Planica made its first big step for the FIS Nordic World Ski Championships in 2023 when the Slovenian resort welcomed FIS Secretary General Sarah Lewis and FIS Event Director Stefan Huber for an initial preliminary inspection visit.

It was a whirlwind 24 hour tour to Ljubljana and Plancia to review the many facets, including organisational structures, integrating legacy from the outset as well as infrastructure that will be necessary to carry out unforgettable FIS World Championships in five years’ time.

Planica boasts a state-of-the art Nordic Centre that has already hosted many FIS World Cup competitions and is sure to treat the athletes, teams, media and spectators to a first-class experience. The Plancia 2023 team was led by Enzo Smrekar, President of the Slovenian Ski Association, Franci Petek, Managing Director of the Slovenian Ski Association together with Primoz Finzgar who handled the successful bid to host the World Championships and the three candidacies beforehand.

"The purpose of the pre-inspection is to engage in an informal setting to meet the key persons we will be working closely with in the upcoming months and years and to address initial questions" said Lewis. "From our visit, observations and discussions when the official FIS Coordination Group visits begin next spring, the members will be very impressed with both the steps and engagement of the Ski Association of Slovenia’s Organising Committee and what Planica will offer the Nordic world of skiing in 2023."

In the coming months, the Planica 2023 team will attend the FIS Technical Committee meetings including the World Championship Organiser Seminar, in addition to gaining first-hand insight at the upcoming World Championships next February in Seefeld (AUT). Naturally, they will also be busy with a full line-up of FIS World Cup competitions throughout the winter season.