Ski World Championships Cost Trondheim Municipality 1.2 Billion Kroner

Trondheim’s financial officer, Kjetil Reinskou, has revealed that the costs for hosting the imminent Ski World Championships in Nordic disciplines will total around 1.2 billion kroner. Over 1.1 billion of this sum has already been invested in upgrading the everyday facilities at Granåsen – improvements that benefit youth activities and outdoor life. However, the direct costs attributed to the championship, amounting to 108 million kroner, have raised serious concerns.

Critics such as Per Osland, the head of Trondhjem’s Swimming and Lifeguard Club, argue that for the money spent on the Ski World Championships, the municipality could have built several new swimming facilities. Speaking during a debate at Litteraturhuset in Trondheim, Osland stressed that while he supports hosting high-profile sports events, it is essential to scrutinize their cost especially when other sports, like swimming, receive comparatively little investment.

Event chief Åge Skinstad defended the necessary upgrades at Granåsen, emphasizing the positive impact such a championship has on the city’s development and its community. Meanwhile, Reinskou called for a broader discussion about the sustainable cost of hosting international events, noting that the funds used from the municipal buffer—intended for one-off expenses—could have been allocated to improve other underfunded areas such as swimming and hockey halls.

The debate comes at a time when Trondheim’s municipal finances are under strain, with recent budgets showing significant deficits. Some political figures, including Roald Arentz of the Rødt party, have expressed regret over the decision to bid for the event, questioning whether the long-term financial risks were fully appreciated at the time of the application. As the event planning continues, the challenge remains on how to balance international sports ambitions with sustainable municipal budgeting.