The FIS Nordic Summer Festival, held from September 18 to 21 in Val di Fiemme, was a huge success. It was supposed to be the pre-Olympic test for the Predazzo jumping hills, and it was in every sense. The Summer Grand Prix competitions in Predazzo joined the roller skiing competitions in Ziano di Fiemme. Here are some significant statistics that illustrate the tremendous work done by the Nordic Ski Val di Fiemme committee and the many volunteers involved in the four intense days, which offered plenty of fun for enthusiasts, locals and professionals alike.

The competition was intense: a total of 1752 jumps were made over the four days. Over 4000 spectators watched the competitions live at the Ski Jumping Stadium, but there was also entertainment for everyone in Ziano. There were 1868 people accredited, including technical staff, media and professionals, and 400 volunteers were involved in a wide variety of tasks that contributed to the event’s success. A total of 377 athletes participated in the event: 109 in Nordic Combined, 126 in Roller-skiing and 142 in Ski Jumping, representing 33 countries and reflecting the international scope of the event. Media coverage had a significant impact, including live and pre-recorded broadcasts, highlights and links to various news programmes. Significant live coverage was provided by ORF (Austria), RTV (Slovenia) and Eurosport, while the official social media channels achieved record numbers with 1 million views on Instagram and 800,000 on Facebook.

Another noteworthy achievement, with a record of attendance of 120 journalists, was the Forum Nordicum, organised by Nordic ski Val di Fiemme and APT Val di Fiemme e Cembra, which took place at the same time as the FIS Nordic Summer Festival.

In Predazzo it was the first high-level test of the jumping hills. Out of 1752 jumps, there were three accidents, which did not go unnoticed. The HS109 hill had never hosted world-class athletes, and, being a test event, it is understandable that some adjustments are necessary. However, technicians and experts have pointed out that the regulations on new suits may also have had a negative impact, and the hill was built in accordance with FIS regulations. Everything will be resolved for the next test on December 23, with the Italian Ski Jumping and Nordic Combined Championships with open participation.

The overall assessment is definitely positive. New volunteers were also present, gaining experience ahead of the upcoming events in Val di Fiemme, primarily the Olympic Games. Meanwhile, the operational team is currently working to host the traditional Tour de Ski final on January 3 and 4, which this year celebrates its 20th anniversary in Val di Fiemme with great enthusiasm. It is another highlight for the circuit, which has always ended the event in the Trentino valley, the only location to boast 20 appearances.

The FIS Nordic Summer Festival has concluded with record numbers and the confidence of having opened up new possibilities for the Nordic tradition of Val di Fiemme, which is ready to take on the Olympic challenge.

The setting was even more special thanks to the enthusiasm of the official mascots Tina&Milo and the presence of the Olympic and Paralympic Torches, which symbolically marked Val di Fiemme’s journey towards Milano Cortina 2026. Nordic Combined and Roller-skiing awarded countless crystal globes, along with the coveted titles of the FIS Summer Grand Prix 2025 and summer World Cup.

President Pietro De Godenz was obviously satisfied: ‘This event was a challenge that saw us involved with a large number of competitions, competitors, volunteers and different situations. It is a pleasure to highlight the commitment of our volunteers, who once again proved to be exceptional and professional. Last but certainly not least, Fondazione Milano Cortina, with CEO Andrea Varnier, who was positively impressed by Val di Fiemme.’ The head of Fondazione, Varnier, emphasised that: ‘The atmosphere here in Trentino is excellent. I had the pleasure of watching high-level competitions in a special atmosphere. The big event is fast approaching, but after hearing encouraging feedback from everyone involved, I can say that we are definitely on the right track for the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.

©Newspower.it