Sustainability

Holmenkollen Skifestival was one of the first international sports events to commit to achieving the UN's sustainability goals by 2030.

Holmenkollen Skifestival is considered the world's third oldest sports event, and is a visible ambassador for Norwegian ski tradition and values. The sustainability strategy 2020-2030 focuses on developing engaging and inspiring winter events that assist in environmental and health challenges.

We're working with federations, partners, volunteers, athletes, and other supporters to create unique winter sports experiences that minimize the festival's footprint on nature, promote gender equality, and inspire as many people as possible to make healthy choices for good health.

Holmenkollen Skifestival aims to be a natural meeting place for the City of Oslo, partners, audiences and athletes where we can show leadership in sustainability and use our voice to influence attitudes and actions. In winter 2023, we organized the Kollen conference for the first time – a network arena for sustainability issues.
We measure the footprint of the entire Skifestival, from A to Z. Through Green Producers Tool (NSF) and Position Green (IBU), we get quantified data that can guide us to develop more sustainable events.

We have chosen to focus extra on these sustainability goals towards 2030:

Responsible consumption and production (no. 12)

We will be very good at sorting waste at the arena and make it easy for the public to contribute to waste management.
We choose materials and products with a long-term perspective and the possibility of recycling and reuse.
We have a strong focus on avoiding food waste. All surplus food is given away to someone who needs it. We have collaborated with Fattighuset for several years.
We have a varied food selection, including organic and locally sourced options.
We have strict rules for partners who want to hand out free stuff in the arena during the event. If anything is to be handed out, it should have long-term value for the audience and guests.

Climate action (No. 13)

All necessary information will be available on our website for both the public and the nations participating in our races.
The use of fluorine wax is prohibited according to FIS and IBU regulations. Athletes' skis are tested daily during the World Cup, and fines are issued. Fluorine is harmful to health and the environment.
50% of our transport services are handled by electric cars, which minimizes emissions of toxins.
Among other things, the City of Oslo uses the world's first emission-free, electrified snow groomer in the arena. The other snow groomers are powered by HVO-100 Diesel, which is produced from 100% renewable raw materials. The arena and trail network have energy-saving light bulbs, and have upgraded snow production to a modern environmentally friendly facility and snow storage.

Good health and well-being (No. 3)

Physical activity is at the heart of what we do, our events, and our owners. Together with our owners, we are a community player that promotes good health through physical activity and accessible outdoor time with others. Large-scale research shows that most people should move more, especially children and young people. Increased activity contributes to better physical and mental health.
In the arena, we have kapellskogen, which is a special area designed for children and families, for play, skiing and sledding activities. Activities are free and equipment can be borrowed.
School classes, 5th-7th grade in Oslo, are invited to an activity day in Holmenkollen during the WC Biathlon. Outdoor activities and play together with peers stimulate psychosocial abilities and social skills.
As a visitor to "Kollen", due to parking restrictions, it is necessary for visitors to walk from the subway and bus up to the arena.

Holmenkollen Arena is bathed in sunlight

Gender equality (no. 5)

We are a strong advocate for women and men to have equal rights in sports. We are particularly proud to have been involved as an organizer in the RAW AIR tournament, where the women participated for the first time in 2018 - with the same prize money as the men.
In 2023, women's nordic combined was also on the program under Skifest & RAW AIR.
The Women's 50 km World Cup was held for the first time in Holmenkollen in 2023.
Holmenkollen Skifestival aims to reflect the diversity of society by being an organization for everyone. We have a wide range of diversity in all sections, from volunteers to section leaders and administration.

Partnerships for the goals (no. 17)

Holmenkollen Skifestival as an event organization has large and well-functioning partnerships within the public and private sectors, as well as many voluntary organizations and civil society in general.
Our team of nearly 1,800 volunteers do their best to ensure that guests, athletes, partners and suppliers have the best experience of the events at Holmenkollen Skifestival. We are an important social arena for many, and have a diversity of volunteers who are crucial to our delivery as an organizer. We take our social role and position seriously.
Collaboration with private businesses makes the events possible. Cooperation is regulated by our sustainability strategy through agreements and actions. We measure and report every year to deliver the best possible results towards 2030 – and beyond.
Through solid partnerships, we strengthen our efforts for better health. Environmental and climate projects must succeed through partnerships to keep Marka clean and safe.
We are a central arena for meeting, for a broad network where we can stimulate cooperation between different sectors. The Kollen conference is a new meeting place for professional development and cooperation to achieve the goals. It is organized in collaboration with NSF and NSSF.

World Cup Nordic

Biathlon World Cup