Inheriting a Ski Federation marked by chaos from the World Championships and a crisis of trust, the new Norwegian Ski Federation president believes the solution lies in ‘Norway’s gold reserves,’ receiving a clear message from the cross-country national team.

The 53-year-old from Alta was nominated as the new Norwegian Ski Federation president after Tove Moe Dyrhaug earlier this winter. He has now been formally elected, a decision made at the Ski Assembly on Sunday morning. 

“Today is a big day. And starting tomorrow, there is a big job ahead,” Roger Finjord told NRK.

Coming from a top position in football, he has previously served as the national team coach for Norway’s women’s football team. However, he also holds several positions of trust in skiing and has experience as a race director in cross-country skiing. 

From football executive to hornet’s nest

Finjord is clear that he faces an enormous task, particularly in restoring trust both within the organization and externally regarding the Norwegian Ski Federation’s reputation. 

The fallout from the Ski World Championships in Trondheim looms large over the Federation. 

The first investigation report, produced by the municipality of Trondheim, which is also a co-owner of Ski-VM 2025 AS, was released on Thursday. It heavily criticized the organizing company. Another report is expected later in June. 

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The Ski World Championship fallout: It cannot happen again

In 2029, Norway is set to host the World Championships in alpine skiing. Finjord is focused on ensuring that the Ski Federation learns from what happened in Trondheim. 

He aims to use the experiences from 2025 to ensure that they end up “with a good surplus when the World Championships are over.”

“We cannot present a similar financial result after that World Championship,” Finjord stated.

Must preserve the culture

At the same time, Finjord emphasizes the importance of preserving the values that Norwegian skiing is built upon, particularly the spirit of volunteerism. 

“Norway’s gold reserve is our volunteers. They are the ones who contribute every day to ensure that someone goes home with rosy cheeks and ‘shiny eyes,’ thinking that today they have been seen,” he said. 

“We are the largest provider of public health in Norway. Many people benefit from the trails and facilities we provide every single day throughout the winter. It is significant to be part of uplifting those stories, all the volunteers who contribute to small world records in everyday life, which in turn helps some become world champions on the big stages.”

Cross-country stars offer advice

Few of the athletes on the Norwegian cross-country team know who Roger Finjord is or what his background is. Nevertheless, they have several pieces of advice for the incoming ski president. 

“He will hear our opinions as athletes, and perhaps involve us as well,” said Andreas Fjorden Ree to NRK.

“I believe communication is very important. And I think a lot can be solved if we talk together,” added Kristin Austgulen Fosnæs.

The Ski Assembly has also elected Ida Pinnerød from Bodø as vice president.