This week, the State Forest Management Centre (RMK) will start thinning operations along the ski trails in Pannjärve to ensure better trail maintenance and safety. The works will cover an area of approximately 15 hectares and may temporarily disrupt access routes.
“Our goal is to make sure that the ski trails are well-maintained and safe for the winter,” explained Timo Juursalu, Head of Alutaguse Health Sports Centre. “Last winter showed that in areas where thinning had been done earlier, the trails remained in significantly better condition. Thinning also allows the snow layer to settle more evenly on the trails.”
The Environmental Board has granted Alutaguse an exemption to carry out the works in autumn, as felling in winter could damage the ski trails. During the process, mainly dried and smaller trees will be removed to reduce the risk of broken trees falling onto the trails during heavy snowfall.
On the map, the work areas are marked with two colours – red areas will be thinned now, while blue areas are planned for the winter season.
The centre asks all hikers, runners, and cyclists to be extra cautious while moving in the forest. Warning signs will be placed during the works, but for safety reasons, everyone is advised to stay alert and keep away from the machine operation zones.
