Livigno FIS Development Para Nordic Camp Wraps Up Successful Week with Historic Mixed Team Skiathlon

The FIS Para Nordic Camp in Livigno, Italy, wrapped up a productive week of training and team building for athletes, guides, and coaches. Participants from ten nations (Argentina, Armenia, Croatia, Czech Republic, Spain, France, Germany, Italy, Slovenia, and the United States) took part in the camp, totaling 26 motivated individuals.

The FDP Camp was organized and overseen by FIS Development Coordinator Alberto Rigoni.

On-Snow Training

Athletes engaged in five intensive ski training sessions, accumulating around 15 hours of practice. Activities included technical parkour drills, group exercises focusing on classic and skating techniques, and a unique session of Alpine skiing using cross-country skis.

During a Biathlon-focused session led by Ulrich Zipfel, participants explored the sport and experimented with specially adapted rifles for visually impaired athletes.

Practical Session for Guides

A dedicated practical session was provided to guides, led by German experts Ulrich Zipfel and Markus Sommerhalter. This session utilized special glasses to simulate the visual experience of visually impaired athletes, fostering a deeper understanding of their needs and challenges.

Historic Mixed Team Skiathlon

The FDP Camp concluded with a groundbreaking mixed-team skiathlon competition, marking the first of its kind. This event brought together athletes of different genders and nationalities, promoting collaboration and friendly competition.

While the history of Skiathlon itself began in 2001 in Ramsau (1st COC) Cross-Country, led by Georg Zipfel, the FIS Para Nordic World Cup Race Director innovated further in 2024 by introducing the first mixed-team skiathlon format at the FDP Camp. All athletes, guides, and coaches showed enthusiasm for the new competition format and thoroughly enjoyed participating in this historic milestone.

Could this become an intriguing competition format for the future?

Off-Snow Education

In addition to physical training, the camp provided four theoretical sessions covering crucial topics for Para Nordic athletes. These sessions included discussions on the current landscape of Para Nordic competition, in-depth analysis of classic and skating techniques, and video reviews of participant performances.

Building Camaraderie and Skills

The FIS Para Nordic Camp in Livigno wasn't solely focused on skill development. A social evening at a local bowling alley encouraged camaraderie among athletes, guides, and coaches. The friendly competition demonstrated that teamwork and fun transcend athletic categories and visual limitations.

FIS Support

A visit from FIS staff further enriched the camp experience. FIS Para Nordic World Cup Race Director Georg Zipfel led valuable practical and theoretical sessions and remained present throughout the camp. Jelena Dojcinovic, FIS Membership Manager, and Alexandra Blum, FIS Development Coordinator, also visited the camp.

The FIS Development Para Nordic Camp in Livigno nurtured a "No Limits" spirit, where teamwork thrives.