The Potential Loss of National Status at Holmenkollen

A Winter Sports Legend at Risk

The Norwegian government is considering revoking the national status of Holmenkollen, an action that could have profound implications for the birthplace of Nordic skiing.

Holmenkollen is often considered the heart of Nordic skiing, but under the current governmental plan, its glory days may soon be over.

Led by Minister of Culture and Equality, Lubna Jaffery from the Labour Party, the Ministry aims to demote the ski facilities located on the hillside northwest of Oslo. This decision would represent a seismic shift in the landscape of winter sports in Norway.

Holmenkollen: The Wembley of Winter Sports

If the government proceeds, only the biathlon discipline will retain its national status at Kollen, while Nordic skiing—including ski jumping, cross-country skiing, and the combination—would lose this vital designation. This could lead to significant financial repercussions, as a sports venue with national status in Norway is entitled to receive up to 50% of its expenses for construction, renovation, or maintenance from public funds.

For many Norwegians in the fields of sports, politics, and society, the government's proposal is akin to stripping Wembley of its national stadium status in England. Unsurprisingly, this has sparked a massive outcry.

Minister Jaffery points to viable alternatives to Holmenkollen, mentioning Trondheim, which is set to host the Nordic Ski World Championships in 2025. A final decision regarding this matter is expected in the coming months.