Norwegian Skiing in Crisis: National Teams Cut as Petter Northug Blasts the Decision

The Norwegian Ski Federation is set to lose significant sponsorship agreements, and this financial crunch is now impacting even a country famed for its skiing prowess. Much like the Finnish Ski Federation, which has long struggled with financial difficulties, Norway now faces a situation where funds are becoming exceptionally tight.

According to reports from NRK last summer, the federation was even on the brink of bankruptcy. In response to the crisis, cost-cutting measures have been decided upon – specifically, the junior and B national teams will be disbanded after the current season. Major sponsors such as Equinor and SpareBank 1 are not renewing their contracts, and no comparable partnerships have been secured to replace them.

“We do not have sufficient funds for these teams. The decision was difficult, but it was a natural step and needed to be made now,” said national team manager Ulf Morten Aune in comments given to VG. Rising athletes from the junior ranks – including Andreas Fjorden Ree, Håvard Moseby, and Nora Sannes – have recently made their mark on the World Cup circuit.

Former skiing star Petter Northug has been vocal in his criticism of the federation’s decision. He argued that if savings are to be found, they should come from the bloated management rather than by cutting programs that nurture future talent. “If there is any place to save, it is in the federation’s administration. It has grown far too large and should consist of people who truly care about the sport. Change needs to happen now, not years down the line,” Northug told VG.

Northug also urged that new sponsorships be found quickly so that the training of junior ski athletes can continue uninterrupted. He went as far as to call the current marketing department perhaps the worst in the history of the sport.

Cathrine Instebö, the head of cross-country skiing at the federation, expressed her appreciation for Northug’s input. “He has a wealth of experience in skiing and in the workings of the Norwegian Ski Federation, and his opinion is invaluable. I would even invite him for a coffee to discuss the matter further,” Instebö remarked.

National team member Pål Golberg also understands the rationale behind disbanding the junior teams given the financial constraints. He noted that with larger skiing disciplines drawing more attention, it has become more difficult for cross-country skiing to secure television coverage and sponsorship. “If companies are in trouble, we are the first to face cuts,” Golberg reflected. He further criticized the expanded administration, arguing that further cuts to the national team structure would only harm the sport’s appeal. Golberg expressed hope that international stars, such as Johannes Kläbon and Kristine Skistadin, would train with the national squad to make it more attractive to potential sponsors. He also called for more international talent outside of Norway to raise the global profile of the sport.