Nordic Ski World Championships on the brink of revolution? FIS examines annual rhythm

The Nordic Ski World Championships could be facing a fundamental change.

The FIS is currently examining the possibility of holding the championships every year in the future. Only Olympic years would be excluded. So far, the World Championships have taken place on a biennial rhythm.

There is already a precedent for the possible reform. In biathlon, World Championships have generally been held annually since 1958, provided it is not an Olympic year. According to Polish media reports, an implementation for the Nordic disciplines could be possible as early as 2032.

FIS Confirms Considerations

The fact that there are concrete deliberations emerges from the recently published report on the latest FIS Council meeting.

A proposal from Slovenia is mentioned therein. Planica had requested to already be awarded the Nordic Ski World Championships 2033.

While the FIS Council rejected the application, it simultaneously referred to possible new World Championships rules. "Planica's bid, as well as other potentially interested venues, are asked to consider submitting a bid for 2033 or even 2032 in the event of new World Championships rules being introduced," the report states.

Project Still in Early Stages

Sandro Pertile, Director of the Ski Jumping World Cup, explained what is behind the possible new rhythm to the Polish portal "Skijumping": "The FIS Council is considering the possibility of holding the Nordic Ski World Championships every year, with the exception of Olympic years," he confirmed regarding the deliberations of the world federation.

However, the undertaking is still in an early stage. "For now, this is just an initial assessment," Pertile emphasized. With an annual major event, the FIS could particularly enhance those winters in which no World Championship titles are awarded in several disciplines.

Return to Earlier World Championships Rhythm?

An annual cycle for the Nordic Ski World Championships would not be entirely new. Between 1925 and 1939, the championships were already held annually – with the exception of Olympic years. After World War II, the FIS initially switched to a four-year rhythm.

Since 1985, the Nordic Ski World Championships have been held biennially. Seefeld was then the first venue for the current format, held in odd-numbered years.

Next World Championships in Falun

Initially, nothing will change regarding the next editions. Falun will host the 2027 World Championships, followed by Lahti in 2029. Additionally, Oberstdorf was awarded the 2031 World Championships in July.

Should the FIS indeed switch to an annual World Championships rhythm, the hosts for 2032 and 2033 could be awarded at the next FIS Congress in Vilnius in 2028.

However, it is still unclear whether such a reform would also affect the rhythm of the Ski Flying World Championships.