The most sustainable Nordic World Ski Championships ever 🫱🏼🫲🏽
If current climate measures continue, winter in the Northern Hemisphere will shrink by 4.7 days per decade (FIS). Under a high-emissions scenario, winter could be reduced to 31 days by the end of the century (FIS).
Throughout the application process, planning phase, and implementation, the UN Sustainable Development Goals for climate, environmental, economic, and social factors have guided Ski World Championships Trondheim 2025 in its commitment to inspiring and encouraging the reduction of its climate footprint.
Ski sports break down cultural barriers, inspire the next generation, and bring together millions of people of all ages and nationalities. However, hosting such an event also significantly impacts the climate.
We are working to reduce our footprint so that Trondheim 2025 can serve as an inspiring hub for sustainable development.
Our ambition is to be the most sustainable World Ski Championships to date.
The world championship will feature ten competition days with a dedicated sustainability theme. Together, these 10 days of sustainability highlight how we plan to achieve our goals.
Sustainability lies in the people. Together for winters to come!
27th February:
The (sustain)ability lies in equality
For the first time in history, women and men will compete in the Nordic World Ski Championships with equal prize money and race distances.
Trondheim 2025 is committed to enabling equal opportunities and aiming to contribute to a more inclusive and fair future for skiing. Together with Like Muligheter, Thon Hotels, and Coop, Trondheim 2025 has secured equal prize money for all future Nordic World Championships.
It's about building a sustainable sport that reflects our values to future generations.
7 measures: Equality
- Equal Prize Money
We offer equal prize money for women and men. There is equal prize money in all disciplines at a Nordic World Championship for the first time in history. With the value project "Like Muligheter," Thon Hotels, and Coop, Trondheim 2025 has contributed equal prize money for women and men and all future Nordic World Championships.
- Two extra Nordic Combined Disciplines
We have two additional events for the women's Nordic combined, and this is the first championship with two individual World Championship events for women. We have continued the team competition in Nordic combined, which was introduced by Planica, and added an extra event. Women will compete three times for the first time since women's Nordic Combined was included in the Ski World Championships.
- Campaign for Clean Sport
We support the attitude campaign "ÆRLIG TALT" with Therese Johaug, Trond Nystad, and Max Hauke. In the lead-up to the World Championship in Trondheim, Trondheim 2025 will work to prevent doping, build positive attitudes, and encourage concrete actions to protect clean and healthy sports.
- Equal Distances
We have equal distances for women and men in cross-country skiing. For the first time in history, there are equal distances in a Nordic World Championship.
- Moving the World Championship Event in Ski Jumping
We are moving the mixed team competition in ski jumping to the large hill. Women will have two World Championship events on the large hill for the first time. The program's number of World Championship events is the same as before, but the men only have one event on the small hill.
- First Fluor-Free Championship
We will hold the first fluor-free World Championship in Nordic sports. The International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) introduced a fluor ban from the 2023/24 ski season because fluorine products pose a risk to health and the environment. The introduction is an essential step towards a more sustainable skiing sport and HSE for wax technicians.
- FIS Development Training Camp
As the organizers of the World Championship, we are committed to sharing our knowledge through the FIS Development Training Camp in Granåsen. Over 30 athletes and coaches from various parts of the world participated in the camp, which aimed to strengthen recruitment in skiing. Through collaboration, knowledge sharing, and the joy of skiing, these athletes' dream of competing in the Ski World Championship was ignited on the championship trails.
28th February:
The (sustain)ability lies in the next generation
Trondheim 2025 is committed to engaging and inspiring future generations.
We strive to offer activities that cultivate joy in sports, promote sustainable development, and instill values that will shape the future of skiing.
Our financial surplus will be reinvested into the skiing community, acting as a catalyst for recruiting new athletes and the next generation of volunteers.
The power resides in the next generation, propelling the future of skiing forward.
7 measures: Next Generation
- Children's World Championship
We take extra responsibility for organizing a future World Championship. Children have been actively involved in the World Championship process. Among other things, they designed the World Championship logo and named the World Championship mascot Snedi. 6,500 children's drawings inspired the design of the mascot.
