FIS Cross-Country Committee autumn meetings 2024

The FIS Technical Autumn Meetings were held last week in Zürich (SUI), culminating with the Cross-Country Committee meeting on September 27. The Committee convened to review and make decisions on proposals submitted by National Ski Associations (NSAs), Sub-Committees and working groups. Below is a summary of the key topics discussed during the Cross-Country Committee meeting.

All proposals are still subject to the approval of the FIS Council.

Calendar 2024/25

This season promises plenty of highlights, including the highly anticipated World Championships in Trondheim and the 19th edition of the Tour de Ski. A significant change in the calendar for January was also confirmed: Nove Mesto has been removed, and following discussions at the Zürich meeting, Cogne will now host the World Cup weekend in its place.All changes of the FIS Cross-Country World Cup calendar 2024/25 are subject to approval by the FIS Council.

Find the calendar 2024/25 here with the following format specifications on each World Cup. 

Cogne back in the World Cup calender 

During the Cross Country Sub-Committee meeting, it was confirmed that Cogne (ITA) will replace Nove Mesto, which had to withdraw from hosting the World Cup at the end of August.

The event in Cogne will take place from January 31st to February 2nd, with the competition formats remaining unchanged.

For more details on why Nove Mesto had to withdraw from the World Cup, you can read further here.

Tour de Ski 

Several new changes have been implemented in the Tour de Ski, starting from this season. One of the key updates is the introduction of a special climber's bib. The leader of this category will not only wear the bib but also earn a front-row starting position. Top 3 athletes of the final Tour de Ski Climber standing will also recieve prize money.

Changes have also been made to the Sprint standings. While the overall concept remains the same, the leader in the Sprint standings will, like the climber's bib leader, have the advantage of starting in the front row. Prize money for the final Tour de Ski Sprint standing have been extended from top 3 to top 6 competitors.

The final change concerns the time limits in the Tour, which will now be as follows:

Interval Start (5 km or more)

·       More than 20% behind the leader for both women and men.

Prologue, Short Interval Start (less than 5 km)

·       More than 23% behind the leader for both women and men.

Final Climb (Mass Start)

·       More than 30% behind the leader for both women and men.

In exceptional circumstances, the jury may adjust these percentages.

Format changes 

Engadin - 20 km Mass Start Free, and will be held as a A to B race in the Engadin Ski Marathon courses. 

Oslo - Will see two Interval Start competitions, one 20 km Classic on Saturday. And one 10km Free on Sunday. 

Lahti - The Sprint will now take place on Friday, followed by the Team Sprint on Saturday.

Common waxing in Tallinn, (EST)

FIS Cross-Country World Cup in Tallinn, EST will once again see the common waxing concept. In order to decrease costs for national teams, number of technicians and equipment will be restricted.

ICR 2023/24

Unexpected race interruptions were discussed and the Jury has possibilities to react if a racehas been interrupted by protesters attempting to block the event. While there are many possible scenarios, each situation will be assessed on a case-by-case basis, as they cannot all be predetermined.

There was also some small ICR changes and corrections. 

Sub-Committee for Rollerskiing

Martins Niklass, FIS Rollerski Coordinator reported from this seasons World Cup. 
For the upcoming season, the calendar schedules four World Cup stops, starting 10th July 2025 in Otepää (EST).

Click here for the updated FIS Rollerski World Cup schedule 2025. (uploaded as soon as confirmed)

JWSC & U23 WSC dates

For the junior levels, this season's title event, the Junior World Ski Championships (JWSC) and U23 Championships, will be held in Schilpario, Italy, from February 3rd to February 9th, 2025. 

Following this, Trondheim, the host of this season's World Championships, will welcome the Junior World Championships in 2026. This event will be held from the 2th of March to 8th of March. 

It has also been decided that Schuchinsk in Kazakstan will host the JWSC & U23 in 2027.