Athletes to watch at the FIS cross-country ski World Cup in Davos
From 13- 15 December, the world’s top cross-country skiers will descend on Davos, Switzerland, for a thrilling weekend of competition. Here are the athletes you won’t want to miss.
Cross-Country Skiing
The FIS Cross-Country Ski World Cup hits its third stop of the season in Davos, Switzerland, from December 13-15, with the world’s best racing in the 50th edition of the event.
With a packed schedule featuring a sprint relay, individual sprints, and a 20-kilometre skiathlon, there’s plenty of action to keep fans on the edge of their seats.
Olympics.com takes a look at the athletes who are set to shine against the stunning Alpine backdrop as they battle for precious FIS ranking points in the lead-up to the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026.
Team Norway out in force
Johannes Høsflot Klæbo
If there’s a king of cross-country skiing, it’s Norway's Johannes Høsflot Klæbo. With seven Olympic medals and nine world championship titles to his name, Klæbo’s ability to dominate the sprint races is unmatched. Leading a stacked Norwegian squad in Davos, this youngest Olympic champion in his sport is looking to add yet another victory to his remarkable career.
But, even kings have off days, and Klæbo struggled to find his rhythm last weekend (8 December) in Lillehammer. Now, with his eye on a comeback, he’s ready to make Davos his stage and keep building toward his third Olympic Winter Games.
Harald Østberg Amundsen
Then there’s Harald Østberg Amundsen, the reigning Crystal Globe champ, who has been stealing headlines so far in this early season. His thrilling victory in Lillehammer’s men’s skiathlon, a photo finish against some of Norway’s biggest names, was a masterclass in racing strategy.
These World Cups are also races within themselves for the Norwegian team, who are all vying for one of Norway's four coveted spots at the World Championships on home snow this March.
A win in Davos could put him one step closer to punching his ticket to Trondheim, where he hopes to turn his silver and bronze medals into gold.
Jessie Diggins: harbouring hopes for the red, white, and blue
Leading the World Cup ranking is Team USA's Jessie Diggins. At 33, Diggins stands as the most decorated American in cross-country skiing history, with three Olympic medals, six World Championships podiums, 23 World Cup victories, and two overall World Cup season titles.
Her recent bronze in Lillehammer marked her 73rd career World Cup podium, her second this season, along with a gold in Ruka, and solidified her position as the woman to beat in the coveted yellow bib.
As she goes for a third overall World Cup crown this season, Diggins is primed to excel on the high-altitude course in Davos, with its high-elevation course suiting her energetic style.
Rising stars to watch at the Davos World Cup
With Sweden’s Frida Karlsson and Ebba Andersson sidelined by injuries and illness, new faces are stepping up. Ebba Stenman and Olof Jonsson are leading the charge for Sweden, eager to fill their ski boots.
Stenman’s strong performances at the national level have turned heads, and Jonsson’s steady improvements in both sprint and distance races make him a dark horse contender this weekend.
France’s Julie Pierrel is another name to keep an eye on. After securing two podium finishes at the FESA Cup in Schlinig, Italy, she’s earned her second-ever World Cup appearance. The 22-year-old from Haute-Savoie will take on the skate sprint and the 20-kilometre individual classic, her third and fourth starts at this level.
“Last year, it was really about discovering, and now I know what to expect,” Pierrel said. “We’re going to do everything we can to make it work. It’s going to be a lovely weekend, especially in Davos, which is a beautiful place."
Davos Cross-Country World Cup schedule
Friday, December 13: Team Sprint Freestyle
- 16:00 CET: Team Sprint Qualify F, Women
- 16:00 CET: Team Sprint Qualify F, Men
- 18:00 CET: Team Sprint F, Women
- 18:00 CET: Team Sprint F, Men
Saturday, December 14: Sprint Freestyle
- 14:45 CET: Sprint Qualify F, Women
- 14:45 CET: Sprint Qualify F, Men
- 17:15 CET: Sprint Final F, Women
- 17:15 CET: Sprint Final F, Men
Sunday, December 15: 20km Interval Start Classic
- 11:30 CET: 20km Interval Start C, Men
- 14:00 CET: 20km Interval Start C, Women
The full World Cup schedule is available here.