The German Ski Federation (DSV) announced on Monday that the Bavarian town of Oberstdorf will be Germany’s official candidate to host the 2031 Nordic skiing world championships.
Another potential bid from the Saxony towns of Oberwiesenthal and Klingenthal was considered. However, Oberstdorf was chosen as the preferred location.
Heiko Krause, president of the Saxony Ski Association, said in a statement issued by the DSV: “After carefully evaluating Germany’s chances and reviewing the infrastructure needed to host the World Championships, we agreed on Oberstdorf as the site for the bid. Still, we remain committed to bringing the Nordic skiing world championships to Saxony in the near future.”
The event, which features ski jumping, Nordic combined, and cross-country skiing, is seen as a strong opportunity for Germany to win the hosting rights.
Austria’s Ramsau and Bischofshofen have withdrawn from the 2031 bid, while Slovenia’s Planica is pursuing the event despite having hosted the championships in 2023. The International Ski Federation (FIS) is expected to announce its decision next year.
Oberstdorf has a rich history with the championships, having hosted them in 1987, 2005, and 2021.