According to the calendar, Italy was set to organize three stages of the cross-country skiing World Cup this season: the last three stages of the Tour de Ski in Val di Fiemme on January 6 to 8, a new World Cup stage in Milan on January 22 and 23, and finally in Dobbiaco from February 3 to 5.

The Italians have long dreamed of bringing a World Cup stage to Milan and planned a grand prestige event for the new World Cup in January. The plan was to have sprints and team sprints in snow-covered downtown streets in Milan, which hosts the 2026 Olympics and Italy’s financial center. 

But now it seems that dream is being ruined. The Italian Ski Federation FISI and the local organizer have started to revise the plans and look for alternatives. 

Unsustainable

The World Cup stage in Milan has not yet been officially canceled but is becoming increasingly likely. 

The reason is the sky-high electricity prices. Producing enough snow to organize ski races in Milan’s center will require enormous energy. 

“It is difficult to imagine how we would manage the expenses for snow production with the current electricity prices. We also must consider the environment and the vast amounts of water we need. In this sense, this event is not sustainable, neither financially nor in terms of the environment,” says the organizer to Fondo Italia. 

By canceling the World Cup in Milan, the organizer also avoids potential conflicts with environmentalists. 

Also read: 

• This Is How Vasaloppet Will Ensure Snow On The Tracks And Keep Artificial Snow Costs Down
• High Electricity Prices Threaten The Ski Season 

Italian Alternative

Although it now appears that the prestigious project in Milan is failing, the Italian Ski Federation does not intend to give up one of its three World Cup stages. 

They are therefore looking for alternative organizers. Val di Fiemme and Dobbiaco are excluded, as these will already host their own World Cup rounds. But FISI hopes to find another destination in the Lombardy region, of which Milan is the capital. At the same time, they realize it will be a massive job for a possible new organizer to get a World Cup in place in just three months. 

World Cup Calendar For The 2022/2023 Season

Norway Scores On Sustainability

Sustainability was an argument when Norway was awarded the new World Cup stage at Beitostølen on December 9 to 11: the event is organized the week after the World Cup stage in Lillehammer. 

The two destinations are located in traditionally snow-guaranteed areas and are also geographically close to each other. It reduces the risk of a lack of snow, and the organizers can collaborate on logistics and other materials. It also cuts down on travel for both the national team and officials.