Nordic camps fuel progress, confidence and collaboration across Europe

On roller ski tracks winding through the Balkans, beneath the forested hills of Falun and high in the shadow of Planica’s legendary ski-flying hill, this autumn has seen athletes of all ages and abilities thrive in purpose-built Development camps.

Between August and October, a series of FIS Nordic camps brought together participants from 22 National Ski Associations (NSAs), transforming training venues across Europe into classrooms, testing grounds, and more importantly, a place to forge connections between the next generation of Nordic talent.

In Sjenica, Serbia in August, 35 participants spent five days balancing classic and free-technique roller skiing with mountain walking, strength training, mobility work and yoga.

It was a chance to highlight the importance of education, with sessions specifically highlighting body awareness and video analysis.

Romanian athlete Adina Piscu recognised the benefits beyond the teaching.

“I feel what I learned at this camp will help me become more discipline and confidence,” she told FIS. “I learned how to stay focused, push myself and keep working towards my goals.”

For local skier Ivona Djurovic, training on home snow was yet another reminder of why camps like this matter so much, saying: “The thing that brings me back to these activities is seeing different ways the other coaches teach us different techniques and seeing the different ways other athletes train.

“It is always good to see different perspectives and learn more things from all kinds of people from different cultures and countries.”

Focus soon shifted west to Val di Fiemme, one of Cross-Country’s most iconic homes. Nestled in mountains known for epic World Cup battles, attendees spent eight days refining their technique while coaches focused on training principles, the importance of nutrition and athlete development.

Latvian coach Inese Skele came out of it full of hope that those who took part would leave with renewed motivation to continue chasing their dreams.

“I hope the athletes have learned new technical skills,” she said.

That love of learning and exchange of ideas continued in Falun, where 55 athletes and coaches descended on one of the largest camps this autumn.

Training sessions were evened out between classic and skating techniques, while video analysis sessions were on offer to give athletes the chance to see their strengths and potential weaknesses frame by frame.

For some, it was their first opportunity to receive constructive feedback they can then go away and work at throughout the season.

“Whenever I was about to give up, the coaches would come to encourage me,” revealed Taiwanese skier Lin Yi-le (Natasha). “I learned a lot of techniques that I didn’t know before, both in classic and skate. I’m very grateful to all the coaches and the head coach who guided me during this training camp.”

The week also left a lasting impression on first-time attendee Keita Marcinkevica (LAT), who added: “I had hoped to go there for a few years. Finally, I got to go there myself, and I loved every day spent there.”

With the FIS Nordic World Championships set to be held at this venue next year, it made for an unforgettable experience for up-and-coming talent on the snow.

Tobias Söderberg-Jönsson, Head of Sport for the 2027 showpiece, said: “It gives young athletes from developing ski nations the opportunity to experience a future World Championships venue, learn from each other, and take important steps in their sporting journey.

“For Falun, it is a privilege to contribute to the growth and future of Cross-Country skiing worldwide.”

As October rolled around, so too did the chance for young skiers to focus on their Cross-Country classic technique in Bansko, Bulgaria.

Athletes spent hours on classic roller skis, breaking down the movements that underpin efficient skiing. Coaches, meanwhile, were invited to a round-table discussion to analyse and dissect how best to translate technical concepts into performance.

FIS experts Magda Genuin and Alessio Giancola enhanced what was a standout experience, openly sharing their own experiences. Attendees also got the support of local coach Ivan Birinikov, who was thrilled to see the progress made over a week.

“My highlight of this camp has been seeing the athletes make progress and become more confident throughout,” he revealed.

This run of Development camps concluded in Kranjska Gora, Planica, where Ski Jumping and Nordic Combined athletes spent six intensive days training in one of the sport’s most famous landscapes.

By the end of the week, some switched to larger hills and jumped them for the first time, paving the way for new individual records to be set.

In total, 128 athletes and 48 coaches played their part in a successful stretch of Development camps that saw ideas shared between nations, young skiers find confidence, and educators gain fresh insights to aid their own progress.