Aho perheyritys

A Story Now Continued by the Second Generation

Lift symbol Ruka
We are a Finnish family business
Economical responsibility symbol
We allocate 65% of profits to development
Social responsibility symbol
We financially support local community and vitality
Weather symbol
Investing in solutions to adapt to climate change

Our Economic Responsibility and Governance


We take responsibility for long-term financial continuity – for us, responsibility is not just a legal obligation, it guides everything we do.

As a family business, we have been developing our ski resorts for 70 years. The second generation is now at the helm, with the goal of eventually passing the company on to the third generation.

As one of the largest companies in the region, we are committed to supporting the vitality of the local community in Kuusamo.

Our Family Business Story

The seeds of Aho Group’s tourism business were sown in the 1960s. Young family man Jussi spent his free time fishing by the Kitkajoki River and fell in love with the landscapes of Kuusamo during his travels. In the 1970s, Jussi acquired a stake in Ruka. Before long, he became the majority owner of the slope company and began rapidly developing the area. By the late 1980s, Pyhä was also brought into the group.

Jussi’s heartfelt wish was to involve the next generation in the business. That came true: his children Kari Jussi Aho, Miia Porkkala, and Ville Aho have all built careers in the resorts in various roles. Antti Aho and Annakaija Lappalainen, in turn, have developed the wellness and health side of Aho Group. The owner siblings aim to continue boldly developing the companies, following the path their father laid out.

Discover the story of founder entrepreneur Jussi Aho:

Responsible investments and local impact

We don’t chase quick wins – for us, a quarter lasts 25 years

 

  • We pay our taxes in Finland.
  • We reinvest 65% of our profits into developing our operations.
  • We provide financial support to projects and initiatives that strengthen the local community and vitality.
  • We invest in climate change adaptation by increasing snow reliability and lift wind resilience through snow fences and covered chairlifts.
  • We are committed to the long-term development of year-round tourism services. Year-round operations create regional vitality, economic sustainability, and jobs both locally and nationally. Key projects include downhill bike trails and related services, as well as Finland’s first alpine sled track, opened in the summer of 2025 with EU funding support.
  • We make a local impact: We actively oppose mining in Ruka’s core tourism areas and in regions especially sensitive for Arctic nature.