ski tourers, reindeer herders and many others can all measure snow depth and identify icy layers in the snowpack.
We, the snow researchers at the Finnish Meteorological Institute, the Finnish Environment Institute, the University of Oulu and the Arctic Centre at the University of Lapland, together with the Finnish Nature League, invite everyone to take part in snow monitoring this winter.
Observe snow in familiar surroundings where you live, work or spend time outdoors.
Let us enjoy the beauty of snow, winter activities and recreation in snowy nature.
Finally, we wish everyone a joyful winter!
Sodankylä, 29 October 2026, at the Pyry’s Day Snow Seminar
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