The World Winter Games in Finland we launched on Wednesday, March 26 with competitors from more than 20 countries participating. A total of 270 people braved the elements just south of the Artic Circle in Rovaneimi, Finland, for the week-long event.

Australia is being represented by four competitors who will take to the slopes over the next few days in search of gold. The opening ceremony had a surprise vist by Santa whose legendary workshop is located just nine kilometres outside of town.