Traditional reindeer racing is delighting spectators in frigid Finland

The small town of Salla, Finland transformed into a winter spectacle this past weekend as the annual Reindeer Cup brought approximately 1,000 spectators to the remote northern community. Despite temperatures well below freezing and the town’s isolated location—roughly 264 kilometers northeast of Oulu near the Russian border—the traditional races drew fans from across Europe, including Italy, Norway, Germany, and France.

The competition featured male reindeer galloping across snow-covered tracks pulling their handlers, who follow behind on skis. The straightforward format crowns the fastest animal-handler team as champion, continuing a tradition that has become deeply embedded in the region’s cultural fabric.

“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, there were no snowmobiles. In late winter, the reindeer were in great shape, so they started racing them.”

What began as informal competitions among herders has evolved into a structured sporting event with rules, regulations, and specialized categories. The premier division, known as the “hot series,” only accepts reindeer capable of completing the kilometer-long track (just over half a mile) in 1 minute and 19 seconds or less.

Reindeer husbandry holds particular significance in Scandinavian culture, especially among the Sami Indigenous people of northern Finland. The racing events represent a modern expression of this centuries-old relationship between humans and reindeer, showcasing not only speed but the special bond between handlers and their animals.

Successful racing requires more than just a fast reindeer, according to Aatsinki. “It’s a science. A lot depends on the reindeer’s character—it has to tolerate a lot: the audience, other reindeer, noise, movement,” he said. The training methods remain closely guarded secrets among competitors: “Everyone has their tricks—and they’re usually kept under the fur hat. Every owner has their own way.”

Throughout the weekend, crowds created a festive atmosphere, encouraging their favorites with cheers of “hyvä, hyvä” and “mene, mene”—Finnish expressions for “good, good” and “go, go”—particularly as reindeer sprinted down the final stretches. Between races, spectators kept warm with traditional refreshments including reindeer soup and kampanisu, a local pastry specialty from the Salla region.

The competition culminated on Sunday when a reindeer named Pompom claimed victory in the championship race. Hannu Krupula, Pompom’s owner, attributed the win to his reindeer’s exceptional qualities. “Pompom is exceptionally fast and smart, and you rarely find one like that,” Krupula remarked.

He added that appearances can be deceiving when it comes to champion reindeer. “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.”

Following the races, Pompom and all participating reindeer received their well-earned reward: lichen, a symbiotic organism that grows on trees and rocks, considered a delicacy among reindeer.

Events like the Salla Reindeer Cup play an important role in preserving Finnish cultural traditions while providing economic benefits to remote communities. Tourism around these winter competitions has grown steadily in recent years, with international visitors increasingly making the journey to witness these unique sporting events.

The reindeer racing circuit continues throughout Finland’s winter season, with competitions in various northern communities highlighting the importance of reindeer husbandry to the region’s economy and cultural identity. As climate change increasingly affects the Arctic region, these traditions take on added significance as connections to a way of life that has sustained northern communities for generations.