Anne Niskala

There is something magical about gliding over a mirror-like ice surface, surrounded by silence and vast winter landscapes. For Anne Niskala, Nordic skating is more than just a hobby – it is a passion, a way to experience nature, and a constant quest for freedom.

Anne grew up in Rovaniemi, deep in Lapland’s wintry landscape, but now lives in southern Finland. Her journey into Nordic skating began ten years ago, first on artificial ice and then on frozen lakes and seas. When she signed up for a beginner’s course through Suomen Retkiluistelijat / Finland’s Long-Distance Skaters, everything changed. She was immediately hooked.

Freedom on Ice

"Skating is a fantastic way to travel further, discover beautiful places, and get close to nature," Anne explains. But it’s not just about going far or fast – it’s about the experience, about the feeling of finding your way over mirror-like or challenging ice. Sometimes it is an adventure where each new lake or bay brings new surprises. Sometimes it is a meditation in motion, where the world melts into gray-toned winter landscapes, frosty trees, and shimmering ice crystals.

As an experienced skater, she is also a leader in her Finnish skating club, helping others discover the joy of the sport. "The club’s tours are a safe and social way to learn more about ice, safety, and equipment – and to find like-minded people to share the experience with."

Embracing Every Season

Although ice is her element, Anne also loves to explore nature in other ways during the summer months. She often spends summers in Lapland, cycling along winding gravel roads and small trails, both alone and with friends. Feeling the wind against her face and suddenly coming across a hidden lake or a path through enchanted forests is a sense of freedom that reminds her of skating. In addition to cycling, she enjoys inline skating, paddling, and hiking – always searching for new ways to experience nature.

Beyond her outdoor activities, Anne studies photography and works in art education. Film is another of her great passions, and through her films, she wants to share the joy, freedom, and beauty of Nordic skating with more people.

Dreaming of the Perfect Ice

Anne has primarily skated in Finland, but she has also explored the ice in Sweden and Norway. "Skating between mountains and fjords on black ice in northern Scandinavia is magical," she says. The small lakes, the mystical forests, the winding shoreline with icicles and frost-covered pines – all of it fills her with endless joy. Long adventures on sea ice, entire days out in nature, sunshine, and good friends – for Anne, this is the perfect skating adventure.

As an ambassador for Lundhags, Anne wants to share her love for ice and the Nordic skating culture. Through her films and stories, she hopes to inspire more people to dare to venture out on the ice and experience the indescribable feeling of gliding over a frozen world.

Follow Anne on Instagram Islyckan