A Winter in Ski Boots and Running Shoes

The colder season approaching doesn’t just mean couch time in front of the TV – soon to be filled with holiday programming – it’s finally time for all the winter sports that fill up the calendar. It’s time to pull on the base layers and head out into the snow and harsher landscapes. So, what exciting sports events can we expect for the 2015/2016 winter season?

The Alpine World Cup kicks off in October, and every other week throughout winter we’ll get to enjoy the world’s biggest ski competition. In Sweden, preparations are underway for smaller local winter sports competitions and the coming season. Track and field hasn’t yet taken its outdoor break, and the European Cross Country Championships await in December.

If you don’t always want to stand out along the ski slope, you can satisfy your sports cravings from your favorite spot on the couch. At bet365 you can read more about odds tips on winter sports while your clothes dry in front of the crackling fire.

Alpine World Cup 2015/2016

At last, the Alpine World Cup kicks off starting in Sölden, Austria on October 24-25. After that, the competition venues will, as in previous years, rotate between top-class ski resorts around the world. Finland will host World Cup events in both Levi, November 14-15, and Ruka, November 27-29, and Sweden will share its hosting duties with French Val d’Isère between December 12 and 13. Ski cross, halfpipe, and freestyle can be seen in Canada and the USA, while the more classic disciplines like slalom and downhill take place at European ski resorts. The World Cup runs for over 6 months and concludes on March 20, 2016 in St. Moritz, Switzerland.

The Swedish ski team is really fired up this year as they’re in the midst of training preparations for the 2019 World Championships in Åre. The women’s team has 10 established skiers out of 19 in the squad, and the men, with a squad of 18, are a mixed group of experienced elite and hungry new racers.

Winter Swedish Championships Week and European Cross Country Championships

It’s not just skiing disciplines that dominate during the winter season. France has been named this year’s host for the European Cross Country Championships and Junior European Championships, and will proudly organize the competition on December 13 in Hyères. Originally, the event was planned for Paray-Le Monial, but the location was changed due to better climate at the new venue and more pleasant Mediterranean terrain for both runners and spectators.

At the end of January, the 25th-31st, the first Swedish Championship Week of 2016 will be held in Piteå. It’s the first time such a northern Swedish city becomes the host, and the Piteå municipality is very excited. So far, 16 sports will be contested, including disciplines such as sled dog racing, cross-country skiing, ski orienteering, alpine parallel, and many more.

The winter season is full of fun outdoor sports taking place at various locations around the world, and especially in our own Swedish mountains. Why not book a trip to watch your favorite sports and make sure you try out some different activities yourselves? Who knows, you might find a new outdoor activity to feel passionate about!