- Children's Mini-World Championship
We organize the Children's Mini-World Championship, which focuses on play and the joy of skiing. It is a traveling ski carousel that helps create great skiing experiences in local areas and provides a platform for event management skills. In total, we have organized 140 Children's Mini-World Championships across the country.
- Giving MOT to Young People
Together with our community partner MOT, we will create Dream Day in Granåsen on February 28th. Together, we aim to strengthen the work of developing resilient and inclusive young people. This is an essential collaboration between two organizations that share common values of courage, mastery, and community.
- Experts in Teams
On the way to the World Ski Championship, we have engaged students from NTNU as experts in teams to work interdisciplinarily on relevant issues. The students have contributed solutions on transportation, social sustainability, carbon accounting, and weather technology.
- World Championship Week
We have organized activity days and an activity week for thousands of kindergarten, elementary, and middle school children. We have included the World Ski Championship and sustainability in the curriculum through activities and culture related to the history of the Nordic World Championships.
- Organizing Junior World Championship
We will host the Junior and U23 World Championships in Nordic disciplines in the winter of 2026. This is crucial for encouraging future talents and ensuring the everyday use of the Granåsen venue.
1th March:
The (sustain)ability lies in the local
Our food concepts and menus for the World Championships are built on the principles of the Trøndelag Food Manifest, putting locally sourced ingredients and production at the forefront.
We aim to showcase the Trøndelag food region by collaborating with local food and drink producers representing our region’s unique identity and history.
7 measures: Local
- Local Food Production
We will take advantage of the fact that no other region or place in Norway produces more food than the World Championship region, Trøndelag. Using local food in Granåsen and the Medal Plaza creates local value, short-distance, and sustainable food offerings and encourages preserving and promoting local food culture. All food providers will offer at least one plant-based option on their menus.
- Trøndelag at the World Championship
We will involve the entire region of Trøndelag in the World Championship. On each competition day, one region will be invited to Granåsen and the medal square. The region will present 1,000 local cultural performances, and the region's culture and food culture will be prominently featured.
- Business Network SPOR
We have created and established the business network SPOR to bring together the Trøndelag business community and ensure sustainable procurement. Over 260 companies are members. The goal is to provide a platform that helps businesses unite their efforts and make a difference for the region. SPOR will continue to thrive beyond the World Championships.
- Cultural Date with the Business Community
We will create opportunities for value creation in Trondheim's culture and business sectors. We have organized a cultural date with the business community, where creative and performing artists met with event organizers, real estate companies, and trade and tourism stakeholders.
- World Championship Festival
We invite the public to twelve World Championship days with a spectacular, diverse, and versatile cultural program in Trondheim and Trøndelag. We will facilitate a cultural program that embraces the Ski World Championship's own events and activities organized by other cultural actors and cultural institutions, both professional and volunteer.
- Local Art
Six local artists are creating the World Championship prizes for the athletes. In collaboration with Kjøpmannsgata Ung Kunst, the artists are making prizes for all medalists.
- Heart Waffle from Røros
The official World Championship waffle comes from Røros and Galåvolden Farm. It is made with the farm's eggs and whey, a byproduct from cheese production.
Theme 2th March:
The (sustain)ability lies in social
The 2025 World Ski Championships will be a championship for everyone. As social entrepreneurs, we have a clear role to play.
We are committed to creating an inclusive arena and providing spaces that demonstrate the power of inclusion.
7 measures: Social
- Introduction of Community Partners
We are the first World Championship in Nordic sports to include a community partner level. Our community partners are MOT, Livsglede for Eldre, the Norwegian Cancer Society (Kreftforeningen), and Bufetat. They will use the power of the Ski World Championship to achieve their goals and reach more people.
- Hogst AS and Bymarkveteranene
We have cleared the spectator areas along the trails with Hogst AS and Bymarkveteranene. Hogst AS employs formerly incarcerated individuals and people recovering from substance abuse, offering them an opportunity to enter the job market.
- Contributing to More Foster Homes
We aim to increase awareness and knowledge about foster homes. Together with our community partner, Bufetat, Trondheim 2025 will highlight the need for good and safe conditions for children's upbringing.
