The Future of Nordic Competitions: Insights from Championship Chief Åge Skinstad

As snow scarcity continues to pose challenges in the Alps, Åge Skinstad, the head of the 2025 Ski World Championships in Trondheim, believes that the Nordic countries might soon accommodate more competitions.

“We need to stop the current trend,” he asserts, reflecting on the pressing issue.

The former cross-country skier, who now serves as championship chief, expresses his concern over this alarming development. “These are very important issues. We want the sport to survive for many, many years to come,” he emphasizes.

One potential solution involves adjusting competition schedules to better match snow availability. This strategy has started to emerge in cross-country skiing, with many World Cup events now hosted in Finland, Sweden, and Norway at the beginning and end of the season.

Championing Sustainability

Upcoming World Championships are set to take place in the Nordic region, specifically in Trondheim in 2025, Falun in 2027, and Lahti in 2029, which is the only candidate to have officially applied.

Åge Skinstad insists, “We need to focus on the cities that have snow, and we also need to produce artificial snow in a sensible and climate-friendly way.” He highlights that the Trondheim event is being marketed as the “most sustainable ever,” although he acknowledges that it’s difficult to make such a claim with absolute confidence.

“But we want to set a new standard,” Skinstad continues. “For instance, all transportation for athletes, officials, journalists, and others to and from Granåsen, the ski center in Trondheim, will utilize electric vehicles.”

An Important Symbol

Looking ahead, Skinstad expresses hope that the 2027 World Championships in Falun will lead the way in sustainability efforts, aiming to set an even higher benchmark. “These are issues we are already discussing with them,” he notes.

Critics might dismiss these goals as mere marketing fluff. But Skinstad responds thoughtfully: “If someone believes that a ski federation or a ski championship can change the world, maybe it is just rhetoric. However, I believe it holds significant symbolic value. Many look up to these athletes, and it’s important to demonstrate that change is possible.”