Statement: The City of Jyväskylä cannot make way for a skiing slope by cutting down the old Laajavuori forest

Uncategorized / 8.8.2026

The Student Union of the University of Jyväskylä (JYY) is calling on the city to reject plans to clear an old forest area to make way for a ski slope. The Committee of urban planning of Jyväskylä is considering two alternative drafts for the Laajavuori zoning plan, which will be decided upon at a meeting to be held on August 11, 2026. In one draft, a spruce forest in the recreation and nature area (part of which is over 120 years old) would be cleared to make room for a ski slope, which would split the old forest, which is of significant natural value, in two, 

Located near Kortepohja, Laajavuori offers students in Jyväskylä an unpararrelled opportunity to recharge in the natural environment of the surrounding area. According to research, spending time outdoors, especially in older forests, has a positive effect on mental health and well-being, and facilitating this is particularly important given that the mental health crisis among young people and students is at its peak. According to Hiihtokeskus Laajis Oy, opening the new slope would only create about ten new jobs in Jyväskylä directly, meaning its direct impact on employment in Central Finland would be negligible. The other publicly stated arguments in favor of the plan are equally unconvincing. 

The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry’s efforts to change the definition of boreal natural forest as well as the government’s procrastination on concrete climate actions have led to an unambitious climate policy at the national level. According to a 2026 report by the Ministry of the Environment, the goal of a carbon-neutral Finland by 2035 under the current action plan is impossible, but increasing forest conservation is considered one of the most important measures for achieving this 

According to the City of Jyväskylä’s 2025 evaluation report, it remains committed to sustainable development, increasing biodiversity, and the goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2030. A forest over 100 years old binds significantly more carbon than a commercial forest, and clearing it to make way for a ski slope is at odds with these goals, which, according to the city’s assessment report, will not be achieved without additional measures. Old-growth forests are unique, dwindling ecosystems that harbor exceptional biodiversity, which must be protected. Furthermore, the environmental impacts of snowmaking on the northern slope on the already diminishing water levels of Vuorilampi and, for example, on the protected bog located on its shore have largely gone unexamined. 

“As climate anxiety among young people grows, it is important that our city listens to students’ concerns and prioritizes the protection of the old-growth forest. Vaguely justified economic goals must not be allowed to affect ordinary city residents’ ability to enjoy a natural forest,” declares JYY Board Member Veronika Heikkinen. 

The City of Jyväskylä must keep its promise of an ambitious climate policy, and decision-makers must vote against this zoning change! 

Additional information:  
Chair of the Board of JYY 
Aukusti Heilakka 
hpj@jyy.fi 
+358 45 137 1964