Sweden’s Ski Season Opener at Risk of Being Canceled

Sweden’s cross-country skiing season was scheduled to kick off on Friday with the national opener in Jällivare.

However, the competitions are now at risk due to extreme cold. Forecasts predict temperatures could drop as low as –23°C, with Friday expected to see –21 to –23°C throughout the day.

“If the temperature falls below –17°C, we have no choice but to cancel the competitions,” says Mats Eklund, event manager for the season opener, in an interview with Swedish newspaper Expressen.

The final decision on whether the competitions will take place is likely to be made Friday morning. According to the Swedish Ski Association, competitions cannot be held if the temperature drops below –17°C.

“The cold limit is clear for organizers: if it’s colder, the competitions must be canceled,” Eklund adds.

This year’s opener in Jällivare features a very strong field of participants, with all members of the Swedish national team in attendance.

“It’s crisp here, a proper Swedish winter. I hope it will be a little warmer over the weekend than the forecast shows – but right now, the weather doesn’t look very appealing,” says Jonna Sundling in an Expressen interview.

“It would be very disappointing if the first competition of the season had to be canceled. I’m keeping my fingers crossed that the events can go ahead.”

Forecasts indicate temperatures will remain extremely cold for Saturday, with –19 to –22°C expected, and –15 to –20°C on Sunday.

As a result, the competitions are at serious risk of being canceled entirely.

Sources: Expressen