Düsseldorf to host opening event for Ski World Championships qualification

The FIS ski federation has now made it official: The world’s top cross-country skiers will kick off the qualifying event for the 2009 Nordic World Ski Championships in Düsseldorf on 20 and 21 December 2008. The skiing stars will compete for World Cup points on the Rhine embankment near the Old Town.

2009 Nordic World Ski Championships

The qualifying event for the 2009 Nordic World Ski Championships was confirmed by the FIS ski federation during its calendar conference in Cape Town. No other place in the world has hosted this World Cup opener as many years in a row as Düsseldorf. Renowned venues such as Val di Fiemme (Italy), Beitostölen (Norway) and Kuusamo (Finland) are also on the list of host venues. The Jever Ski Hall Neuss, Marketing and Tourism GmbH and the West German Ski Association are once again co-organising the event. Admission is free, according to the organisers.

Date: 30/09/2026

FIS Cross-Country Skiing World Cup in Düsseldorf

For many years, Düsseldorf’s October opener to the FIS Cross-Country Skiing World Cup has been a tradition. The December date now fulfils a dream for the organisers. After successfully hosting the opening event of the FIS Cross-Country Skiing World Cup for six years, Düsseldorf now gets a December date. The city can now showcase the World Cup season. Seven years ago, no one would have believed it. And Düsseldorf is looking forward to the event with pride.

A December date in Düsseldorf has already been planned for the following 2009/2010 World Cup season as well. From 19 December 2008, visitors can look forward to a varied programme of entertainment and sport. Preparations are already under way.

Long-standing partners are among the sponsors, including ARAG, Auti, E.ON-Ruhrgas, Europcar, PCC-Energie and others. The Swiss ski-holiday paradise of Graubünden and Switzerland Tourism are also involved as tourism partners. You’ll soon be getting that ski-holiday feeling.