The 2031 Nordic Ski World Championships are headed to Germany.
On July 7, 2026, the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) Council held its first full-fledged meeting since Alexander Ospelt was elected FIS President in June. There, the council voted Oberstdorf, Germany, as the host of the 2031 Nordic World Ski Championships. The German candidacy received 16 votes, beating out the next highest contender: Planica, Slovenia.
The vote was originally supposed to take place on the day before the election, but was postponed until the July 7 meeting.
“The Council was happy to be able to discuss frankly and openly today before making such an important decision,” said Ospelt in the release. “I wish to congratulate Oberstdorf for what was a remarkable candidature from one of the landmark locations for Nordic skiing in the world.”
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A Premier Nordic Skiing Destination
Oberstdorf, located in the Bavarian Alps, is widely considered one of the premier Nordic ski destinations in Europe. Boasting over 120 kilometers of connected classic and skating tracks, Oberstdorf breathes winter sports with dedicated sports clubs, passionate volunteers, and enthusiasm.
Oberstdorf is also home to world-class Nordic skiing facilities. With stadiums that can accommodate over 45,000 spectators, the region is well-equipped to host a Nordic World Ski Championship. Its ski jumping arena, Nordic Center, and Medal Plaza are all within walking distance of each other, allowing athletes, officials, and spectators to easily move from one venue to another.
“I wish to congratulate Oberstdorf for what was a remarkable candidature from one of the landmark locations for Nordic skiing in the world,” Ospelt said.
A Focus on Sustainability
The 2031 Championships are being approached with sustainability in mind. They require no new venues, and the existing ones were each modernized in 2021 and have operated sustainably since then. Only minor renovations are needed to ensure the facilities meet the latest technical standards.
The Championships will use regionally sourced energy, as well as smart mobility and energy concepts, making Oberstdorf 2031 one of the greenest World Championships in history.
World Championship History
Oberstdorf is no stranger to hosting Nordic World Ski Championships. The region has previously hosted three times: 1987, 2005, and 2021. The 2021 Championships—hosted under pandemic conditions—proved that Oberstdorf can reliably, professionally, and responsibly host a large-scale event even under the most challenging circumstances.
The southern German town has also hosted other top ski events, such as the Four Hills Tournament, Two-Nights-Tour, FIS Ski Flying World Championships, the Tour de Ski, and Nordic Combined World Cups, further showcasing the experience and commitment of the organizing team and volunteers in Oberstdorf.
Beyond the Event
For Oberstdorf, hosting the World Championships means strengthening youth, sports clubs, volunteer networks, and the entire region. The event serves as an opportunity for fans to experience not only sports at their highest level, but also the rich culture of Oberstdorf.
Before Oberstdorf hosts the Nordic World Ski Championships in 2031, the Championships will be held in Falun, Sweden, in 2027 and Lahti, Finland, in 2029.
