Aiming to become the best après-ski in Southern Finland
The “little brother” of the popular Restaurant Terho opened at the turn of the year on the slopes of Teijo.
Restaurant Terho and its pizzas and live gigs are already gaining a growing cult following. Located in the old Mathildedal cooperative store building, the restaurant is largely the creation of its current entrepreneur, Laura Lahtinen.
Lahtinen, who started running the restaurant in summer 2025 together with her ex-husband Elmo Blomqvist and has worked there for over 17 years, is responsible for its distinctive interior.
Under Lahtinen’s direction Terho has also become a popular live music venue, attracting some of Finland’s leading artists.
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The restaurant has now gained a “little brother” as Lahtinen and Blomqvist opened Terho Hills at the turn of the year in connection with the slopes of the nearby Teijo Ski & Action Park. The restaurant building has been fully renovated, and the interior follows the style of its “big brother”.
“Like Terho, Terho Hills has been furnished entirely with second-hand pieces. Only the kitchen equipment has been bought new,” Lahtinen says.
She has sourced sofas and tables from various online auctions and flea markets, and they have restored the furniture themselves.
“We also did some of the renovation work ourselves together with my husband, my father, my uncle and friends.”
The entire ski slope has also been given a facelift, with light refurbishment carried out in several areas.
In summer, the restaurant operates during events held at Bike Park, which runs in the ski centre’s facilities during the warmer months.
The ski centre is especially popular with families. The aim is for people to enjoy spending time at Terho Hills after skiing or snowboarding – including those who do not take part in either.
“Everyone is welcome, even if there’s no ski gear in the boot of the car.”
When speaking with the pair, it quickly becomes clear that Lahtinen is a woman of action and a visionary, while Blomqvist is more of a realist.
Terho Hills also hosts small-scale live performances.
“I would like us to become the best après-ski spot in Southern Finland. That shouldn’t be too difficult, as there isn’t much of an après-ski culture here,” Lahtinen laughs.
Lahtinen even dreams of organising festivals.
“There is already some history there. Back in the 1980s, when the ski centre first opened, even Hanoi Rocks performed here.”
Blomqvist reins in his former partner’s enthusiasm. In his view, the most important thing is first to see how the business runs.
When speaking with the pair, it quickly becomes clear that Lahtinen is a woman of action and a visionary, while Blomqvist is more of a realist.
“Our division of labour is that Laura does everything,” Blomqvist jokes.
Becoming entrepreneurs together is not a particularly typical path for a former couple.
For Lahtinen, originally from Halikko in Salo, and Blomqvist, who was born in Teijo and now lives in Mathildedal, it did not feel uncertain. They have worked together for nearly 20 years.
They first met at the same ski resort where they now run their business. Today, their two children can also be found snowboarding there.
“Work and home life have to be kept separate. We do have to get along, if only for the sake of our children. I still consider Laura a friend. And she probably thinks the same of me – at least sometimes,” Blomqvist laughs.
Both of their current partners are also involved in the new business.
“The village is so small that almost everyone knows each other. And Terho has always been a place that brings people together,” Blomqvist says.
Starting a seasonal restaurant in a small village, dependent on winter conditions, may seem risky to many.
“We have already had 18 years of practice with Terho. Of course this is a risk. But I believe in it strongly. If you don’t try, you won’t achieve anything,” Lahtinen says.
Live gigs at Terho and Terho Hills
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