Women Set to Compete at 2028 Ski Flying World Championships in Planica

At the recent FIS Congress, it was officially announced that the 2028 Ski Flying World Championships will take place in Planica, Slovenia. This biennial event is renowned in the skiing community, with the last championships hosted in Bad Mitterndorf/Kulm, Austria, and the upcoming event scheduled for 2026 in Oberstdorf, Germany.

Historically, the Ski Flying World Championships have exclusively featured male competitors. However, there is a significant change on the horizon for female ski jumpers as they may have the opportunity to crown their first ski flying world champion in 2028. A decision regarding this will likely be reached by Spring 2027 at the latest.

FIS Race Director Sandro Pertile outlined the significance of the upcoming winters for women's participation in these championships. He noted, "Women's ski jumping has made remarkable strides recently. The inaugural FIS flying competition in Vikersund in 2023, followed by the first-ever World Cup ski flying event in Vikersund in 2024, represent crucial milestones in the evolution of women's ski jumping." He emphasizes the ongoing growth of the sport among women.

Pertile acknowledges, however, that there remains a noticeable disparity in performance and field density between male and female athletes. "Closing this gap is our top priority in the short to medium term," he stated. Strengthening women's ski jumping as a whole is essential for advancing the progression of ski flying competitions.

He also pointed out that compared to men, women's ski flying is still a developing discipline. As a high-stakes competition, it presents significant risks for female athletes, especially given the demanding nature of the Planica facility, which will be hosting the championships in 2028.

With several years until the event, Pertile reassures that they will continuously monitor the advancements and trends in women's ski jumping and ski flying, remaining open to all options to achieve the highest objectives.

The decision by the FIS to integrate men's and women's ski jumping over the next two to three seasons exemplifies a commitment to elevating female athletes towards achieving great ambitions in the sport.