Big change at the FIS table, including Planica.

The International Ski Federation (FIS) is considering a major overhaul of its calendar for Nordic skiing events, potentially allowing World Championships to be held annually except during Olympic years. This proposed change could have significant implications for venues such as Planica in Slovenia, which had previously lost out on hosting the 2031 event to Germany's Oberstdorf. The new format, if implemented, would begin in 2032, offering Planica another opportunity to host a major competition earlier than initially anticipated. Currently, the World Championships in Nordic skiing take place every two years, specifically in odd-numbered years. However, discussions within FIS suggest a shift toward annual competitions outside of Olympic years. According to Sandro Pertile, director of the World Cup in ski jumping, this idea is still in the preliminary stages of evaluation. If adopted, the revised schedule would fill the gap left by the absence of both the Winter Olympics and the World Championships in certain years, particularly the four-year cycle that includes the Olympics. The situation surrounding Planica adds complexity to these developments. In 2021, Planica and Oberstdorf were both vying to host the 2031 World Championships. Initially, FIS did not make a final decision during its June congress in Belgrade. However, the decision was later made at the July meeting of the FIS Council, awarding the 2031 event to Oberstdorf. Despite this setback, Planica has been encouraged to consider bids for the 2033 event or even 2032 under the potential new rules. This proposal marks a return to historical practices, as World Championships used to occur annually before the Second World War, excluding Olympic years. After the war, the frequency changed to once every four years, starting with the 1950 event in Lake Placid. The current system, established in 1985, sees championships held every two years in odd-numbered years. This structure has remained unchanged for over 43 years. The potential changes to the championship schedule could also affect other disciplines within Nordic skiing, including ski jumping. Currently, these events are held every two years in even-numbered years, even during Olympic seasons. It remains unclear whether the proposed changes will extend to these events or remain specific to the World Championships. The FIS has explored alternative ways to utilize the "empty season" between the four-year Olympic cycle. Previously, there was a plan for the FIS Games, an international event intended to take place every four years, beginning in 2028. However, this initiative appears to have stalled, possibly due to leadership changes within the federation. If the proposed changes are approved, the selection process for future World Championships could see a shift. For instance, the upcoming championships scheduled for 2027, 2029, and 2031 are already allocated to Falun, Lahti, and Oberstdorf respectively. Under the new system, additional events might be added in 2032 and 2033, providing more opportunities for venues like Planica to host international competitions. The FIS Congress in Vilnius in 2028 will likely play a crucial role in determining the future of the championship schedule. This meeting could provide clarity on whether the proposed changes will be implemented and how they will impact the organization of future events. Until then, the exact nature of these changes remains uncertain, leaving room for further discussion and evaluation among stakeholders within the sport.