06-02-2025
Finland: The Street Skiing Capital of the World
This article appears in the 2025 Photo Annual print issue of POWDER Magazine. The magazine is still available on newsstands near you, and can be shipped directly to your front door.
From Ruka Ski Resort to the streets of Helsinki, the Finnish collective Forre has produced countless mind-melting cuts over the last few seasons. Part of their meteoric rise in the niche that is street skiing can be attributed to Arttu Heikkinen, one of the visionaries in this crew. Heikkinen produced their last three movies, and has exhibited a tremendous eye and talent for producing still images as Tukka Pori, who produced 'The Forre Movie' in 2018, put skiing on the backburner for school, Heikkinen took the reins. His first project, 'Forrmula' (2021), stamped a mark of intent reminiscent of Stept's 'Network' and The Bunch's 'Far Out'—two films that elevated crews already known in the core street skiing scene to the mainstream skiing pysche. 'Forrmula' laid it all on the line and the community took notice.
The Finns have been at the innovative forefront of street skiing for a while. The dials of fearlessness and creativity get the Spinal Tap treatment, and there's a je ne sais quoi about the stylistic choices in the editing booth. The spot selection is creative, the skiing is heavy, the Finnish police are chill, the architecture and cityscapes are unique. It's no wonder ski and snowboard crews from across the world travel to the streets of Helsinki to continues to carry this torch with success, maturing as a videographer and photographer since his debut with Forre. The ability to build on what works while maintaining quality and a fresh feel across three projects is a testament to his talents. A fourth full-length film is in the pipeline for 2025, titled 'Forrever,' and will undoubtedly leave audiences open-mouthed, much like those before.
Here of course, we are shining a light on Arttu's work as a photographer. This gallery showcases Heikkinen's ability to capture innovative perspectives among Finland's bold architecture while his companions push the limits of what's possible in street skiing. From Joona Sipola hurtling through the sky in a stark black and white—and somewhat dytsopian—image, to Ailo Riponiemi executing a death defying drop off the 'Rock n' Roll Carrot' in Helsinki, this portrait of Finnish street skiing gives us a glimpse of one of the most vibrant ski communities in the world. The POWDER 2025 Photo Annual is available. Click here to have it shipped directly to your front door.
