Luleå municipality is closing the ice track around Luleå city center for the season on March 27. The ice thickness has started shrinking due to current weather conditions, and there is a lot of water on the ice. The gangway in Södra hamn has already been removed, and the descent in Norra hamn will be closed tomorrow. The ice track opened on December 12, which is quite early in the season, and has had thousands of visitors from near and far as usual. Despite the early start, the season has not been the best this year, with persistent cold for a long time followed by too warm weather. The best weekend was probably during the Dutch speed skating competitions. Despite a shaky season, the ice track has been well-visited as usual, especially during the Luleå On Ice event. In the last three years, the ice rink has needed to close around this time. It felt hopeful when the cold lasted so long, but spring came like a punch in the face now.
Snowmobile trails are facing unprecedented early closures in Jämtland and Västerbotten. Västjämtlands snöskoterområde ekonomisk förening (Väsek) manages and maintains a network of 75 miles of snowmobile trails in western Åre municipality. Poor snow cover in some areas places great demands on snowmobile riders, and the Terrain Driving Act prohibits driving snowmobiles if there is thin snow cover or bare ground. Snowmobile riders have a large personal responsibility and must not drive on the ground if it is not snow-covered. Trails up on the mountain are open, but spring came unusually early in the Jämtland mountains, and many snowmobile trails have needed to be closed. Trails that cross waterways have in many places been 'de-iced'. There is a difference between snowmobile trails managed by the County Administrative Board and those managed by trail managers like Väsek. The County Administrative Board does not 'open and close' the snowmobile trails they are responsible for; it is regulated by the Terrain Driving Act. It is still fine to ride from Storlien, Ånn, Gevsjön, Enafors, Huså, and Kall.
The County Administrative Board has issued warnings and specific trail closures in Ammarnäs. The track and trail group in Ammarnäs has been forced to close trails already before Easter. It is very early for trail closures. This has never happened in 22 years of activity, according to a social media post. The County Administrative Board warns snowmobile riders ahead of the Easter break and advises caution. Spring is early, and in several places in the Västerbotten mountains, there is little snow for the time of year. In addition to weak ice, snowmobile riders should be attentive to whether there are reindeer in the area or other animals sensitive to disturbances. Snowmobile riders should also be aware of protruding rocks and vegetation, open waterways and cold springs, and weak ice on some lakes.
Finnmark in northern Norway is experiencing an early thaw affecting events and trails. There is an early spring thaw in parts of Finnmark, affecting events and snowmobile trails. Sør-Varanger Snøscooterforening reports that trail 6 from Neidenelva to Mikkelsnes is closed due to little snow and unsafe ice. Several other trails have had to close for the same reasons. Vadsø municipality reports that trail number 1 over Jakobselva is closed with immediate effect due to unsafe ice conditions. Hammerfest and Kvalsund snowmobile association reports that trail 3 at Gårdelv bridge over Skaidielva is closing due to little snow. Pasvik Trail was scheduled for Thursday, April 9, but the organizer canceled this year's competition due to snowmelt from sun and warm wind, and Munkelva rising. The organizer stated it is not safe to arrange the race this year. The 80-kilometer Tana-Varangerrennet has had to reroute before its start on April 18 due to open rivers. This year's race will be held with start and finish at Polarsletta in Vestre Jakobselv, covering about 40 kilometers in the Solvarden, Østervann, Skihytta area. The race qualifies for seeding in both Ski Classics and Birken.
Ice roads and ski slopes are closing prematurely across the region. Trafikverket announced that the ice roads on Storsjön also closed on Wednesday. This year's ice road season was only one and a half months. Ormbergsbacken has closed for the season, having opened on December 19 last year, with Monday being the last day the lift runs. The snow disappeared unusually early this year, forcing Ormbergsbacken to close. Luleå alpina, responsible for lift operation, reported struggling with snow removal to keep the slope open a few more days. The ice road at Röduppleden in Jokkfall is closed for the season, but the ferry will not run again until May 20. Previously, ice roads between Avan and Sunderbyn outside Luleå and Bohedenleden in Överkalix have closed. Three of the county's four ice roads closed on Thursday for the season: between Norderön and Isön, Sunne and Vällviken, and Håkansta and Norderön.
Road closures and traffic disruptions are occurring in Norway due to the weather. National Road 52 over Hemsedalsfjellet is closed, according to the Norwegian Public Roads Administration. There has been convoy driving over the mountain due to bad weather in the area. The Road Traffic Center has warned of very long waiting times to cross the mountain westward. County Road 450 Hunnedalsvegen was closed from Tverråna near the county border to Gravassryggen due to poor visibility. The road is now open again, according to the Norwegian Public Roads Administration. There is a risk of slippery roads. County Road 50 between Hol and Aurland in Buskerud and Vestland is closed due to slippery roads, with a new assessment at 8 AM Sunday.
Ice road operations are implementing safety measures amid the thaw. The ice road from Tjuvholmsundet to Sandön is closing due to high water levels making it difficult to keep the road open. Efforts are made to keep ice roads open during the season, but daytime temperatures above freezing can cause problems with descents. If the snow becomes too soft, they may be forced to close the road. It is important to stay on the road route and drive slowly. The ice road is built on natural sea ice, where unevenness and cracks can occur. Drivers must respect the speed limit of 30 km/h and the parking ban on the ice. The ice road between Hindersöstallarna (Lövskär) and Hindersön (8 km) is closed. All ice road statuses were updated on March 26, 2019. The contractor regularly checks the load-bearing capacity by test-drilling the ice. For the roads to open, they must withstand a load of at least 2 tons. Roads can be temporarily closed during heavy snowfall, severe fog, or a lot of floodwater. Before going out on the ice road, pay attention to the traffic and information signs posted for everyone's safety. General rules apply: maximum 30 km/h, distance to other vehicles must be at least 50 meters, parking ban, follow traffic signs regarding load-bearing class (2-4 tons).
Other winter facility closures and maintenance issues are emerging. Vinterparken in Badhusparken continues to be open until April 1. Medvinden is too worn by the mild weather for the municipality to be able to maintain it. The parking lot at Margeteberg is closed from 1 PM on Thursday due to the municipality practicing oil cleanup.
The early spring is causing ice to melt quickly, even inland. The County Administrative Board warns of weak ice. Local officials and organizers are reacting to the disruptions, with many expressing concern over the unprecedented timing of closures. The implications for tourism and local economies are significant, as the early end to winter activities could reduce seasonal revenue. Environmental and wildlife considerations are also at play, with authorities warning snowmobile riders to be mindful of reindeer and sensitive habitats. The broader regional impact underscores the vulnerability of northern Scandinavian communities to shifting weather patterns, raising questions about long-term adaptation strategies for winter-dependent industries.