Clear vision for popular skiing: Worldloppet Annual General Meeting in Austria
From June 12th to 15th, delegates from 18 nations across four continents gathered in Lienz, Austria, for the Annual General Meeting of the Worldloppet Ski Federation. The meeting was hosted by the Dolomitenlauf, one of Worldloppet’s founding races. It marked the fourth time Lienz has served as host—a tribute to the city’s historic role in the federation’s development.
The AGM was a pivotal moment for the future of global cross-country skiing, with important decisions taken to shape the upcoming seasons and reaffirm the federation’s mission of promoting popular skiing around the world.
Merino Muster Becomes Full Member of Worldloppet
A major highlight was the elevation of Merino Muster from associate to full member status. This change grants the event voting right. It also includes it in the requirement for skiers aspiring to achieve the prestigious Global Skier title. The move reinforces Worldloppet’s commitment to its southern hemisphere events. Also it acknowledges Merino Muster’s growing significance in the international ski calendar.
Challenges for Ushuaialoppet
On a less positive note, the federation announced that the Argentinian Ushuaialoppet, will not be held in 2025 due to financial challenges. While the organizing team is working hard to bring the event back in 2026, its return remains uncertain. Worldloppet expressed support for the local organizers and hopes to see Argentina represented again in the near future.
Looking Ahead: Race Calendar & Constitution Update
The official race calendars for 2026 and 2027 were unanimously approved, securing long-term planning for athletes and organizers. Additionally, delegates agreed on a revised Worldloppet Constitution, which reaffirms the federation’s core vision: To serve as the global voice for popular cross-country skiing, committed to growth, cooperation, and sporting excellence. This includes a continued commitment to the “one race per nation” policy, preserving the integrity and balance of the current 19-member core. However, efforts will now be focused on expanding into new nations, further widening the reach of Worldloppet’s mission. Worldloppet continues to play a unique and vital role in uniting amateur and professional cross-country skiers around the world through sport, friendship, and a shared passion for snow.
Franz Theurl -OC Chief Dolomitenlauf: “It is a special honor for me and the Dolomitenlauf to host this AGM for the fourth time. As a founding member, we are proud to support Worldloppet’s role as the largest movement in popular cross-country skiing—building bridges between countries, cultures, and people, which is more important now than ever.”
Ben Popp – Worldloppet President: “For us, it is all about celebrating and continuing our great history while keeping our eyes on the future. Updating and reconfirming our constitution gives us the flexibility to evolve while holding on to the values that define us.”
