Nordic Combined: Ski Jumping Meets Cross-Country

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Wednesday, January 28th 2026 at 21:48 GMT by NBC 6 South Florida
      Locale: ITALY

What is Nordic Combined?

Nordic Combined isn't simply two sports happening consecutively; it's a single competition judged on overall performance in both disciplines. Athletes first take to the ski jump, where distance and style are scored by judges. These scores are then crucial, as they determine the starting position for the cross-country ski race. Crucially, the ski jumping score isn't just added to the cross-country time; it's converted into a time advantage. The athlete with the highest jump score starts the cross-country race first, followed by competitors at intervals based on their jump scores. This means a strong jump can create a significant lead, while a poor jump requires a monumental effort to overcome in the skiing portion.

The 2026 Olympic Schedule

The 2026 Olympic program will feature four Nordic Combined events, spread over a few days in February. Here's the complete schedule:

• February 14, 2026: Men's Individual Normal Hill/10km
• February 16, 2026: Men's Individual Large Hill/10km
• February 18, 2026: Mixed Team Normal Hill/5km - A brand new event for 2026!
• February 20, 2026: Men's Team Large Hill/10km

The 'Normal' and 'Large' hill designations refer to the size of the ski jump, with larger hills demanding greater distance and technical skill. The 10km and 5km distances denote the length of the cross-country race.

The Introduction of the Mixed Team Event

Perhaps the most significant development for Nordic Combined at the 2026 Olympics is the debut of the Mixed Team event. This is a landmark addition, reflecting the growing push for gender equality in winter sports. Each team will consist of two male and two female athletes. The format mirrors the individual events: a normal hill ski jump followed by a 5km cross-country race. This event promises to be a thrilling and dynamic competition, showcasing a broader range of talent and strategic team dynamics. It will require teams to carefully consider the strengths of each athlete to maximize their overall performance.

Venues to Watch

The events will be split between two stunning venues in the Italian Alps.

• Trambilino Al Salnitro, Predazzo: This is where the ski jumping portion of all events will take place. Predazzo has a long history of hosting international ski jumping competitions, and the Trambilino Al Salnitro is known for its challenging conditions and spectacular scenery.
• Loipiste Passo Rolle: The Passo Rolle cross-country skiing trails will host the cross-country races. This location offers a scenic and challenging course, demanding both technical skill and physical endurance from the athletes.

What to Expect in 2026

The 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics will be a crucial moment for Nordic Combined. The introduction of the Mixed Team event signifies a modernizing sport eager to attract a wider audience. While traditionally dominated by a handful of nations - Norway, Germany, Japan, and Austria consistently lead the medal count - the new format could potentially shake up the established order. Expect intense competition, strategic team selections, and thrilling finishes. The athletes will need to be incredibly versatile, capable of excelling in two very different disciplines, and adapting to the unique challenges posed by the Italian venues. For viewers, it's a chance to witness a truly remarkable display of athletic dedication and skill.