The area is more than just a competition venue; it is part of the sport’s cultural history. For the skiing world, Val di Fiemme is as familiar as the first climb on a ski trail, and now it will offer a stage where both seasoned veterans and new stars can write their names into history.
Val di Fiemme is not just a race venue – it’s an icon. For hundreds of years, locals have skied these trails, but the area rose to international fame with the 1991 World Championships. The trails around the Lago di Tesero ski stadium are renowned for being technically demanding, situated at a reasonably high altitude, and physically challenging. The legendary Marcialonga trail also runs through this stadium. Additionally, the Tour de Ski final stage at Alpe Cermis has for years tested athletes’ endurance to the limits.
According to ProXCskiing.com’s sister site Maastohiihto.com, Val di Fiemme also holds symbolic value: legends such as Bjørn Dæhlie, Gunde Svan, Johannes Høsflot Klæbo, Marit Bjørgen, Petter Northug, Virpi Kuitunen, Aino-Kaisa Saarinen, and many others have competed and won here, part of the great history of ski sports written on these trails.
The Olympic movement – echoes of history in the present day
The roots of the Olympics lie in ancient Greece, but the modern Olympic movement was founded by Frenchman Pierre de Coubertin, who aimed to combine sport, education, and international peace. Since 1896, the Olympics have grown into a global institution.
The first Winter Olympics were held in 1924 in Chamonix, and cross-country skiing was included from the start. Women’s events were added in 1952. Finland has been part of the movement from the beginning, and the country’s success in cross-country skiing has been significant. In total, Finland has won 175 Winter Olympic medals in cross-country skiing: 45 gold, 65 silver, and 65 bronze, ranking it 11th all-time after the 2022 Games.
The role and meaning of the Olympics today
The Olympics are no longer just a sporting event; they are a cultural and societal spectacle. While international championships and World Cup races are a regular part of an athlete’s career, the Olympics are a moment when an entire nation watches its heroes compete.
Cross-country skiing, often a niche sport outside the Nordic countries, takes center stage during the Games. For athletes, Olympic victory remains one of the most prestigious achievements in all sports.
The Olympics are where legends are made. It’s not enough to be good; you have to be the best when it counts. At the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics, Iivo Niskanen did just that. Val di Fiemme 2026 may become the stage for the next great Finnish moment.
Cross-country skiing at the 2026 Winter Olympics
There will be 12 cross-country events at the 2026 Winter Olympics, and for the first time in history, men and women will compete over the same distances. This shift toward gender equality marks a significant departure from the sport’s traditional approach.
The competition program includes:
10 + 10 km skiathlon (men and women, classic + freestyle)
Sprint (men and women, classic)
Team sprint in freestyle (men and women)
4 x 7.5 km relay (men and women)
10 km freestyle (men and women)
50 km mass start classic (men and women)
All races will be held at the Tesero ski stadium in Val di Fiemme, one of Italy’s most renowned ski venues, which has previously hosted World Championships and World Cup events.
Complete program for the cross-country skiing events can be found HERE
Potential Finnish medal contenders
Lauri Vuorinen – Rising to the top
Vuorinen won two medals at the 2025 World Championships in Trondheim: silver in the team sprint and bronze in the individual sprint. Years of dedication have sharpened his technique, fitness, and competitive mindset. He’s now a top medal contender in the sprint events at Val di Fiemme.
Iivo and Kerttu Niskanen – Last Olympic Games for the siblings?
Iivo Niskanen is already an Olympic champion and a master of classic-style skiing. Despite the change from 15km to 10km (not ideal for him), he could compete in his fourth and possibly final Olympics. His sister Kerttu Niskanen is also among the world’s best in distance events and remains a medal threat – perhaps even a candidate for her long-awaited Olympic gold.
Krista Pärmäkoski – Aiming for one last big moment
With 12 championship medals, Krista Pärmäkoski has been Finland’s most consistent cross-country skier of the past decade. She has announced that the 2026 Winter Olympics in Val di Fiemme could be her final appearance. Her experience, tactical strength, and finishing speed still make her a serious medal contender.
Ristomatti Hakola – The soul of Finnish relay teams
Hakola played a crucial role in Finland’s team sprint silver medal at the 2025 World Championships. His experience, leadership, and tactical awareness are invaluable, especially in relays and team sprints.
Jasmi Joensuu – Finland’s new sprint star
Joensuu made history in 2024–2025 by winning the World Cup sprint title, becoming the second Finnish woman ever to do so (after Virpi Kuitunen). With consistency and confidence, she is a clear medal contender in the Olympic sprint, but everything has to align on race day.
Other Finnish names to watch in Val di Fiemme 2026
Perttu Hyvärinen – World Cup winner and relay anchor, strong in 10km classic, but the Olympic event is in freestyle.
Johanna Matintalo – Classic specialist, possible medal contender if in top form.
Katri Lylynperä – Sprint finalist but needs to raise her level to medal.
Jasmin Kähärä – U23 World Champion, reached her first World Cup sprint final in January 2025.
Remi Lindholm – 7th in the 50km at Worlds; physical skier suited to challenging courses, though classic is not his strength.
Arsi Ruuskanen – Climbing into World Cup top 10; an all-rounder with potential.
Ville Ahonen – Strong performance in the Trondheim 10km; a possible surprise pick.
Joni Mäki – Olympic and World Championship sprint medalist; always dangerous if peaking.
Niko Anttola – Part of Finland’s 2023 relay silver team; rising talent with surprise potential.
Emerging talents such as Niilo Moilanen, Emil Liekari, Vilma Ryytty, Amanda Saari, and Hilla Niemelä are also showing strong development. Vilma Nissinen finished 15th in the 50km at the World Championships and may continue to rise. Miro Karppanen, current Finnish champion in the 50km, placed 16th in the Lahti World Cup finale. He’s pushing hard for a spot in the Olympic team, especially in the 50km race.
Also Read: Inspired by Mission Impossible, Miro Karppanen sets sights on Olympics
Are you interested in traditional cross-country skiing? Click HERE and read more about it.
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