Holmenkollen Skifestival: Unforgettable skiing moments in Holmenkollen

T his March, come to Norway and join the cheering crowds in the winter capital of the world during Holmenkollen Skifestival. Here, at the very heart of skiing, you can watch the stars battle it out for prestigious World Cup points at a festival that aims to focus on sustainability and equality.

“Holmenkollen has a unique place in all sports fans’ hearts. For the world’s best athletes, the events here are some of the most important during the season. The cheering from the crowds and the Norwegian enthusiasm towards skiing are truly special. Around 150,000 spectators from all over the world are visiting, which creates an amazing atmosphere,” says festival manager Kristin Vestgren Sæterøy.

Loated in Oslo, with a state-of-the-art arena and its skiing course cutting through the capital’s forest, Holmenkollen has a long history of winter sports. In fact, the first skiing competition here took place in 1892. Today, as one of the most famous sports facilities and the single most visited tourist attraction in Norway, Holmenkollen is the perfect setting for unforgettable skiing moments.

The World Cup Nordic (Skifest) and Raw Air take place on 6 to 8 March, with thrilling competitions such as ski jumping, cross-country and Nordic combined. “Raw Air is the most extreme ski jumping tournament in the world. It is a no-break, ten-day event across four venues in Norway, and we are very pleased that it all kicks off in Holmenkollen every year,” says Sæterøy.

Two weeks later, on 20 to 22 March, the arena will again be abuzz with excitement, as the world’s biathlon elite meets at the shooting range during the World Cup final in biathlon.

Photo: Magnus Nyløkken

Focus on sustainability and gender equality

With a new sustainability strategy, lmenkollen Skifestival focuses on creating an understanding of environmental and health challenges, while promoting gender equality. “As the first international sporting event to commit to the UN’s sustainability goals, we want to work to create unique winter sports experiences that will minimise the festival’s footprint while promoting gender equality and good health,” Sæterøy explains.

Intending to encourage and promote women in sports, the festival is a case in point that women can also rock the ski industry. “We are proud that the women this year will ski the long-distance three-mile race as the main event on the Saturday. For the second year, the women will also jump in Raw Air on par with the men, which is very impressive,” Sæterøy smiles. “It is fitting that we end the festival on International Women’s Day!”

Web: holmenkollenskifestival.no