Skiing in South Estonia: A Local Guide
South Estonia is a true cross country skiing paradise. Not because of towering alpine peaks, but thanks to its gently rolling hills, cold winters, and beautifully varied landscapes.
There are no high mountains here, yet the terrain offers the right balance of climbs and descents, making skiing both rewarding and accessible. Otepää, Estonia’s winter capital, along with the Haanja Uplands are home to some of the country’s very best ski centres, where both cross country and downhill skiing can be enjoyed.
To help you plan your winter holiday in South Estonia, we have gathered together the best ski centres in South Estonia. Our selection includes trails for beginners, families, and experienced skiers alike, offering everything from easy and scenic loops to physically demanding routes with serious elevation changes.
Psst! Scroll down to find the best downhill ski resorts and snow tubing spots ❄️
Best Cross Country Ski Centres in South Estonia
South Estonia’s landscape is ideal for cross country skiing, and the region offers a wide range of well maintained ski centres. Trails are carefully groomed and, when needed, supported by artificial snow to ensure good conditions throughout the winter. Here are some of the best options.
1. Tehvandi Sports Centre
Tehvandi is South Estonia’s leading ski centre, known for its excellent trails and reliable artificial snow production even in challenging weather. Thanks to these conditions, Tehvandi regularly hosts major competitions, including an IBU Biathlon World Cup held from 12 to 15 March.
The ski trails are open around the clock and lit until 9 pm. While official information focuses mainly on the artificial snow track, in good snow conditions longer natural snow routes are also open and illuminated until the evening.
Tehvandi offers both artificial and natural snow trails, a sledding hill, and plenty of demanding climbs for serious training. Several cafes and restaurants nearby make it easy to relax after skiing.
2. Haanja Sports & Recreation Centre
Haanja is known for its excellent grooming and consistently high quality trails. The centre is run by passionate ski enthusiasts and caters to beginners, families, and experienced skiers alike. Equipment rental and a cosy cafe are available on site.
Trail lengths include 1 km, 2 km, 3 km, and 5 km loops. Lit trails cover 2 km and 3.2 km, as well as a 1.4 km section of a cycling and walking path. Trails are open until 9 pm. Artificial snow production ensures good skiing even in low snow winters. A biathlon shooting range is located next to the centre.
Haanja trails require a ticket, with a day pass costing 3 euros and a season pass 75 euros. This helps guarantee excellent trail maintenance and a high quality skiing experience throughout the season.
3. Kääriku Sports Centre
Kääriku is especially popular with experienced skiers, as its trails are hilly and physically demanding. In good snow conditions, the legendary Kekkonen Trail of 14 km is open, offering a longer and more varied route than the shorter loops.
A 2.5 km trail is lit until 9 pm. The Kääriku to Sihva to Kääriku cycling path is illuminated around the clock. Trails rely mostly on natural snow and grooming may be less frequent.
Showers and saunas are available, making Kääriku a great place to relax after training. The centre also hosts various ski competitions.
4. Tähtvere Leisure Park
Located in Tartu, Tähtvere Leisure Park is ideal for beginners thanks to its relatively flat terrain and gentle climbs. Artificial snow is produced in freezing temperatures. In good snow conditions, additional easy trails are prepared towards the Dendropark area.
Lit trails allow for evening skiing, and ski equipment rental is available on site. During cold periods, the Song Festival Grounds host an outdoor ice rink with skate rental. Recently, the Emach Arena, an air rifle shooting range for biathlon practice, was opened in Tähtvere Park.
5. Mammaste Sports Centre
Located near Põlva, Mammaste offers a 3.7 km lit trail open until 9 pm, with artificial snow produced in colder weather. Equipment rental is available, and the centre hosts national competitions.
The trails are hilly and require good physical fitness, offering a rewarding challenge. In good snow conditions, additional unlit 5 km and 9 km trails are also available.
6. Tartu County Recreational Sports Centre
Just a half hour drive from Tartu, the Tartumaa Health Sports Centre in Elva forms part of the Tartu Marathon route. The final 800 metres of the trail are lit until 10 pm. The terrain is relatively flat, making it suitable for beginners and families. Sports equipment rental is available.
