Lahti to Host 2029 Nordic World Ski Championships

The International Ski Federation (FIS) has officially appointed Lahti as the host city for the 2029 Nordic World Ski Championships. This prestigious event will mark Lahti’s record-breaking eighth time hosting the championships, surpassing any other city in history. The last time the championships were held in Lahti was in 2017, and preparations for the upcoming event are already in full swing, following the signing of an agreement between FIS, the Finnish Ski Association, and the city of Lahti.

Lahti will take charge of funding the venues and facilities, while the operational oversight of the championships will rest with the Finnish Ski Association and the Lahti Ski Club. Earlier this year, the application process faced some delays due to financial challenges within the Finnish Ski Association, which still owes approximately 2 million euros to the city from the 2017 event.

Sirpa Korkatti, the president of the Finnish Ski Association, expressed her delight at the agreement's signing, highlighting the importance of collaboration among stakeholders to ensure the event's success. Before Lahti welcomes athletes in 2029, the last Nordic World Ski Championships will take place in Trondheim, Norway, and Falun, Sweden, in 2027.

The economic impact of hosting the championships is expected to be significant, injecting around 40 million euros into the local economy and providing a boost to businesses and residents alike. To successfully run the event, the organizers will also need over 3,000 volunteers. Moreover, Lahti’s status on the global stage is poised to grow, with media coverage anticipated to reach around 100 countries.

With a rich history and a strong reputation as a prime competition venue, Lahti is highly regarded by athletes, further cementing the city’s prestige in the world of Nordic skiing.