Holmenkollen:

We arrived at Holmenkollen just as things were kicking off with people arriving and the setting up of tents – we were setting up camp with the Norwegian frilutsliv group. With a buzz in the atmosphere we knew this would be a special weekend.

Once we had set up we made our way to explore around the area in order to get a sense of the setting and how popular an event it was. Although we were there a day early, prior to the start of any events, the area was already full of people camping.

Walking round felt like a festival; people had brought absolutely everything with down to generators and tables – this was some serious camping. Everyone chose to camp next to the ski circuit so that they could watch the race the next day from the comfort of their camp. People were also celebrating the event by drinking alcohol which was great to see as we, in England, aren’t as passionate about the sport unlike our response to football and rugby.

Early the next day we went to the Holmenkollen ski museum, built beneath the ski jump. It was interesting to learn about the history of ski jumping and how it has developed over the years – becoming steeper and more challenging in nature. Later that day the male cross-country course was starting, this was tremendous because we got to see Peter Northug who is the top skier in Norway. For me this was excellent because before going to Holmenkollen we did some research into the events but in witnessing them it moved it to a different level and made it memorable.

On the night we were able to catch the end of the women’s ski jumping which was awesome to see some very gutsy women partaking in this incredible sport from all over the world, apart from the UK of course. As an observation, in comparison to the next day’s event, the male ski jumping, there were not that many supporters, whereas the male event was packed and you had to pay for entry. Unfortunately we didn’t pay up but did however get a great view of the jumps just outside of the stadium.

Later that day the women’s cross-country skiing race begun, this was the final event of the weekend and everyone was in good spirits with families and friends coming together to celebrate.

The experience overall left me with a very positive impression as to the Norwegians’ passion for skiing and how is it very much part of their cultural values.  The level of support for the sport was impressive as was the festival atmosphere generated.