Trondheim 2025 Nordic WSC: A Milestone for Inclusive Para Cross-Country Competition

The organizing committee of the upcoming FIS Nordic World Ski Championships, slated to be held in Trondheim from February 26 to March 9, 2025, is hard at work preparing for an event they believe will "set new standards" in the world of winter sports.

In a groundbreaking move, the championships will feature equal-distance races for both men and women in cross-country skiing, including the 50km for women — a first in World Championships history. Additionally, the tournament will ensure equal prize money distribution for male and female competitors. Furthermore, Trondheim 2025 will showcase a para cross-country sprint competition, marking a significant milestone in the event’s history.

"For the first time in FIS Nordic WSC history, our para-skiers will compete alongside able-bodied athletes. Together, we’ve made this happen and we look forward to proudly presenting an inclusive championship," says Kristin Mürer Stemland, COO and Sports Director of WSC Trondheim 2025.

This official competition will feature athletes from Sitting, Standing, and Vision Impaired categories competing in three stages of sprinting — qualifications, semi-finals, and finals — all taking place along the same course as the team sprint races.

On Tuesday, March 4, para cross-country sprint qualifications will kick off the festivities, with the semi-finals and finals unfolding on the same day, alternating with the team sprint competitions scheduled for Wednesday, March 5. To further emphasize this day dedicated to inclusion, the medal ceremony will also celebrate the para cross-country sprint achievements.

"We are thrilled to collaborate with the organizing committee of Trondheim 2025 in establishing this para cross-country sprint competition within the FIS Nordic World Ski Championships program. The performances of para-athletes are sure to impress audiences!" remarked Georg Zipfel, FIS Para Nordic Race Director.