Holmenkollen 2011

The FIS World Ski Championship is being held in Oslo this year! The event includes 21 events over 11 days, and is sure to be action-packed. This will be the fifth time that Norway will host the international competition, and the country's deep-rooted history of cross-country skiing is sure to be capitalized. The event will include cross-country skiing, Nordic combined, and ski jumping.

Organizers expect over 300,000 spectators to flood the town this Feburary. This will be the biggest public event in Norway since the Olympic Games in Lillehammer in 1994! What will that mean for Oslo?

Cross-country skiing (langrenn, in Norwegian) has long been ingrained in Norwegian society. The first recorded ski race for civilians was in Tromsø in 1843, but the Norwegian military had been hosting competitions since the 1670s! The sport of biathlon has roots to these military contests. Norwegians started the sport of ski jumping in the early 1800s, dominated early on, and continue to hold (and break) records and win competitions, even as the sport grows in popularity. Holmenkollen has become a Mecca of sorts in the ski jumping world.

Visitation will have a huge impact on the city. Hotels and restaurants will be especially busy during the week of competition, and the transportation sector will receive an extra load, especially Line 1 to Frognerseteren. Organizers are teaming up with local schools to develop waste reduction and management systems to keep the event as clean and environmentally friendly as possible.
The Outdoor Recreation Act allows citizens to use public land for recreational purposes, and the rules will not change during the week of races. In fact, it is a Norwegian tradition to camp out in the woods during a ski competition, and if you are brave enough, you can pitch your tent in a designated camping area. Bathroom facilities are available and firewood will be for sale.

There will be giant screens at various locations to broadcast the action for those spectators who are not in the arena. Every night, beginning at 19:00, there will be a stage show and the medal ceremony at University Square. Cultural events, including a parade and craft stalls will be going on throughout the week of competition.

NORWEGIANS TO WATCH:

Norway is ranked 1^st in the Nations Cup ranking, and both the women and men are forces on skis. There is a tradition of winning that stems from this country, and many are expecting that ritual to continue this year at Holmenkollen.

Marit Bjørgen is the headliner for the Norwegian women. She is unstoppable, winning every individual-start race that she has entered this winter. A rumor is floating that she will win all of her events at Holmenkollen. but the talent does not end there. Keep your eyes out for Therese Johaug, who took second in the Tour de Ski this winter, is sure to uphold her nickname of "Energizer Bunny." She is a force to be reckoned with on any climbing section and will be a true competitor at Holmenkollen. Astrid Uhrenholt Jacobsen and Kristin Stoermer Steira are other names you are sure to see on the schedule.

photo courtesy of LA Times 

Peter Northug is the notorious "Bad Boy" of cross-country skiing but has the results to back up his strong personality. His gold medals from last years Olympic Games in Vancouver set expectations a bit higher than usual. His younger brother, Tomas, will also be a name to look for. The Norwegian sprinters will put on a good show in Oslo. Oystein Pettersen, John Kristian Dahl and Anders Gloeersen are all top competitors for Norway.


This is a Not-to-Miss event! The competitions kick off on February 23rd at noon and is free and open to the public. The last race is March 6th. the last race is You can find more information at oslo2011.no.