- Preventing Cancer
We want to promote the importance of physical activity in preventing serious illness. Together with our community partner, the Norwegian Cancer Society, the Ski World Championship serves as a platform to engage the public and discuss the society's services for cancer patients and their families.
- Inclusive Employment Arena
We have worked excellently with NAV in planning the World Championship. Many people have had the opportunity to use the path to the Ski World Championship as an arena for mastering skills, work training, and networking.
- Sports Create Opportunities
Together with the organization "Idretten Skaper Sjanser," we have given people with substance abuse challenges a chance to participate in the planning and executing the World Championship.
- Work Training for Youth
Together with NAV and Jobbhuset, we have facilitated work training for young people outside the workforce. Every week, dozens of youths have been given responsibilities in the preparatory work at Granåsen, becoming part of a community on the journey toward the World Championships.
Theme 4th March:
The (sustain)ability lies in the circular
Trondheim 2025 prioritizes reuse and sustainability at every level, focusing on circular resource use in close collaboration with Stora Enso, NorEngros, and Retura.
Collaboration is essential to achieving our commitments. Together with environmentally conscious partners, we focus on eco-friendly packaging, ensure reuse, sort waste, and compost. Our approach helps reduce waste, and together, we have the potential to lower our climate impact, paving the way for a more sustainable future.
7 measures: Circular
- Single-Use Packaging
We will serve hundreds of thousands of meals in connection with the Ski World Championship. Therefore, the choice of packaging is crucial. Together with ReturaTRV, NorEngros, and Stora Enso, we have selected packaging based on production processes and research to ensure it can be recycled. Single-use plastic at the arena is not allowed.
- Recycling Disposable Cups
We will recycle all our disposable coffee cups. We have dedicated waste bins for disposable cups in our arenas, ensuring the cups' material can be reused multiple times.
- Food Rescue and MAThilde
We will not throw away edible food. We will donate edible food and place waste in Mathilde's composting machine. Mathilde reduces food waste into soil improvement products within 24 hours.
- World-Class Waste Management Solution
We will manage waste effectively in our arenas and make it easy for the public to dispose of and sort their waste correctly. We are putting waste management on the agenda with the City of Trondheim, using the Ski World Championship as a test arena for waste solutions for significant events.
- Plastsmart World Championship
With Trøndelag County Municipality, we have put plastic use in sports and large events on the agenda. Sports offer significant opportunities to reduce plastic consumption, especially during the short consumption period. Plates, cutlery, and napkins at the World Championship arenas will be made from biodegradable materials. Single-use plastic is not allowed at the arena.
- Responsible Consumption and Production
We have created a purchasing checklist that encourages renting and borrowing equipment instead of buying new. This ensures responsible consumption and helps avoid unnecessary production. We want to demonstrate that we can host a World Championship on reuse and recycling.
- Everyday Facility at Granåsen
We are hosting the World Championship in Nordic sports at a new activity park. Granåsen Sports Park is a large year-round facility for the people of Trondheim, catering to both the young and the elderly, as well as top athletes, recreational sports enthusiasts, and para-sports athletes.
5th March:
The (sustain)ability lies in diversity
Trondheim 2025 aims to promote diversity and create a more inclusive skiing world.
For the first time, para cross-country skiing is included in the official World Championship program. Embracing different abilities and life experiences fosters increased participation and strengthens our sense of community.
Diversity enriches sport, elevating the world of skiing for everyone.
7 measures: Diversity
- Para-Cross-Country Skiing for the First Time
We have included a para-sport event in the World Championship program. For the first time in a Nordic World Championship, para-cross-country skiing is part of the official program. On March 5th, the para-sprint for standing, sitting, and visually impaired athletes, both women and men, will be included in the World Championship program.
- Para-Prize Money for the First Time
We have worked to ensure fair prize money for para-athletes at the Ski World Championship in Trondheim. All gold medalists will receive 60,000 NOK, silver medalists 40,000 NOK, and bronze medalists 25,000 NOK. This also applies to the guides who accompany visually impaired athletes. This milestone takes para-sport a step closer to achieving more equality in sport.
