There is plenty of talk about sustainability, but we at Vuokatti wish to act sustainably instead of merely speaking about doing so. The versatile nature and its four seasons is a key strength of the Vuokatti tourism area, and concrete action is required in order to ensure that we retain those four seasons. Here you will find a few practical examples of sustainable actions by STF labelled companies within our tourist area.

Break Sokos Hotel Vuokatti

Break Sokos Hotel Vuokatti uses 100 % renewable energy. The hotel has invested in recycling, and recycling bins can be found both along the corridors and within the rooms of the hotel. Guests are encouraged to save water and electricity in their rooms and use the rental bikes offered by the hotel or public transport for moving around the area. The yard of the hotel features charging stations for electric vehicles.

Restaurant Kippo specializes in local food and local ingredients are also favoured on the breakfast menu. Break Sokos Hotel Vuokatti is the first company in the Vuokatti region to receive the Sustainable Travel Finland label, in addition to which Break Sokos Hotel Vuokatti has also been granted the Green Key certificate.

Vuokatti Ski Resort

Vuokatti Ski Resort is committed to responsible energy use, and the electricity they use is generated 100 % from renewable energy sources. Lake water is used to make snow for the slopes, and most of the water is returned to the water system as the snow melts. When rental equipment is replaced, the used items are sold to consumers. This ensures that the rental stock remains in good condition, while the used equipment continues to bring joy to new owners for years to come. And when the time comes to update equipment purchased from the rental shop, customers can trade in their gear for credit.

Charging stations for electric vehicles are available to customers at the bottom of the North and West slopes. Vuokatti Ski School has access to the widest selection of adaptive alpine skiing equipment in Finland, which means that everyone can enjoy downhill skiing regardless of physical impairment. Vuokatti Ski Resort received the STF label in 2023 and they also have Ecocompass Environmental Certificate.

Vuokatti Sport Resort

Vuokatti Sport has installed flow restrictors in the taps and showers of its own accommodation facilities to reduce water flow, replaced traditional light bulbs with LED bulbs, and implemented a food waste tracker in its buffet restaurant to encourage the reduction of food waste. As a sports institute, Vuokatti Sport is part of the network of Sports Institutes in Finland, playing a crucial role as professionals and producers of expertise in promoting physical activity, sports, and health. The Sports Institutes form a community of expertise, with one of their key tasks being to create conditions for children and young people to engage in physical activity. Vuokatti Sport fulfills this mission by developing knowledge in sports and physical activity, as well as organizing training, events, and camps for participants of all ages.

Vuokatti Sport Resort received the STF label in the autumn of 2024, in addition to holding the Green Key certification.

Hotel Kalevala

Restaurant Kanteletar prioritizes local food by, for example, purchasing vegetables and eggs from local producers and using fish from the lake next to the restaurant. The restaurant serves organic coffee and tea, and no meat, fish, or shellfish products originating from endangered or protected populations or species are used in the kitchen. Hotel guests are encouraged to conserve the environment through their choices, such as the consumption of electricity and water in the rooms. The temperature is lowered, and air conditioning adjusted when rooms are empty during low season to save energy.

All guests and members of staff are treated equally and with respect at Hotel Kalevala, and some staff members have taken part in the We Speak Gay diversity training. Hotel Kalevala has been granted the STF label and Green Key certificate.

Read more about Hotel Kalevala’s sustainability.

Lentiira Holiday Village

At Lentiira Holiday Village, everyday energy use has been made a priority. The electric heating load is reduced with air source heat pumps and a bake oven, and indoor temperature is adjusted automatically. Light fixtures are equipped with replacement LEDs as old lamps wear out. The sauna is only heated on request, and washable sauna bench towels are used instead of disposable ones. Significant steps have been taken to expand waste sorting, and in addition to inhouse sorting, guests are also offered the option to sort their waste (biowaste, metal, plastic, glass, and paperboard).

Food services are only provided on order, and the menu is based around local food: game, lake fish, and salmon are sourced from the area as are local mushrooms and berries according to the season. Pricing is designed to encourage longer stays and activities carried out under human power are primarily recommended to guests. Lentiira Holiday Village received the STF label in 2023 and they also have Biosphere certificate.

Finland’s seventh STF labelled destination

We are committed to developing and promoting sustainable tourism. In October 2024, Vuokatti Tourism Ltd, responsible of marketing and promoting the area, was granted the Visit Finland’s Sustainable Travel Finland (STF) label, making it the seventh tourism area in Finland to receive this recognition. The STF label is awarded to tourism destinations where at least half of the businesses engaged in international tourism have certified their sustainability efforts and received the STF label. The Vuokatti tourism area attracts visitors throughout the year, and collaboration extends beyond municipal borders with the aim of serving tourists in the best possible way.

As a one concrete measure in the Vuokatti tourism area, a Responsible Vuokatti commitment has been developed together with local businesses. This also applies to those companies that do not yet have a certificate and/or STF label. The commitment promises that everyone is involved in the development and verification of responsible practices.

Responsible Vuokatti Commitment

1. Together, we make Vuokatti a great place to live and visit
All entrepreneurs who have signed the commitment understand what sustainability means in tourism. New employees are introduced to sustainability, and it is reflected in their operations. Companies collaborate fairly.

2. Everyone is welcome in Vuokatti
In Vuokatti, the principle of equality is realised so that everyone feels welcome and accepted, both as visitors and within the workplace community. Special attention has been given to ensuring that visitors with mobility challenges can participate and experience everything Vuokatti has to offer. Nature in Vuokatti is for everyone.

3. We care for nature
Vuokatti is known for its stunning hills and clean waters. In nature, we encourage visitors to move only along marked trails.

4. We encourage low-emission travel
We inform visitors how to reach Vuokatti by public transport. Moving around on foot or by bike is possible once you are here. Vuokatti offers excellent opportunities for sports and enjoying nature without motorised vehicles.

5. Vuokatti is a great place to visit all year round
Vuokatti provides services and experiences year-round. Year-round accessibility allows for experiencing nature and services in different seasons. Year-round employment opportunities enhance local well-being and facilitate settling down in the area.

The businesses in the Vuokatti tourism area are committed to pursuing the path of sustainability according to their own capabilities. The following companies in the area have signed the joint Responsible Vuokatti commitment:

Break Sokos Hotel Vuokatti & Original Sokos Hotel Valjus
Heikkilän Pirtti
Holiday Club Katinkulta
Huippupaikat Oy (Vuokatti Ski Resort)
Lomaperkkiö
Oulujärven Laiva-Osakeyhtiö
Peerâ Hotels & Cottages
Vuokatti Arena
Vuokatin Katinkulma Oy
Vuokatinmaa
Vuokatti Safaris
Vuokatti Sport Resort Oy
Vuokatti Weekend

Read more about sustainable tourism in Arctic Lakeland.