Finnish Reindeer Racing Championship Draws International Crowds Despite Bitter Cold

The annual Salla Reindeer Cup in northern Finland attracted about 1,000 spectators from multiple countries this weekend, despite subfreezing temperatures near the Russian border. Reindeer named Pompom claimed victory in the traditional racing competition that has roots dating back to the 1950s.

SALLA, Finland — Nearly 1,000 spectators braved bone-chilling temperatures in northern Finland this weekend to witness the annual Salla Reindeer Cup, a traditional competition that has captivated audiences for generations.

The remote town of Salla, located approximately 164 miles northeast of Oulu and close to the Russian frontier, hosted visitors from across the globe, including travelers from Italy, Norway, Germany, and France, all eager to experience this unique cultural event.

Fans gathered to watch as reindeer thundered across snow-packed courses, dragging their ski-equipped handlers behind them in a test of speed and endurance. Victory goes to whichever team crosses the finish line first.

According to Lasse Aatsinki, who leads the Salla Reindeer Cup organization, this sporting tradition has deep historical roots in the region. “Salla has a long history in reindeer racing — it’s been going on here since the 1950s,” Aatsinki explained. “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.”

The modern version has evolved into a structured competitive sport featuring specially trained male reindeer, with reindeer herding remaining a cornerstone of Scandinavian heritage, particularly among the Sami Indigenous communities of the far north.

The weekend’s highlight was the elite “hot series” competition, where only reindeer capable of completing the kilometer-long course in under 1 minute and 19 seconds earn qualification.

“It’s a science. A lot depends on the reindeer’s character — it has to tolerate a lot: the audience, other reindeer, noise, movement,” Aatsinki noted. “Everyone has their tricks — and they’re usually kept under the fur hat. Every owner has their own way.”

Enthusiastic spectators shouted encouragement in Finnish, calling out “hyvä, hyvä” and “mene, mene” — meaning “good, good” and “go, go” — as the animals charged toward the finish line.

Between competitions, attendees warmed themselves with hearty reindeer soup and kampanisu, a beloved local pastry that’s a Salla specialty.

Sunday’s championship round concluded with victory going to a reindeer called Pompom, whose owner Hannu Krupula praised the animal’s exceptional abilities.

“Pompom is exceptionally fast and smart, and you rarely find one like that,” Krupula said of his winning reindeer.

“If there’s any weakness, it’s that it’s not very good-looking — which can be misleading,” he continued. “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 competition’s conclusion, Pompom and all participating reindeer received their preferred reward — lichen, considered a delicacy among the animals.