Lahti Affirms Plans to Host 2029 Ski World Championships

The Lahti city council has officially approved a framework agreement, confirming its readiness to host the 2029 Ski World Championships. This pivotal agreement involves the International Ski Federation (FIS), the Finnish Ski Association, and the city of Lahti itself.

The Finnish Ski Association is preparing to inform FIS of its intent to sign the organizational agreement. In a proposal put forth by Mayor Niko Kyynäräinen, it was stated that the city will finance renovations of the venues, while the Ski Association and Lahden Hiihtoseura will oversee the championship's logistics and operations.

The bidding process encountered delays earlier this spring due to financial issues within the Finnish Ski Association, which currently owes approximately 2 million euros to the city from the 2017 championships. In response to these challenges, FIS has extended the deadline for applications until early July.

"We believe we have reached an agreement that ensures the Ski Association's financial stability both before and after the championships," stated Sirpa Korkatti, chair of the Ski Association.

Following the approval of this collaboration agreement, local partners—including the Finnish Ski Association, Lahden Hiihtoseura, Salppuri Oy, and the city of Lahti—will draft a detailed local organizing agreement within three months.

If FIS ultimately awards the championship to Lahti, the city will provide the Ski Association with an organizational fee, of which one million euros will be earmarked to alleviate part of the Finnish Ski Association's debt owed to the city.

Revenue from the championships will be generated through ticket sales, sponsorships, and television rights, alongside the FIS organization fee. Should profits exceed 5 million euros, a portion will be shared with the city; however, the city will not be liable for any financial losses, which will be the responsibility of the Ski Association and Lahden Hiihtoseura.

A consultancy report suggests that the event, along with associated tourism, could inject roughly 40 million euros into the Lahti region economy, with approximately 27 million euros from tourism alone.

Lahti has a proud history of hosting the World Ski Championships, having done so seven times, in the years 1926, 1938, 1958, 1978, 1989, 2001, and 2017.