Trail conditions depend largely on natural snowfall. In good snow conditions, the full 63 km Tartu Marathon route from Otepää to Elva is prepared. This is likely the longest continuous ski trail in Estonia.
7. Võru-Kubija Health Trail
The Võru–Kubija trail offers a peaceful and scenic skiing experience. Artificial snow is used in freezing temperatures, and shorter sections are lit. The shorter loop has lighting until 9 pm. This is a perfect spot for those looking for a calm, nature-filled ski rather than intense training.
8. Vooremäe Sports Trail
Just outside Tartu, Vooremäe is a developing sports complex with good winter facilities. The longest loop is 8 km, of which 4.2 km is lit, forming a full circuit rather than an out-and-back trail. Trails rely on natural snow and are open until 9:30 pm. A lit sledding hill is also available.
9. Lähte Health Trail
Lähte is a great skiing spot near Tartu. The 2.5 km trail is lit until 10 pm, and artificial snow is produced in cold weather. The trail is moderately challenging, as both the start and finish are on hilltops, though flatter sections allow for relaxed skiing. Longer unlit trails are also available. Nearby, you’ll find sledding areas and even winter swimming in a pond.
10. Kuremaa Health Trails
Set among picturesque drumlin hills, Kuremaa offers routes suitable for both beginners and experienced skiers. Trails wind through beautiful natural scenery, with gentle ups and downs. A 2.56 km trail is lit daily until 9 pm, and there’s also a sledding hill.
11. Värska Health Trail
Värska is a welcome addition to South Estonia’s ski map. Officially, the loop is 1.6 km long, but in good snow conditions a roughly 3 km trail is also prepared. Lighting is available until 10 pm, and the centre has artificial snow production. Also, Värska was one of the first to open artificial snow trails this winter.
Best Downhill Ski Resorts in South Estonia
South Estonia also offers excellent options for downhill skiing and snowboarding. The most popular resorts include the following.
1. Kuutsemäe Ski Centre
Also known as Kuutsekas, Kuutsemäe is South Estonia’s best-known downhill ski centre. It features seven illuminated slopes of varying difficulty, plus a dedicated children’s slope.
The centre offers ski and snowboard lessons, free ski school for children, equipment rental, accommodation, and food services.
2. Väike Munamäe Ski Centre
Nicknamed Munakas, this centre is perfect for downhill skiing, snowboarding, and tubing. It has two anchor-lift slopes, a children’s slope, and a longest run of 630 metres.
Munakas also offers equipment rental, ski maintenance, and excellent food at Munaka Resto. One lift pass is valid for both Munakas and Kuutsekas.
3. Kütioru Centre
Located in Haanja Nature Park, Kütioru offers a friendly environment for downhill skiing, snowboarding, and relaxed cross-country skiing. The centre has seven downhill runs and four lifts, suitable for different skill levels.
Artificial snow ensures reliable conditions, and the main building features a café, equipment rental, and sauna facilities.
Best Snow Tubing in South Estonia
South Estonia also has plenty of fun tubing options. The top destination is Otepää Winterplace, Estonia’s largest winter park, located in the Linnamäe Valley in central Otepää. It features seven tubing lanes, a Zipfy hill, an igloo cinema, a tubing carousel for small children, and a winter playground.
In Tartu, tubing is available in Tartu Lumepark, while for a slightly different experience, Metsavenna Farm in Vastse-Roosa offers tubing along with hearty local food, including cheese and other treats. Near the picturesque Karula National Park, Karula-Lüllemäe Sports Centre also provides excellent tubing fun.
See You on the Slopes!
South Estonia’s ski centres offer something for everyone, from peaceful cross country skiing to adrenaline filled downhill runs.
Before heading out, always check trail conditions, as snow can change quickly. The latest updates can be found on ski centres’ websites, social media, and the Terviserajad site, where skiers often share practical insights in the comments.
