Wrapping up the season in Levi with Dope athlete Juho Saastamoinen
Lapland slush, late-April sun and one last lap before summer. We caught up with the Dope rider mid-mountain.
It's late April, the lifts up north are still spinning, and Dope Snow rider Juho Saastamoinen is squeezing every last drop out of winter, high above the Arctic Circle in Levi, Finland. While most riders have already swapped boots for board shorts, Juho is stretching the season into the long Lapland daylight, lapping spring slush and rolling cameras as he goes.
We grabbed him between runs to talk about how the season went, what's brewing for summer, and why Levi keeps pulling him back this time of year.
Sum up your season in three words.
Easy: Best so far.
Most spots are shutting down for the season, what brings you up to Levi right now, and what makes it different from anywhere else?
I was actually in Levi because I was asked to be a part of World Rookie Tour Camp. I was doing a little bit of coaching, chilling with the kids and even gave a “lecture” (more like Live Q&A) about my career. I got to also ski with my friends of course. I really enjoyed my time in Levi. Feels like people are just doing super well there, smiles everywhere.
Best moment of the entire season, the clip you'll still be replaying in July when it's plus-20 outside?
My favourite moment of the season is the one week period that I spent in Aspen X Games with Nick (SteepSteep). I enjoyed it everyday. Being at the X Games is already sick but when Nick and all the homies were there it made it even more unbelievable. I will be replaying the clips & vlogs from there in July 2030.
When the snow finally goes, what does Juho's summer look like?
My summer looks like a controlled mess. When there is no snow, I try to fill my days with all possible things. Skateboarding, trampoline, gym, cliff diving, running, partying, chilling, diy parachuting, learning how to do a double backflip on flat ground.. anything.
What are your goals for 26/27, from riding and filming to life in general?
I just want to be a better version of myself in every possible way, just like every season. I would love to travel a lot just like this season. I want to enjoy every single minute on skis just like this season. Long story short, I want to keep doing what I’m doing. If I could add something, more vlogs by me.
Keep an eye on Juho's channels through summer. Whatever he gets up to between now and the first October snowfall, you can bet the next season starts the second this one ends.
Photography by Arttu Heikkinen (@arttuheikkine).
Shop Juho's setup