- Accessibility Mark
We are the first sports event in Norway to be awarded the Accessibility Mark. The mark confirms that the event is adapted for individuals with disabilities and that Trondheim 2025 has worked systematically to include everyone in the World Championship.
- Guide for Accessibility at Winter Events
With support from the DAM Foundation, we have created a guide for accessibility at significant winter events.
- Written Interpretation
We offer written interpretation by phone at Granåsen and the Medal Plaza. Trondheim 2025 is committed to ensuring a good World Championship experience at the event arenas.
- Sign Language Interpretation
We offer sign language interpretation at Granåsen and the Medal Plaza for several World Championship events.
- Special Transport Arrangement
We provide transport options for all individuals with special transportation needs who wish to attend the World Championship arenas.
6th March:
The (sustain)ability lies in Green Mobility
Together with our partners, we aim to demonstrate how collaboration can create sustainable, convenient, and efficient travel options that are both enjoyable and environmentally friendly.
7 measures: Green Mobility
- No Public Parking at Granåsen
We aim to reduce CO2 emissions related to cars by removing parking spaces at Granåsen. Each full bus replaces 40 cars, meaning bus travel emits 75% less CO2 per person than diesel cars. This equals 7,500 vehicles in a continuous traffic jam stretching over 30 km.
- Bicycle and Ski Parking
We have made arrangements for bicycle and ski parking. Trondheim 2025 wants the public to arrive at the World Championship arenas on foot, by bike, or by skis. Therefore, we have dedicated ski and bicycle parking within walking distance of the event arena.
- Green Transport
Our partner, Nardo Bil, will provide a fleet of electric vehicles. Nearly 100 electric vehicles will transport accredited guests, goods, and services during the World Championship. Electric vehicles reduce greenhouse gas emissions by half compared to fossil fuel-powered cars.
- Extra Train Departures to the World Championship City
Together with our partner, SJ, we are enhancing the train service to Trondheim during the World Championship. Additional departures from Oslo and Bodø will help reduce climate emissions. Trains from Oslo to Trondheim are 27 times more environmentally friendly than flying.
- World Championships Tram
In partnership with Boreal, we have arranged trams to take people to the World Championship arenas. The trams only emit satisfied customers.
- Electric Buses
We will use electric buses to transport athletes, journalists, and staff on designated routes between the airport, hotels, and the World Championship stadium in Granåsen. The buses will be charged using fast chargers from our partner, ANEO.
- Collapsible Containers
By using collapsible containers, we are reducing our transport needs by 92 truckloads. There is a significant demand for containers for waxing rooms, changing rooms, and offices at Granåsen, so we opt for collapsible containers instead of traditional containers to reduce heavy transportation.
7th March:
The (sustain)ability lies in movement
Trondheim 2025 aims to inspire increased physical activity for better public health and quality of life.
Through our public health initiative, AktiVM, we engage and include the community, encouraging social and physical activity to foster a healthier, more connected population.
7 measures: Movement
- AktiVM
We aim to engage and include as we approach the decade's celebration. AktiVM is the Ski World Championship's public health initiative, which promotes physical and social activity across the entire population through shared activities. So far, we have activated over 170,000 people on the road to the World Championship.
- World Championships Knitting
Together with 8,500 participants, we have established a digital knitting community that shares patterns, experiences, and tips. We have hosted knitting cafes and knitting-themed movie nights in collaboration with COOP. We’ve also collected handmade athlete mittens for all participants in the official World Championship pattern.
- Meaningful Activities for the Elderly
AktiVM and our community partner, Livsglede for Eldre, are working together to create the most engaged elderly population before and during the Ski World Championship in Trondheim.
- Activity Cards for Children and Youth
We developed a deck of cards featuring 25 physical and social group activities tailored for children and young people. Forty kindergartens across the country have received the card deck.
- Early Birds
Since May 2017, we have engaged Norway on the first Friday of every month. We organize a 30-minute joint workout for people of all ages. After the workout, participants can enjoy a warm cup of coffee and mingle.
