October 14, 2013 (Zurich, SUI) – One of the most important tasks of the Sub Committee for the World and Continental Cup was to discuss future calendars through the 2018/19 season.

Long-term Strategy
Development of Cross-Country skiing, exploring new markets, promotion of the sport, marketing and TV issues, wishes of National Ski Associations are the aspects that influence the World Cup Calendars. Thus a long-term strategy is needed.

La Clusaz, France (FRA) © FIS XC

The first World Cup period features two weekends in Scandinavia and two weekends in middle Europe or North America. In the title year, the FIS Tour de Ski includes seven competitions in nine days. Every fourth year, the Tour de Ski is longer and has nine competitions in 11 days. The first weekend after the Tour is reserved for a sprint weekend. One weekend in January is World Cup free to give National Ski Associations the chance to organize national championships.

The third World Cup period is when the title events such as FIS Nordic World Ski Championships or Olympic Winter Games take place. In the non-title year, a special event is held; in 2016 the FIS Cross-Country World Cup is going to Canada for a stage event.

The final fourth period of the World Cup includes traditional World Cup hosts such Lahti, Oslo and Falun.

Timeline
The creation of the World Cup calendar is a lengthy process. Usually the process starts four years before the event. A National Ski Association sends FIS an official application to host an event. All the applications are put together and a 1st draft of the World Cup calendar with organizing nations is created.

If there are new venues, FIS carries out inspections in the ensuing months. In spring, two years before the event, a draft of the World Cup calendar with venues is created. Nomination of venues should comply with strategies of the National Ski Associations. The process continues with FIS inspections and reports.

One year before the event, another draft is completed with competition formats and is sent to the FIS Council for approval. The final confirmation of the FIS Cross-Country World Cup calendar is made by the FIS Council in the Autumn before the respective season.

“The calendar of the 2014/15 season is already planned with competition formats in respective venues,” FIS Cross-Country Race Director Pierre Mignerey explains. As of the winter 2015/16 the calendars include only venues and competition formats will come later.”

The appointment of FIS Nordic World Ski Championships and Olympic Winter Games has an important impact on the World Cup Calendars. “One year before the title event we visit the sites with a World Cup. Also these events must fit in the strategy and conform with the basic needs of the World Cup,” Pierre Mignerey reveals.

The next major decision will be announced in June 2014 at the FIS Congress in Barcelona when the host of the FIS Nordic World Ski Championships 2019 is announced. The candidates are Almaty (KAZ), Oberstdorf (GER), Planica (SLO) and Seefeld (AUT) The Olympic Winter Games 2022 organizer will be announced on 31st July 2015.