Since the 1930s, tourism has grown, and by the 1980s, there were concerns about its impact on the area’s nature. In response, Koli National Park was established in 1991, creating a solid legal foundation for sustainable tourism in the Koli area. The rents paid by PKO to Metsähallitus for the hotel and ski slopes are used to maintain and improve the national park’s facilities.

Sustainability metrics

Since 2017, we have been a Green Key certified hotel, and since 2021, we have participated in the Sustainable Travel Finland (STF) program.

The Green Key certificate indicates that our hotel is a pioneer in environmental responsibility, as its strict criteria based on the UN’s sustainable development goals exceed basic legal and regulatory requirements. Sustainability efforts are made in various areas, including the environment (e.g., water, electricity, waste) and other aspects of responsibility. As a Green Key destination, we are committed to improving our operations every year from an environmental and sustainability perspective. By choosing a Green Key hotel, you are promoting responsible and sustainable tourism!

Companies that have received the Sustainable Travel Finland (STF) recognition meet the criteria created by Visit Finland, which promotes tourism and considers economic, ecological, social, and cultural sustainability. The STF label aims to secure the future of the tourism industry through sustainable development. With this label, we communicate our responsibility to our international guests as well.

Part of a large sustainability family

Like other Sokos Hotels, we adhere to the S Group’s common energy-saving goals and strongly invest in renewable energy production. Our hotel follows the S Group’s common sustainability principles and guidelines in procurement. More about the sustainability of Sokos Hotels and the S Group.

Small and large actions

One of the most significant advances in sustainability was the transition from oil heating to geothermal heating in 2018. This practically means a reduction of about 200,000 liters of heating oil per year compared to previous consumption.

Two new snow groomers have been acquired for the maintenance of Koli’s slopes. Their emissions are only one-tenth of those of previous similar devices. Additionally, the SNOWsat technology used can measure snow depth and ensure that only the necessary amount of snow is made for the slopes.

In our hotel shop, we continuously maintain and develop the selection of local suppliers, from which our customers can buy products from local small businesses as souvenirs and gifts. At our breakfast table, you can enjoy authentic hand-baked Karelian pies from Kotileipomo Sorsa and take them home warm from the oven.

Our sustainability tips for our guests:

• You can choose to check in using the self-service kiosk (IPA), where the travel notification is filled out electronically instead of on paper. We are happy to assist you with using the IPA.
• If you stay longer, we do not automatically clean your room daily. This is a service you can decide to use. We will do an interim cleaning upon request.
• During interim cleaning, we will change your towels if you have left them on the floor. If you prefer, you can leave the towel on the hook, and we will not change it yet.
• In addition to a trash bin, your room has a green bin for organic waste. You can leave bottles and cans on the room table, and we will recycle them for you.
• At our breakfast, you can eat as much as you want. We ask you to take only as much as you think you can eat.
• At breakfast, you can choose to refill on the same plate and reuse the same glass or cup. This way, we reduce the amount of dishwashing and save water.