Vuokatti’s slope area development is progressing to meet the increasing number of visitors and to harness the potential of year-round tourism. The updated Vuokatti 2040 vision and concept plan have been shaped into an attractive investment package, including a new hotel and a public sauna.
The regional and slope development plans for Vuokatti in Sotkamo are being advanced through regional collaboration to support large-scale tourism investments. A refined concept plan has been created based on the Vuokatti 2040 vision published in January. The plan outlines clear investment packages at various levels.
“Vuokatti is a unique year-round travel destination with untapped potential in its slopes and services. Its international accessibility has improved, and the planned railway connection will further strengthen Vuokatti’s position as a sustainable tourism hub,” says Kosti Puurunen, CEO of Vuokatti Sport Resort and the Vuokatti Foundation.
To support future growth, Vuokatti’s tourism development requires new offerings. Illustration: ONE Architects
The development plan integrates land use, infrastructure, and services in the slope area into a sustainable and attractive whole for both visitors and investors. The plan outlines approximately €690 million in investments for slope development, hotels, holiday accommodations, restaurants, and services.
“The land areas managed by the Vuokatti Foundation have been excellently incorporated into the new version of the concept plan. It has also served as a valuable guideline for Vuokatti Sport’s upcoming ‘All in’ strategy. Our goal is to build a more vibrant hub for active travelers, elite athletes, and corporate clients,” Puurunen adds.
“We’re taking a leap already seen in Lapland”
Overnight stays in Vuokatti increased by four percentage points last year, despite a national decline. In summer 2025, overnight stays rose by 9% compared to the previous year. The most significant growth has come from international visitors, with the goal of doubling their numbers in the coming years.
“The winter season is the strongest draw in the Kainuu region, and the number of international charter flights continues to grow annually. For the upcoming winter, 17 charter flights have already been confirmed, and negotiations are ongoing for additional flights for the 2026–2027 season. We are making the leap in international tourism that has already taken place in Rovaniemi and Lapland,” says Aija Laukkanen, CEO of Vuokatin Matkailukeskus Oy.
Most international charter flight passengers arriving at Kajaani Airport stay in Vuokatti.
Rail connection to a walkable village center progressing
At the heart of Vuokatti’s development is a compact northern slope village center, where accommodations and services are within walking distance. According to the updated concept plan extending to 2040, a new hotel will be built next to the current slope center, and a public sauna is also included in the plans. The concept has been further developed by AINS Group and ONE Architects.
The key investment in the compact village centre accessible by ski boots is a new hotel. According to the current plans, the hotel will be built adjacent to the existing slope centre, which will be retained during the first phase of construction. Illustration: ONE Architects
“The continued planning has been driven by active market dialogue. International investors have also visited the area. Vuokatti is attracting interest because it offers all the key elements for tourism investment: year-round activities, a diverse and climate-friendly natural environment, and continuously improving accessibility,” says Jukka Kettunen, director of urban development at AINS Group.
Interest is further boosted by the potential opening of a railway connection to Vuokatti. A direct rail link from Helsinki via Joensuu and from Oulu to Vuokatti would require electrification of the line and the reintroduction of passenger services. Electrification planning is currently underway, and a preliminary study on passenger traffic will be conducted in 2026.
A major investment was recently announced by Osuuskauppa Maakunta, which is expanding Break Sokos Hotel Vuokatti with 44 new holiday apartments. Plans also include new slopes and lifts, starting with the extension of the western slope and a new six-person chairlift.
“There is still significant untapped potential for ski-in ski-out accommodation and service offerings. This is a unique opportunity to elevate the ski resort and the entire Vuokatti area to a whole new level,” says Lauri Suutarinen, CEO of Vuokatinrinteet.
The Vuokatti 2040 development plan brings together a wide range of regional stakeholders, including the Municipality of Sotkamo, Vuokatti Foundation, slope company Huippupaikat Oy, service providers, landowners, and Kajaani University of Applied Sciences. The plan strengthens Vuokatti’s position as a year-round destination that combines high-quality slope and trail services with new winter and summer activities, as well as family-friendly and experience-rich services.
Vuokatti 2040 - doubling visitor numbers by 2040
Jukka Kettunen, director of urban development, AINS Group
tel. 040 733 8280
jukka.kettunen@ains.fi