The Best Nordic World Ski Championships Ever

Published: 15. March 2025

By: Ingvil Snøfugl

Trondheim 20250308. 
Johannes Høsflot Klæbo fra Norge med alle gullmedaljene sine under medaljeseremonien for 50 km fri teknikk fellesstart for menn under ski-VM i Trondheim.
Foto: Lise Åserud / NTB
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We want to thank the athletes for unforgettable sports moments, the volunteers who worked tirelessly day and night, and the audience who showed up in all kinds of weather.

“The feedback has been unanimous: Trondheim 2025 became the best Nordic World Ski Championships ever. We succeeded in creating the decade’s biggest public celebration and a historically sustainable championship”, says CEO of Trondheim 2025 Åge Skinstad.

How the 2025 Nordic World Ski Championships in Trondheim Made History:

• First World Championships to include para cross-country skiing

• First World Championships with equal distances

• First World Championships with equal prize money

• First World Championships with two individual competitions for women’s Nordic combined

The stands at Granåsen were packed almost every day. Photo: Ski-VM 2025/Amanda Sotberg

Despite challenging weather conditions, the championship saw full stands throughout the event.

“229,000 people secured tickets, 170,000 locals cheered on the ski stars along the trails, and nearly 200,000 attended concerts and medal ceremonies in the city square. In today’s world, with so many entertainment options, these numbers are overwhelming”, says Skinstad.

There was also massive digital and TV interest in the championship. The official Trondheim 2025 website had over 1 million visitors, and social media channels recorded 34 million views during the event. The market share for live broadcasts on NRK and TV2 peaked at 93% during the women’s skiathlon and averaged 79% across all cross-country skiing broadcasts. Nordic combined had an average market share of 74%, while ski jumping reached 65%.

“There has been much debate about declining interest in skiing and a lack of enthusiasm for the World Championships in the region. It is great to see that this was proven wrong. People had a fantastic time and kept coming back day after day”, says Skinstad with a smile.

 

The opening ceremony at Trondheim Square became a memory for life for everyone who attended. Photo: Ski-VM 2025/Amanda Sotberg

Trondheim 2025 aimed to be the most sustainable Nordic World Ski Championships ever. Clear goals were set regarding equality, the environment, inclusion, local food and beverages, and diversity—to name a few. Everything was documented through the Green Producers Tool.

“Our sustainability report has now been handed over to Falun, the next host of the Nordic World Ski Championships. We hope they will take further steps toward a more sustainable future for ski sports”, concludes Skinstad.