Holmenkollen keeps its status as the national arena for Nordic disciplines after political pushback, but the solution has a bitter aftertaste.

Holmenkollen has held the status of a national arena for cross-country skiing, ski jumping, and Nordic combined for over 100 years. However, last autumn, the Norwegian government proposed removing that status for cross-country skiing, ski jumping, and Nordic combined (but not for biathlon).

Turns after uproar

The proposal sparked controversy within the skiing community, both nationally and internationally. Now, the government is reversing course and maintaining the status quo.

“Holmenkollen is a fantastic venue, and it will continue to exist. It will also continue to hold national arena status,” says Minister of Culture and Equality Lubna Jaffrey to NRK.

Drastically reduces support

But even though Holmenkollen retains its status as a national arena, the government is proposing significant changes to the framework for such national arenas. Among other things, they are reducing support from 50 percent to 33 percent.

This is causing strong reactions.

“It is gratifying to hear that Holmenkollen retains national arena status for Nordic disciplines, but this is yet another example of Oslo coming out as the loser when the state distributes funds,” says Anita Leirvik North, city councilor for culture and business (H), to NRK.

She believes the financial framework should be maintained, not least because the venue is widely used and is crucial for sustaining youth and grassroots recruitment.

Defends cuts in support

Jaffrey explains that the reduction in support does not apply to biathlon because the Norwegian Biathlon Association places all major championships precisely at Holmenkollen, while for Nordic disciplines, venues such as Granåsen have hosted the Ski World Championships as recently as last winter.

“We also have to pay for investments in other places, and this is a natural consequence of that. Of course, there should continue to be sports at Holmenkollen, but the discussion was about how much the state should pay,” says Jaffrey.

“When championships are held in several places, we also have to look at the spending.”

P.S.: To Langrenn.com, both Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre and his Minister of Agriculture, Nils Kristen Sandtrøen, have confirmed that they want cross-country skiing and other nationally unifying sports to return to NRK.

Major consequences

Losing national arena status would have had significant consequences for Holmenkollen and its ability to host international championships.

National arenas, among other entities, have the right to apply for state grants covering up to 50 percent of the building’s construction, renovation, and maintenance costs.

If this status were removed, it could have direct consequences if Norway were to apply to host, for example, another Ski World Championships in Holmenkollen in the future.

This coming winter, the traditional 50km is back in Holmenkollen. But the format of the iconic race will be quite different from before.

Also Read: Holmenkollen 50km returns as 2025/2026 World Cup and Tour de Ski take shape

The following venues have national arena status for winter sports in Norway:

• Kvitfjell, alpine speed disciplines
• Hafjell, alpine technical disciplines
• Holmenkollen National Arena, Nordic disciplines
• Holmenkollen National Arena, biathlon
• Vikersundbakken, ski flying
• Vikingskipet, speed skating

Are you interested in traditional cross-country skiing? Click HERE and read more about it.

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