The world of winter sports comes to Norway in early 2025, as Trondheim hosts the FIS Nordic World Ski Championships, also known in Norway as ‘Ski-VM’. Here’s what you need to know about the event.
As a resident of Trondheim, it’s impossible not to feel the growing excitement as the city prepares to host the FIS Nordic World Ski Championships Trondheim 2025 this winter. The major event will be held between 26 February and 9 March.
Although I’m neither a skier nor an avid fan of the sport, the energy in the air is contagious. From the buzzing conversations in local cafés to the banners appearing across the city, Trondheim is gearing up for a truly Nordic celebration.
This year’s event is particularly significant because it marks the first time the FIS Nordic World Ski Championships are being held in Norway in over a decade.
For a nation synonymous with skiing, this return is an opportunity to showcase not only our world-class athletes but also the culture and charm of Trondheim itself. Whether you’re planning to attend in person or just curious, here’s what to expect.
The championships will begin with a spectacular opening ceremony at Torvet, Trondheim’s market square, on 26 February at 8pm.
According to the organisers, “the ceremony will take you on a journey through the innovative and creative spirit of Trøndelag, showcasing a rich variety of Norwegian and Trøndelag culture.”
Visitors should note that only standing areas will be available during the ceremony, but the event promises to be worth it, with dazzling performances that highlight the region’s rich heritage and innovation.
“People won’t know what hit them when they see the opening ceremony—it will be a preview of what’s to come for the rest of the World Championships. Everything happening at the plaza guarantees goosebumps,” says Endre Forbord, Trondheim 2025’s cultural director..
Trondheim’s central market square will remain a focal point of celebration throughout the championships. Every evening, the square will host free concerts and award ceremonies.
Here, visitors can enjoy a mix of performances by young local talents and well-known Norwegian artists, creating a lively atmosphere in the heart of the city.
At the heart of this winter extravaganza is Granåsen, the main venue for the FIS Nordic World Ski Championships Trondheim 2025. Dubbed “the decade’s biggest celebration in Norway,”Granåsen is set to become a hub for sports enthusiasts, culture lovers, and families alike.
Here, visitors can witness historic athletic moments, enjoy delicious meals, and revel in a vibrant atmosphere created by music, dance, and daily entertainment. Granåsen has been divided into different zones to cater to a wide range of interests:
TØRST Area: Open to visitors aged 18 and over, this zone offers drinks and entertainment in a lively yet relaxed atmosphere, perfect for catching up with friends or meeting new people.
FanZone: A bustling hub between the competitions, where you can visit the official World Championships store, connect with event partners, try local cuisine, and let the kids enjoy the play area.
SpareBank 1 SMN Camp: Located at Litjåsen, this family-focused area is dedicated to children’s ski activities and offers entertainment, big screens, and a front-row view of the cross-country skiing competitions.
Litjåsen is also home to the championship mascot, Snedi, who will host daily shows and meet-and-greet opportunities. Families can enjoy grilling or purchase food on-site.
Championship Stages: With four stages across Granåsen, visitors can enjoy performances by nearly 100 local artists, adding a uniquely festive atmosphere to the championship grounds.
Arena Production: Multiple large screens throughout Granåsen will broadcast WSC-TV, showing live races, interviews with ski stars, and moments from the audience. Hosted by TV personality Carina Olset Hovda, the arena production will keep visitors engaged throughout the day.
One big issue with major events is always the transportation. Public transport in Trondheim is heavily reliant on buses, and so special services are being laid on during the event.
The main addition to the schedule is a regular shuttle bus service from Munkegata in central Trondheim to Granåsen. To allow for connections, the return trip calls at Tonstadkrysset and Lerkendal on its way to its final stop at Nidaros Cathedral.
When I say regular, I do mean regular! With many thousands of people expected at Granåsen every day during the competition, the shuttle buses are planned to depart every few minutes at the busiest times.
There will also be an increase on key routes in and around Trondheim, including some of the regional bus services. Check the AtB website for full details.
The FIS Nordic World Ski Championships Trondheim 2025 will feature a packed schedule of cross-country skiing, ski jumping, and Nordic combined events, bringing together the world’s best winter sports athletes.
Held at Granåsen Ski Arena, spectators can look forward to thrilling races, stunning jumps, and the camaraderie of thousands of fans braving the cold to cheer on their teams.
The event will kick off with qualifying rounds for the 7.5km cross-country skiing events on Wednesday 26 February, concluding on Sunday 9 March with the women’s 50km mass start.
The full program is available here, together with ticketing information. Of course, if you can’t attend in person, you needn’t worry. The full competition will be broadcast live on NRK, with TV2 taking over for the final three days.
The FIS Nordic World Ski Championships Trondheim 2025 has stirred some debate over its VIP ticket offerings.
When Trondheim initially applied to host the event, organisers emphasised that the championship would avoid using the term “VIP” to promote an inclusive, friendly atmosphere.
However, as the event approaches, four exclusive ticket categories have been introduced, now marketed as “lounges” rather than VIP packages.
The offerings range in price from NOK 1,990 for the Trønder Lounge to NOK 4,850 for the Premium Lounge, with features like fast-track access, gourmet meals, and entertainment.
Critics have pointed out the contrast between these exclusive packages and the event’s original goal of accessibility, especially given that standard daily tickets cost just NOK 430.
The 2025 Ski World Championship offers an exciting cultural program that aims to bring together people from Trondheim, Trøndelag, Norway – and the rest of the world.
The goal is to create spectacular and inclusive cultural events that showcase the cultural diversity of the region.
Children and youth are at the heart of the cultural program. Through a collaboration with the City of Trondheim and The Cultural Schoolbag, young audiences can enjoy a wide array of activities and events tailored just for them.
At Granåsen, a dedicated family area at Litjåsen will offer entertainment and activities designed for children and families, making it an ideal spot for younger fans to engage with the championships.
In addition, Trondheim’s cultural institutions and event sponsors will host special programs for young audiences, ensuring that the 2025 Ski World Championship is truly a celebration for all ages.
Running alongside the official competition, the WSC ski festival will feature a wide range of activities across the region. This festival is distinct from the official cultural program, which will take place on stages at Granåsen and Trondheim’s town square.
Originally from the UK, David now lives in Trondheim and was the original founder of Life in Norway back in 2011. He now works as a professional writer on all things Scandinavia.
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