06.02.2026
Masters World Cup 2028 to be held in Lahti as part of the Winter World Masters Games 2028
Lahti will host the Masters World Cup in cross-country skiing (MWC 2028) in January 2028. The competition will be organised as part of the Winter World Masters Games 2028 (WWMG), which will bring thousands of masters athletes from around the world to Finland. Cross-country skiing is expected to be the largest sport at the WWMG event, with approximately 1,000 participants.
The Masters World Cup in cross-country skiing is currently being held in Sappada, Italy, and in 2027 it will take place in Tromsø, Norway. Hosting the Masters World Cup in Lahti is a natural part of the Winter World Masters Games 2028, which will be held in Lahti, Levi, and Heinola from January 14 to 23, 2028.
The President of the international governing body, the World Masters Cross-Country Ski Association (WMA), John Downing (USA), is pleased with the cooperation that will see masters championship competitions held for the first time in history at the same venue where the FIS Nordic World Ski Championships will be contested the following year. Previously, Vuokatti has hosted masters competitions in Finland.
“The WMA leadership is extremely excited about this historic partnership with Salppuri Oy and Lahti Ski Club, which combines the 2028 Masters World Cup with the cross-country skiing competitions of the Winter World Masters Games 2028. WMA has great confidence that by combining existing experience, resources, and expertise, this collaboration will deliver a truly exceptional, world-class masters cross-country skiing event.”
The Masters World Cup 2028 will be raced on the trails of the Lahti Sports Centre. The same world-class competition conditions will also serve as the stage for the Lahti 2029 Nordic World Ski Championships the following year. The courses will be adapted to suit master’s-level competition, and a WMA inspection visit is planned for spring 2026. The event will be organised by Salppuri Oy in cooperation with Lahti Ski Club, whose competition organisation has extensive experience in delivering international top-level events.
“Hosting the masters cross-country skiing championships in 2028 is an important milestone for our organisation as we prepare for the Lahti 2029 World Championships. Our goal is to create an unforgettable international event for masters skiers. At the same time, the other sports contested alongside it will add their own flavour and help build the atmosphere of a major multi-sport event,” says Tomi-Pekka Kolu, CEO of Salppuri Oy.
The cross-country skiing competition programme will include individual races over short, middle, and long distances, using both classical and freestyle techniques. Relay events will also be contested. Age classes start from 30 years and upwards. A more detailed competition schedule will be published at a later date.
Lahti is renowned for its reliable snow conditions. The city is committed to ensuring optimal competition conditions through artificial snow production, snow storage, and its long-standing experience in hosting major championship events. The Lahti Sports Centre provides an ideal hub for a large-scale skiing event. A shared “Masters Hub” for all sports will be located at the Lahti Sports and Fair Centre, close to the main competition venues. The Masters Hub will serve as the central location for accreditation, the competition office, ceremonies, and the social programme.
Lahti is praised internationally – Strong masters skiing community also in Finland
In 2028, Lahti will join the group of Finnish winter sports cities that have previously hosted the Masters World Cup. Earlier events have been organised in Kuusamo, Kuopio, Rovaniemi, and Vuokatti.
“Lahti is internationally known as the cradle of Finnish skiing, and its event organisation expertise is highly respected. International colleagues have been asking when the Masters World Cup will be held in Lahti. The city is held in very high regard within this community,” says Jouko Kärki, Team Leader of the Finnish team.
Kärki also confirms that Finland has an active and committed masters skiing community that participates extensively in annual Masters World Cup events. In Sappada, Italy, 72 Finnish skiers are competing. The last time the Masters World Cup was held in Finland, in Vuokatti, the Finnish team consisted of 200 athletes.
“Masters cross-country skiing is thriving at the Masters World Cup level. In many years, we have topped the medal table – including this year in Sappada. I believe the Lahti event will give greater visibility to masters sports and serve as a powerful example of the importance of lifelong physical activity, without forgetting the joy of exercise and a healthy lifestyle. Versatile physical activity teaches humility, requires passion, and perhaps also offers life a touch of beautiful frivolity.”
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Source: WWMG2028 press release, 6 February 2026
The Winter World Masters Games (WWMG) is the world’s largest winter multi-sport event for athletes aged over 30. The Games are open to everyone, from recreational sports enthusiasts and first-time participants to active competitors and former elite athletes. At the heart of participation are self-challenge, experiences, wellbeing and community.
WWMG2028 will be held uniquely across three of Finland’s premier winter destinations: Lahti, Levi and Heinola. WWMG2028 will bring together 4,000 athletes across 12 winter sports, offering a high-quality, experiential and memorable event – one that will bring Masters athletes back to Finland.
Further information
Chairman, World Masters Cross-Country Ski Association (WMA), John Downing, email: jd@xcskiworld.com
Chief Executive Officer, Salppuri Oy, Tomi-Pekka Kolu, tel. +358 400 818 611, email: tomi-pekka.kolu@lahtiskigames.com
Head of the Finnish Masters Team, Jouko Kärki, tel. +358 50 436 7206, email: joukoaulis.karki@gmail.com
Picture: Noora Luukkanen