Getting ready for the Olympic winter: FIL briefs journalists at Forum Nordicum

Val di Fiemme FIL/23 Sep 2025) The 120 journalists attending Forum Nordicum in Val di Fiemme were eagerly awaiting the presentation by the International Luge Federation (FIL). The main question, of course, was how far construction work on the ice track in Cortina d'Ampezzo had progressed.

Instead of many words, FIL Sports Director Matthias Böhmer showed a video. It showed the track from the perspective of a luger during a training run through the 1,404-meter-long ice track with its 16 curves, where the five luge competitions will take place between February 7 and 12, 2026. After this first impression, Böhmer explained the individual sections of the rebuilt track, which largely correspond to the old “Pista Olimpica Eurgenio Monti” built in the 1920s.

“The track cannot be compared to the tracks in Pyeongchang or Beijing,” said Böhmer, describing the structure and adding: “It has everything you need for high-class competitions.” Max Langenhan (Germany) agrees. “Visually, the ice track is not as impressive as the track for the 2022 Olympic Games in Beijing,” said the overall World Cup winner at the pre-homologation at the end of March, "it blends in very well with the natural surroundings. When I look at the tracks around the world, I believe that this will be one of the most beautiful tracks in terms of scenery. I don't think any other track can compete with it in the end.“

Lisa Schulte, the 2024 world champion from Austria, finds it difficult to compare the track with other ice channels: ”The upper section of the track is rather flat, but it does involve some technical difficulties. From curve nine onwards, there is more of a gradient and therefore more speed. The large, long curves in the lower section of the track are very cool; you can really let the sled run here. All in all, it's a very cool track."

In his presentation, Sports Director Böhmer highlighted the special features of the new track. Ten of the 16 curves are covered with soil, which reduces the energy required to cool the ice. In addition, five weather stations along the track collect current data and use it to determine the cooling requirements. The Italians have also broken new ground with the lighting system. It can be dimmed and is designed so that only the track is illuminated.

After the pre-homologation, to which only a small number of athletes were invited, all lugers will have the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the new Olympic track during ten days of international training at the end of October. Among them is Wolfgang Kindl. The two-time world champion has the chance to become the first luger to win three medals at the same Games: in the singles, in the doubles together with his partner Thomas Steu, and in the relay. However, the only prerequisite is qualification. “That will be quite difficult,” said the 38-year-old at the forum.

Before the 106 lugers who have qualified for the 2026 Olympic Games (February 6 to 22) compete for medals, the EBERSPÄCHER Luge World Cup is coming up. There are nine events on the calendar, and for the first time, two races will take place after the Olympic Games in St. Moritz and Altenberg. The first five races are important for Olympic qualification, while the next two will determine the starting order. After that, it's all about World Cup points.

The start is planned for December 5 to 7 in Innsbruck-Igls. Andreas Schmidt, head of marketing at the Austrian Luge Federation (ÖRV), had the opportunity to explain the special features of this year at the Forum Nordicum. The mixed competitions are already scheduled for Friday, followed by the women's and men's doubles on Saturday, with the men's singles and team relay concluding on Sunday.

Oberhof has been added to the FIL World Cup calendar at short notice after the European Championships (January 16 to 18, 2026) with a second weekend because the artificial ice track at Königssee cannot be completed in time. Erik Weick, office manager of the TSBV (Thuringian Luge and Bobsleigh Association), took the opportunity at the forum to highlight the special features of the second World Cup weekend (January 22 to 24), because parallel to the luge athletes, the World Cups for cross-country skiers and Nordic combined athletes will also be stopping off at the winter sports center in Thuringia.