New era: Nordic Combined flies into the future

The Nordic Combined world is gearing up for a series of historic premieres that promise to elevate the sport to new heights.

Both men's and women's events are set to push the boundaries of Nordic Combined, with the debut of Ski Flying for men and large hill competitions for women. These advancements reflect the growing ambition and innovation within the sport, signaling a major step forward for both genders.

Men’s Ski Flying World Cup: A New Era Begins

In a landmark decision, the Nordic Combined committee has confirmed the introduction of Ski Flying to the men’s World Cup. The first-ever Nordic Combined Ski Flying World Cup will take place in Kulm/Bad Mitterndorf, Austria, in February, 2026. This event follows the formal incorporation of Ski Flying into the International Competition Rules (Article 547, page 88) last season, marking a new chapter in the evolution of Nordic Combined.

Race Director Lasse Ottesen expressed his excitement about this milestone, saying, “Now with the first Nordic Combined Ski Flying event for the men, we are taking the next big step. I am very excited for this event.”

This breakthrough has been years in the making. Ottesen explained, “We have planned this step for the men for several years. We were close last season, but are now proud to announce Ski Flying in Kulm, Austria, in February 2026.”

Women’s Large Hill World Cup Premiere

On the women’s side, another historic moment is fast approaching. The 2024/25 season will see the first-ever large hill World Cup competition for women, which will be held in Oslo, Norway, at the iconic Holmenkollen on March 15th, 2025. This comes on the heels of successful events held during the Summer Grand Prix in Oberstdorf, Germany and Chaux-Neuve, France.

“The development on the women’s side has been astonishing in recent years,” Ottesen commented. “This year’s test events in Oberstdorf and Chaux-Neuve showed just how well the athletes have adapted to the large hill format. We’re very much looking forward to the Holmenkollen events this winter.”

Previously, women’s Nordic Combined was limited to normal hill events, but this expansion to large hill competitions marks a significant progression for female athletes in the sport.

A Unified Vision for the Future

The upcoming premieres for both men’s Ski Flying and women’s large hill competitions reflect a unified push towards innovation in Nordic Combined. These developments are not without challenges, but the support from national federations in Norway and Austria has been key in making these historic events possible.

“We have worked on both events for years and are extremely happy with the support from the national federations,” Ottesen said. “We are looking forward to sharing these events with the world now.”

As Nordic Combined continues to evolve, these pioneering events will not only showcase the growing talent and competitiveness of the athletes but also the sport's ability to adapt and break new ground. The countdown has begun for what promises to be a thrilling new chapter in the history of Nordic Combined.