This Saturday and Sunday, biathletes are kicking off the Norwegian season for the 12th time at Natrudstilen in Sjusjøen. But is this the elite’s final dance at this venue? A tug-of-war over future races in Norway is underway, and while many believe Geilo will take over, Natrudstilen isn’t ready to give up without a fight. 

Behind the events at Natrudstilen, Ringsaker Almenning has always played a central role, with Mattias Neraasen as the driving force. However, Neraasen is no longer involved. The cooperative is not operating as it once did, and the new board lacks the same interest in investing heavily in biathlon and a season opener that, according to Langrenn.com, ran a deficit of between 1 and 2 million NOK (around 85.000 to 170.000 Euros) last year. 

The new leadership at Ringsaker Almenning has already relinquished the IBU Cup, which typically follows the season opener, as well as the European Championships in January 2026. Meanwhile, Geilo has been on the offensive, taking over the IBU Cup after last season’s televised Norwegian Championships. 

Read More – IBU Cup: Biathlon calendar for the 2024/2025 winter season 

Still, this weekend’s season premiere will proceed at Sjusjøen and Natrudstilen, as existing agreements are being honored by Ringsaker Almenning. Another financial strain for the forestry company is the operating costs of over one million NOK annually for the large multipurpose hall built at the venue. 

Geilo has entered the competition to host the season opener in the future, but local newspaper Ringsaker Blad reports strong efforts are underway to secure Natrudstilen’s continuation, albeit with new players in key roles. 

Perhaps what began in 2013 will continue, even though the agreement between the Norwegian Biathlon Association and Ringsaker Almenning expires after this weekend’s event. The focus now shifts to agreements for the next four-year period. 

When Natrudstilen fights to retain the event, it does so without Ringsaker Almenning in the driver’s seat; they are now landowners. 

“We cannot continue with an organizational structure where Ringsaker Almenning is the sole contributor and bears all the costs. That era is over,” says Gustav Uhnger to Ringsaker Blad. 

Even the new chairman of the cooperative, Carsten Bakke, is unwilling to proceed under current conditions: 

“We will not sign a new agreement with the biathlon association, but we want to contribute. The facilities are there, after all. However, it’s important to find a new way to organize the biathlon season opener, where multiple parties collaborate and share the costs,” says Bakke. 

Efforts to form such a partnership are being led by Visit Sjusjøen and Ringsaker Municipality, with involvement from the regional county, according to the newspaper. While the organizational structure is under discussion, all parties agree the ripple effects of the event are significant and worth preserving. 

“Because of the early snow here at Natrudstilen, the athletes arrive early. This year, the venue was ready by November 1st. The entire local economy in Sjusjøen benefits, and cabin owners rent out their properties. We simply cannot give this up without a fight, and we are fighting for four more years,” says Tone Alterskjær from Visit Sjusjøen. 

Discussions have been ongoing for some time, and the biathlon association’s decision might come before Christmas. Geilo, Natrudstilen’s main rival, is preparing to host the IBU Cup from December 4–8, an event that was initially planned for Natrudstilen. 

Also at stake may be the 2026 European Championships, which Ringsaker Almenning withdrew from hosting as they pulled back from biathlon commitments. 

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