Pulkkailu

Pulkkailu is a traditional Finnish winter pastime that involves sliding downhill on a pulkka, a small sled. The term comes from the Finnish word pulkka for sled, and the activity is common across Finland during snowy winters. It is enjoyed by families and people of various ages and can be practiced in many outdoor settings.

A pulkka is typically a simple, sturdy sled with runners and a seating area; wooden variants are common, while modern versions may be plastic or composite. Sledding hills, known as pulkkamäki, are found in parks, residential areas, and ski resorts, providing safe slopes for the activity. Children often use smaller pulkkas, while adults may use larger models or toboggans.

During pulkkailu, participants sit upright or lie down facing forward and let gravity propel them down the hill. Steering and speed control are achieved by shifting body weight, using the sled’s handles where present, and applying any available brakes. Safety considerations include dressing warmly, wearing gloves and appropriate footwear, choosing a slope free of obstacles such as trees or roads, and supervising young children.

Pulkkailu has a long-standing place in Finnish winter culture and everyday life, reflecting outdoor recreation and social time during the cold season. It is widely accessible, requiring only snow and a hill, and is common in neighborhoods, parks, and resort areas. The activity is seasonal, dependent on weather, and regarded as a low-impact form of winter recreation when practiced with proper care.