November 25, 2010 (Kuusamo, Finland) – The FIS Nordic Opening, a joint World Cup weekend for all FIS Nordic disciplines will take place for the ninth time in Kuusamo (FIN) on 26th-28th November. True season opener for Ski Jumping and Nordic Combined, this long weekend will be the only time that the three Nordic disciplines will compete at the same venue in the same period of time before the FIS Nordic World Ski Championships 2011 in Oslo (NOR).

For the Cross-Country Skiers, the Nordic Opening will feature the introduction of a new three-day multi-stage event called the Ruka Triple. The schedule for this event includes a classic sprint on Friday, an interval start competition over 5 km (ladies) and 10 km (men) in classical technique on Saturday, and a handicap start over 10km (ladies) and 15 km (men) in free technique.

“The Ruka Triple is based on the same principles as the Tour de Ski and the Cross-Country World Cup Final. The three-day event will be the season’s first highlight. If you would like to race on Sunday, you have to do Stages 1 and 2. Given the high media interest and a strong host broadcaster we are sure to deliver a great event at the beginning of the season,” said FIS Race Director Cross-Country Jürg Capol.

The Nordic Combined season will begin with the first two competitions on Friday and Saturday whilst the Ski Jumpers will open their season on Saturday and Sunday. Altogether ten FIS Nordic World Cup events will be carried out during the long weekend in north-eastern Finland, near the Russian border.

To entertain spectators attending the first edition of Ruka Triple, the Organizer will offer a Nordic Village with a new spirit. In the Village, fans will find a sport shop with equipment used by the Cross-Country stars, a waxing clinic, equipment presentations and athlete autograph hours. Joulupukki (Santa Claus) will take Christmas wishes from the kids in his cottage and a SnowKidz track will animate youngsters to ski. The program will be rounded out by live music and food & beverage catering like the famous makkara (special sausage) as well as souvenir shops. For more information, visit www.nordicopening.com