FIS proposes annual World Championships amid athlete criticism

The International Ski Federation (FIS) has announced a plan to hold World Championships annually for Nordic skiing, alpine skiing, and freestyle disciplines, except during Olympic years. This marks a shift from the previous biennial schedule.

Skiing professionals have expressed criticism regarding the decision. Athletes including Anna Swenn Larsson, Ebba Andersson, and Johannes Høsflot Klæbo have voiced concerns that increasing the frequency of the championships may diminish their prestige. Felix Monsén suggested that frequent championships risk making the event feel like a standard World Cup race rather than a special achievement, comparing the potential loss of exclusivity to the impact on the IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship.

Alpine skier Sara Hector noted the logistical challenges of the new format, stating that finding host nations capable of organizing annual championships may become difficult, potentially limiting hosting rights to only the wealthiest nations.