Bardonecchia gears up for the 2025 FIS Telemark Junior World Championships

As the 2024/25 Telemark season nears its conclusion, the spotlight turns to Bardonecchia (ITA), where the next generation of Telemark skiers will battle for junior world titles. From 3-5 April 2025, the FIS Telemark Junior World Championships will showcase the discipline’s rising stars in Classic, Sprint, Team Parallel Sprint, and Parallel Sprint events.

For Bardonecchia, hosting the Championships is more than just a competition—it’s a chance to reaffirm its status as a Telemark destination and inspire young skiers to embrace the sport. We spoke with Diego Chiavegato, a key figure in the Organizing Committee, about what this event means for the resort, how it is preparing for the athletes, and its role in shaping the future of Telemark skiing.

Diego, what does hosting the FIS Telemark Junior World Championships mean for Bardonecchia?

Hosting these Championships is a fantastic opportunity for Bardonecchia. Last year, due to weather conditions, we were unable to hold the World Cup Finals, so this year, we’re looking for a rematch. Bardonecchia has always valued Telemark as an important addition to its tourism offerings, and this event will introduce many traditional skiers to the discipline, giving them a chance to discover and appreciate it.

How is the resort preparing to welcome young Telemark athletes?

Young athletes represent the future of Telemark skiing, and Bardonecchia hopes to contribute to its growth by promoting the discipline. With support from FIS and the TELEKIDS project, local clubs are actively encouraging and inspiring young skiers from the region to take up the sport.

What makes Bardonecchia a great venue for this event?

Bardonecchia has long been a hub for Telemark enthusiasts. Over the years, many instructors and recreational skiers from the region have taken part in MULEGIA, a promotional event that has consistently attracted Telemark fans from across Piedmont. With its diverse slopes and excellent infrastructure, Bardonecchia offers ideal and safe conditions for Telemark skiing at all levels.

How do you hope this championship will support the next generation of Telemark skiers?

We want to show that Telemark skiing is not just a niche discipline but a competitive sport on par with, if not superior to, Alpine skiing. By providing a platform for young athletes, we hope to create opportunities that may not be as readily available in other skiing disciplines.

Are there any special aspects of the competition setup?

The races will take place over three days on the 25SELLETTE BIS slope in Melezet, with all events held at our competition stadium. The venue is also accessible on foot via the Melezet-Chesal chairlift. The event will fully comply with FIS regulations.

How will this event help develop Telemark skiing among young athletes?

Seeing a Junior World Championship firsthand will be an invaluable experience for young athletes. We hope it will boost their confidence, reinforce their sense of purpose, and show them that their goals in the sport are well within reach.