Scan Magazine | Special Theme | Norwegian Festival Special 2017
When the competitors pass the legendary hump, the last obstacle before the final straight, every last piece of power is unleashed in front of a wild crowd. Photo: Snorre Veggan
Where skiing is ritual and religion Where did you have your most magical and memorable skiing moments? Ask any Norwegian this question and the answer will most likely be Holmenkollen. In March this year, new memories are guaranteed to be made when the world-famous Oslo arena celebrates its 125th anniversary in style with two crazy weekends of crosscountry, ski jumping, Nordic combined and biathlon – and all the Norwegian traditions that go with it. By Eirik Elvevold
The most dedicated Norwegian skiing fans always show up in Holmenkollen a week before the annual World Cup event to claim the best spots. Couches and tents gradually start forming camps along the traditional skiing course cutting through the Oslo forest. On the Thursday, one day before the first competition, the camps are brimming with life. When the first campfires are made, and the forest smells of grilled hotdogs and strong coffee, everything is set for two successive weekends in what is lovingly referred to as ‘Kollen’. “There are always close to 6,000 people camping out in the wild. We’re talking 60 | Issue 96 | January 2017
up to 100,000 spectators in the arena and forest combined. I often refer to Norway’s most famous ski jump commentator, Arne Scheie, who compares Holmenkollen to Wembley, Wimbledon and Madison Square Garden. Everyone has a relationship with the arena, and some see the World Cup as the biggest party of the year,” says Holmenkollen Skifestival’s communications director, Emilie Nordskar. Together with hundreds of volunteers, Nordskar has already ‘moved in’ to prepare for the influx of ski crazy Norwegians in March – a moment she struggles to describe. “When we arrive at the empty,
well-prepared arena, which is hopefully drenched in sunshine and slightly frozen due to a few degrees below zero, and see the first people arriving – it gives me goosebumps every time,” she admits.
Two weekends of winners and losers Then the show breaks loose. The incoming crowd quickly fills the arena and seeps into the surrounding forest. At the same time, some of the world’s best athletes – the superstars of cross-country skiing and biathlon – prepare physically and mentally behind the scenes. Winning a World Cup in Holmenkollen is not just another victory. The stakes are high, just like the pressure from the cheering masses. “Especially for the cross-country skiers, coming to Oslo is something out of the ordinary. It’s such a popular sport here compared to the rest of the world. Except for the Winter Olympic Games and the Nordic World Ski Championships, there is nothing more honourable than winning