THE KIILOPÄÄ STORY: NATURE ACTIVITY AT KIILOPÄÄ
Suomen Latu Kiilopää was founded in 1964, at that time under the name Kiilopää Training Centre. The names have changed over the years, but the atmosphere, values, and the way of doing things have been retained. Suomen Latu Kiilopää is still the most attractive nature activity centre in the Saariselkä area.
Nature is our main concern. Everyone has the opportunity to draw strength from nature and the peace of nature to cope with everyday life. At Kiilopää you will find the perfect setting for this, regardless of the season. We offer activity-oriented nature experiences, uncomplicated accommodation and tasty food in all seasons.
Suomen Latu Kiilopää is owned by Suomen Latu, a central organization of more than 83,000 outdoor enthusiasts and hikers. The aim of the organization is to get Finns to go outside more often and in a more versatile way. The well-being of Finns is at the heart of the organization.
THE IMPORTANT YEARS AT KIILOPÄÄ
1964
The road from Kakslauttanen is built and the first buildings of the Kiilopää Training Centre are moved to the area
1965
The first summer camps are organised in Kiilopää
1966
The first winter holidaymakers populate the brand new Kiilopää. In the 1960s, even a ski slope with lifts was planned in Kiilopää, but the plans did not materialise, and the focus shifted to cross-country and mountain skiing.
1977
The staff residential building Rautupää was completed. In the 1970s, eight new cabins were built in Kiilopää.
1980
Kiilopää’s name changes from Lappish Mountain Centre to Wilderness Centre
1981
The new main building is completed in Kiilopää, the old main building is renovated and renamed Hiking Hotel Ahopää
1983
Urho Kekkonen National Park is established next to Kiilopää
1984
The new main building, which was destroyed in a fire in the previous autumn, is rebuilt at a rapid pace and even better than before
1985
Hotel Niilanpää and ski tracks with lights are built to Saariselkä ja Kakslauttanen
1987
Kiilopää WIlderness Centre is renamed Lappish Mountain Centre Kiilopää
1989
Restaurant Kammi is completed in the extra wing of the main building and Kiilopää received full licence to serve alcohol. This is both supported and opposed.
1996
Outside turf hut Maahinen is completed
1997
Kiilopää cold spa is completed (hole in the ice, dressing rooms and electric saunas)
1998
Smoke sauna with dressing rooms is completed, the Kiilopää sauna world is named Kuurakaltio
2000
Urho Kekkonen National Park entrance gate is completed in the year of Kiilopää
2009
The Lappish Mountain Centre name is changed to Suomen Latu Kiilopää
2013
Seppo Uski takes the responsibility to manage Kiilopää when Pirjo Kouvo, the long-time director, moves to a new position.
2014
Suomen Latu Kiilopää has a 50-year anniversary. Suomen Latu autumn meeting is organised at Kiilopää 7.- 9.11.2014.
2015
Suomen Latu Kiilopää begins to use geothermal heat in the larger buildings. The first Kiilopäähiihto skiing event takes place 27.11.2015
2017
The President of the Republic Sauli Niinistö and Mrs. Jenni Haukio visit Kiilopää 6.2.2017. The hotel rooms at Hotel Niilanpää are renovated.
2018
Suomen Latu has an 80-year anniversary (28.2.2018), spring meeting and celebration at Kiilopää 27.4.- 1.5.2018.
2019
Suomen Latu Kiilopää double cabins (18 cabins) are equipped with air-source heat pumps in accordance with sustainable development. The first electric car is purchased.
2021
Suomen Latu Kiilopää’s new project: The Sanctuary of Well-being. Project aims to build various saunas and exhibits around Finnish Sauna culture.