Tehvandi to open one of the best-profiled ski slopes in the Baltics

TALLINN – The versatile Tehvandi Snowpark ski center is set to open in Otepää on Friday, combining one of the best-profiled alpine ski slopes in the Baltics with a world-class freestyle and snowboard park.

The new ski center is being established next to the Tehvandi K90 ski jumping hill in Otepää. The slope, which features a 60-meter vertical drop, has a 300-meter riding area divided into two zones: an alpine ski slope and a terrain park. The area for alpine skiers is fully open to visitors as of today, while the freestyle and snowboard park will be completed in stages.

The alpine slope is unique not only in Estonia but throughout the entire Baltic region, primarily due to its excellent profile. "There is no other ski slope in this region with such a steep start that is also sufficiently high and wide. Because you pick up speed early, the entire descent can be used for carving turns and improving technique," explained Kaarel Grünberg, a former alpine skier, coach, and promoter of the sport. "The slope is also ideally positioned: being north-facing, the snow holds well, allowing for skiing long into the spring," he added.

Skiers can choose either a steeper or a gentler line depending on their skill level.

The slope's innovative solutions also provide excellent opportunities for children to get their first feel for skiing. "The 80-meter training slope features a playful course design that is new to Estonia," Grünberg said.

Fun elements with winter-themed and animal characters have been set up for children to help them safely learn how to move on the course, turn, control their speed, and maintain balance. "These figures make learning playful and help children naturally acquire basic skiing skills, simultaneously developing their course awareness, coordination, and self-confidence," the coach added.

Tehvandi Snowpark is located in the historic heart of Estonian alpine skiing. The site hosted one of Estonia's first downhill slopes, where the country's inaugural alpine skiing competition was held in 1940. The ski hill, complete with a lift, was actively used until the construction of the K90 ski jumping hill in 2008. "The slope combines history with future potential. This is the very slope where one of Estonia's first winter sports stars, Karl Vesterstein—a ten-time Estonian alpine skiing champion—trained and competed. Today, we are creating an environment where the next generation of top Estonian athletes can develop," said Tarmo Teder, the creator behind the Tehvandi Snowpark concept.

In addition to the alpine slope, Tehvandi Snowpark will also feature a world-class park for freestyle skiers and snowboarders, with the first rails opening this weekend. The park was designed by Janis Daleckis, who has previously designed two Olympic parks and is also involved in creating the park for the Milano-Cortina Olympics. "The new park is literally created by the best, for the best," said Tarmo Teder. "For the freestyle and snowboard community, the opening of such a park is a significant milestone. A world-class home park provides local young athletes with the opportunity to train consistently and lays the foundation for them to reach the top international level," he added.

According to Kristjan Karis, a board member of the Tehvandi Sports Center, the new ski center is a crucial step in developing the entire region's winter sports capabilities. "Our goal is to offer athletes and enthusiasts the best year-round opportunities for training and physical activity. Tehvandi Snowpark complements our existing sports infrastructure by providing facilities for alpine skiers, freestyle skiers, and snowboarders. The slope creates excellent conditions for hosting training camps and competitions and helps solidify Otepää's position as one of the most important winter sports destinations in the Baltics."

Tehvandi Snowpark is open Tuesday to Friday from 12:00 to 20:00, and Saturday to Sunday from 10:00 to 18:00. The slope is illuminated after dark. Parking is available at the Tehvandi ski jumping tower's parking lot. Visitors should bring their own equipment or rent it from Fan-Sport, ReeDe Villa, or Veetee ski rentals in Otepää.