The German Ski Association (DSV) has officially announced its intention to bid for the hosting rights of the 2031 World Championships in Ski Jumping, Cross-Country Skiing, and Nordic Combined. This decision marks a strategic shift for the DSV, as they were initially planning to submit a bid for the 2033 championships. The change in timeline stems from the withdrawal of the Austrian locations of Ramsau and Bischofshofen from the 2031 bidding process, creating an opportunity for Germany to potentially secure the prestigious event sooner than anticipated.
Stefan Schwarzbach, a board member of the DSV, confirmed the association’s accelerated bid, stating, "Yes, we are throwing our hat into the ring two years earlier now," in an interview with the Allgäuer Zeitung. This proactive approach underscores the DSV’s eagerness to bring the Nordic World Championships back to German soil and capitalize on the current landscape of potential host cities.
While the DSV has committed to vying for the 2031 championships, the specific locations that will be put forward as potential hosts remain under consideration. The association is currently evaluating two distinct options, both of which offer unique strengths and appeal. The first option is Oberstdorf, a town nestled in the Bavarian Alps, which boasts a rich history of hosting major international ski events. Oberstdorf has previously served as the host city for the Nordic World Championships on three separate occasions, in 1987, 2005, and most recently in 2021. This extensive experience in organizing and executing large-scale sporting events positions Oberstdorf as a strong and reliable candidate. The existing infrastructure, including world-class ski jumping hills, cross-country trails, and logistical facilities, would minimize the need for significant new investments and ensure a smooth and efficient operation.
The second option under consideration by the DSV is a joint bid from Oberwiesenthal and Klingenthal, two towns located in the state of Saxony, in eastern Germany. While neither Oberwiesenthal nor Klingenthal has ever hosted the Nordic World Championships, they both possess a strong tradition in winter sports and have invested significantly in developing their facilities and infrastructure in recent years. Oberwiesenthal is known for its picturesque setting in the Ore Mountains and its focus on cross-country skiing, while Klingenthal is renowned for its modern and impressive ski jumping arena, the Vogtland Arena, which regularly hosts World Cup events. A joint bid from Oberwiesenthal and Klingenthal would represent a fresh and exciting opportunity to bring the World Championships to a new region of Germany and showcase the passion for winter sports that exists in eastern Germany. Hosting the event in these locations would also provide a significant boost to the local economies and promote tourism in the region.
The decision regarding which location, Oberstdorf or the joint bid of Oberwiesenthal and Klingenthal, will ultimately be chosen to represent Germany in the bidding process is expected to be made in the coming months. The DSV will carefully weigh the advantages and disadvantages of each option, taking into account factors such as infrastructure, logistical capabilities, accommodation capacity, and the overall economic impact. The chosen location will then need to prepare a comprehensive bid package that outlines its vision for the 2031 World Championships and demonstrates its ability to deliver a world-class event.
The final decision on the host city for the 2031 Nordic World Championships is anticipated to be made in approximately one year. The German bid will face competition from Planica, Slovenia, which has also expressed interest in hosting the event. Planica, a renowned center for ski jumping and cross-country skiing, recently hosted the World Championships in 2023. While Planica’s recent experience as a host city could be seen as an advantage, it could also be a disadvantage, as the International Ski Federation (FIS) may be inclined to rotate the event to a different location.
The DSV is confident that its bid, regardless of which location is ultimately chosen, will be highly competitive. Germany has a long and proud tradition in winter sports, and the DSV has a proven track record of successfully organizing major international events. The 2031 Nordic World Championships would not only be a celebration of athletic excellence but also an opportunity to showcase Germany’s commitment to winter sports and its ability to host a world-class event. The economic benefits of hosting the World Championships are also significant, as the event would attract thousands of athletes, officials, and spectators from around the world, generating revenue for local businesses and boosting tourism.
The German Ski Association is determined to bring the Nordic World Championships back to Germany in 2031, and they are committed to working diligently to prepare a compelling bid that will impress the FIS and secure the hosting rights. The selection process promises to be competitive, but the DSV is confident that its passion for winter sports, its extensive experience in hosting major events, and its commitment to providing a world-class experience for athletes and spectators alike will ultimately prevail. The anticipation is building as the bidding process unfolds, and the German winter sports community eagerly awaits the decision that will determine the future of the Nordic World Championships. The prospect of hosting the event in either Oberstdorf or the joint bid of Oberwiesenthal and Klingenthal is generating excitement and enthusiasm, and the DSV is determined to make the most of this opportunity to showcase German excellence in winter sports on a global stage.
