The FIS Development Cross-Country Summer Camp 2023 was a success

2 National Ski Associations (NSAs) representing Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Georgia, Greece, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, North Macedonia, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, and Thailand came together for a significant sports event. This gathering featured a total of 25 athletes and 11 coaches, marking a noteworthy collaboration in winter sports.

One of the standout aspects of this event was the inclusion of young athletes from Georgia and Thailand for the very first time. The organizers expressed their hope that this initiative would serve as a crucial first step in bolstering the cross-country skiing (CC) movement in these two nations.

Despite the primary focus being on enhancing skiing techniques, the FIS Coaches curated a diverse program over the course of nine days. Each morning session was dedicated to refining skiing technique, while the afternoon was reserved for rigorous athletic training. Additionally, a day was set aside for mountain walking, allowing participants to admire the stunning Dolomites scenery.

As part of their training regimen, the teams engaged in indoor climbing, offering a unique way to understand and condition their bodies while navigating spatial challenges.

The favorable weather conditions in Val di Fiemme provided the ideal backdrop for the FIS Camp activities. This location will also host the cross-country skiing competition during the 2026 Olympics, undoubtedly motivating young athletes to aspire to Olympic greatness through their training experiences here.

Throughout the camp, coaches and athletes had the valuable opportunity to exchange insights and experiences related to technical and conditioning training, contributing to their growth in the sport.

An essential moment during the event was a meeting with Michal Lamplot and Simon Caprini, the Race Director and Assistant Race Director of the Cross-Country World Cup. They engaged in discussions with the participants about strategies to support and advance cross-country skiing development. This marked the first-ever interaction between high-level FIS Cross-Country representatives and FIS Development Teams, and the discussions unfolded in a warm and collaborative atmosphere, with everyone providing valuable input. This meeting was viewed as a promising initial step towards mutual growth.

In closing, special appreciation was extended to the dedicated staff coaches, including Magda Genuin, Lara Peyrot, Alessio Giancola, and Matteo Betta, who orchestrated the activities and fostered a familial atmosphere at the FIS Camp. Their efforts ensured that the camp was not only informative but also enjoyable, engaging, and motivating for both athletes and coaches alike.