FIS presents latest Nordic updates at Forum Nordicum 2026

The 47th edition of Forum Nordicum took place from 19 to 22 October 2026 in Nové Město a Moravě (CZE), bringing together sports journalists, media representatives and officials from across the Nordic disciplines ahead of the new World Cup season.

FIS was once again represented at the traditional gathering, providing updates from the recent Technical Meetings, presenting the upcoming World Cup calendars and outlining key developments across Ski Jumping, Nordic Combined and Cross-Country Skiing.

Alongside Ski Jumping Race Director Sandro Pertile, Nordic Combined Race Director Lasse Ottesen and Cross-Country Race Director Michal Lamplot, the Forum welcomed FIS President Alexander Ospelt.

A central part of Ospelt’s visit was an in-depth discussion with Forum Nordicum Chairman Thorsten vom Wege, covering a range of topics including the future of the FIS World Ski Championships and FIS’ continued support for Nordic Combined.

“Nordic Combined is a very important discipline for FIS, and it was actually one of my first priorities as President,” Ospelt said, recalling that just two days after his election he attended a meeting with the IOC in Lausanne to advocate for the traditional Nordic discipline.

Ospelt also reflected on his first months in office and the priorities he wants to pursue in the years ahead.

Following the discussion, the FIS President was available for individual interviews with the attending media representatives.

Nordic Combined outlines path towards 2034

Nordic Combined Race Director Lasse Ottesen presented the discipline’s roadmap towards a potential return to the Olympic Winter Games in 2034.

He provided an update on the work of the FIS Nordic Combined Task Force, which was established to support the future development of the discipline. Among its current projects is a new competition format that will be tested for the first time during the upcoming winter season.

Ottesen also presented the biggest World Cup calendar in Nordic Combined history, featuring 48 competitions, including a return to Lake Placid (USA) in February 2027.

Cross-Country focuses on new formats and cost reduction

Cross-Country Race Director Michal Lamplot discussed the Heat Mass Start format, which made its debut during the 2025 Tour de Ski and will return for two events this season.

He also presented Cross-Country’s longer-term plans in the areas of sustainability and cost reduction. Among the concepts under consideration are the broader introduction of common waxing at junior level and limiting the number of skis available per athlete, with the aim of reducing costs and creating more equal conditions for smaller nations.

Ski Jumping strengthens equipment control

Ski Jumping Race Director Sandro Pertile provided an update on developments within the discipline, with a particular focus on equipment control.

The control system was expanded significantly last season, with the number of checks doubled and the pool of equipment controllers increased. Ski Jumping and Nordic Combined are also working more closely together to further strengthen the system and ensure consistent controls and fair competition across both disciplines.

Pertile also highlighted one of the major sporting milestones of the upcoming season: the first women’s Four Hills Tournament.

Additionally, Sophie Hargesheimer, new FIS Media Manager for the Nordic disciplines, presented the updated FIS Communications structure.

With strong attendance and lively interest from the journalists present, the FIS day at the 47th Forum Nordicum once again provided an important opportunity for exchange between the international media and representatives of the Nordic disciplines ahead of the World Cup winter.