- Activity Days for Youth
We organized four activity days for middle school students, focusing on team building and physical and social activity.
- World Championships Trails
We have opened 50 VM Trails across the region. These are low-threshold hiking routes offering beautiful nature experiences.
8th March:
The (sustain)ability lies in the footprint
Trondheim 2025 is actively and strategically working to reduce the overall climate footprint of the World Championship event.
For the first time in history, a World Championship in Nordic skiing will deliver a climate account. Trondheim 2025 is contributing to developing a measurement tool that tracks direct and indirect CO2 emissions.
Every trial event leading to 2025 will be measured to ensure learning and experience. We will hand the climate account with concrete actions and insights to the next World Championship organizer in Nordic skiing, Falun 2027.
7 measures: Footprint
- Climate Accounting
We will create a climate account and report on scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions. Trondheim 2025 is a test pilot for the International Ski Federation in developing the climate tool Green Producers Tool. This tool provides sports with a new, research-based, and thorough way of measuring greenhouse gas emissions.
- Handing Over the Climate Account
We are the first Nordic World Ski Championship to hand the following organizers detailed climate accounts. Trondheim 2025 aims to make the 2027 World Championship in Falun even better.
- Green Energy Choices
We use wood pellets instead of diesel generators to heat the public tents in Granåsen. Heating the tents in an environmentally responsible way will save over 500 tons of CO2. We also use batteries as backup power instead of diesel generators.
- Certified as a Green Organization
We are certified as a "Miljøfyrtårn" (Environmental Lighthouse). This certification confirms the event's systematic work on climate and environment and is essential to becoming a sustainable World Championship.
- Snow for the Future
We are participating in the steering committee for the research project "Snow for the Future." The project, which focuses on developing effective and environmentally friendly snow production in urban landscapes, is essential for the future of skiing. "Snow for the Future" was used to create the snow plan for Ski-VM 2025, ensuring snow guarantees for the pre-World and World Championship.
- 10,000 Tree Saplings
Together with our partner, StoraEnso, we will distribute 10,000 tree saplings during the Ski World Championship. Planting trees is a proactive measure for the climate, creating well-being while capturing significant amounts of CO2 throughout their lifetime.
- Backup Power
Large events require backup power and contingency solutions in case of power outages. We use batteries instead of diesel generators as a backup power source, saving 168,000 kg of CO2 equivalents.
9th March:
The (sustain)ability lies in heroes
We want to inspire action and make a difference. Volunteering is essential and makes Ski-VM in Trondheim possible.
It allows us to mobilize towards a common sustainability goal, building knowledge and awareness around sustainable choices in society to protect the future of skiing.
7 measures: Heroes
- The Spirit of Volunteering
We could never have organized Ski-VM without 2,400 amazing volunteers. Volunteering enables us to mobilize towards a common goal, build knowledge, and raise awareness about sustainable choices in society to preserve snow conditions and highlight social sustainability.
- Competence Development for Volunteers
We have developed an e-learning course to contribute to competence development. The course covers training on climate and social issues, making volunteers ambassadors for a sustainable event, ensuring safety and health practices (HMS), and becoming familiar with their roles as hosts.
- Young Leadership Program
We have developed a young leadership program for individuals aged 18-26. We have organized several gatherings leading up to the World Championship, focusing on leadership, sustainability, event management, and technology. Our goal is to develop the next generation of leaders.
- Volunteer Hours
Our volunteers have collectively contributed approximately 398,000 hours of effort, equivalent to 204 full-time work years.
- Nationalities
Our team includes volunteers from over ten different nationalities. Volunteers from several continents contribute to knowledge sharing, and the sport fosters connections across borders.
- Gender Balance
We strive for gender balance among volunteers and within the World Championship organization. The championship company achieves a 50/50 split, while among the 2,400 volunteers, 48% are women and 52% are men.
- Age Groups
Including multiple age groups in the volunteer team is essential for fostering an inclusive community. The youngest volunteer is 18 years old, while the oldest is 86.
Contact person
Ola Rønning
- Head of sustainability
- +47 977 29 343
- ola.ronning@trondheim2025.no