Tampere ski centre operator Mustavuori Oy files for bankruptcy after loss-making seasons

Mustavuori Oy filed for bankruptcy with the Pirkanmaa District Court on Monday evening, Tamperelainen reports. The company says its last three operating seasons were heavily loss-making and the board concluded the business is no longer financially viable.

Mustavuori’s ownership structure includes Varala Sports Institute as the majority shareholder, with additional shareholders including Tampereen Slalomseura, Tampereen Lumilautailijat and Mustavuori Trailcrew, Yle reports. Yle also notes that the City of Tampere owns the land and buildings, while Mustavuori owns the lifts.

Yle further reports that Mustavuori has a ten-year, competitively tendered right-of-use contract with the city that began in 2019. The company attempted to renegotiate the arrangements, but talks broke down after the city said the contract is binding through 2029, Yle says.

Throughout spring and summer the board explored alternatives and held talks with owners, creditors, financiers, partners and the City of Tampere, but no sustainable solution emerged. No rescue was found. Mustavuori cites steep cost increases, weakened consumer purchasing power and short, challenging winters as the main causes of its insolvency.

According to Yle, club representatives say bureaucracy and an unfavourable service agreement contributed to the failure of a proposed funding plan. They also criticised the city’s stance on how the contract could be changed.

If the court declares the company bankrupt, a court-appointed estate administrator will oversee the proceedings and manage practical arrangements for the site. Yle adds that the City of Tampere will not run the slope itself, and may consider a new tender only after the bankruptcy situation clears. It also says that refunds for pre-sold season passes would be handled through the bankruptcy estate in accordance with Finland’s insolvency rules.

The site has long served as a local ski centre and a year-round training venue for sports clubs, with many users children and young people.