Definition
The 2022–23 Tour de Ski was the sixteenth edition of the Tour de Ski, an annual multi‑stage cross‑country skiing competition that forms part of the FIS Cross‑Country World Cup circuit.
Overview
The event took place from early December 2022 through early January 2023, spanning several venues in Central Europe. The Tour traditionally begins in the Alpine region (often Val Müstair, Switzerland) and concludes with a final uphill stage at the ski resort of Val di Fiemme, Italy. Competitors accumulate times across individual stages, which include sprint races, distance races in classic and freestyle techniques, and a concluding ski‑mountain climb. The overall classification is determined by the lowest aggregate time, after applying any time bonuses awarded for stage victories and intermediate sprints.
The 2022–23 edition continued the format established in previous years, featuring a “Final Climb” – a steep, 9‑km ascent that has become the hallmark finish of the Tour. The race attracted many of the world’s top cross‑country skiers, who also earned World Cup points toward the overall season standings.
Accurate information about the overall winners of the 2022–23 Tour de Ski is not confirmed.
Etymology / Origin
The name “Tour de Ski” mirrors the naming convention of the “Tour de France” cycling race, emphasizing a multi‑stage, tour‑type format. “Tour” denotes a circuit or series of stages, while “Ski” identifies the sport. The competition was inaugurated in the 2006–07 season by the International Ski Federation (FIS) to create a flagship, stage‑race event for cross‑country skiing.
Characteristics
| Characteristic | Details |
|---|---|
| Governing body | International Ski Federation (FIS) |
| Integration | Part of the FIS Cross‑Country World Cup; results contribute to overall World Cup rankings |
| Stages | Typically 6–9 stages, mixing sprint, distance, and mass‑start formats; includes both classic and freestyle techniques |
| Final stage | The “Final Climb” in Val di Fiemme, a steep uphill race that often determines the overall winner |
| Scoring | Cumulative time determines overall classification; time bonuses are awarded for stage placements and intermediate sprints |
| Participation | Open to athletes who have qualified for the World Cup; national teams enter multiple skiers |
| Duration | Approximately 3 weeks, spanning the early winter calendar |
Related Topics
- FIS Cross‑Country World Cup – The season‑long competition of which the Tour de Ski is a component.
- Tour de Ski – General article covering the history, format, and significance of the event across all editions.
- Cross‑Country Skiing – The discipline of skiing over varied terrain using classic or freestyle techniques.
- Val di Fiemme – The Italian ski resort that regularly hosts the final stage of the Tour de Ski.
- Ski Sprint – A short‑distance race format featured in several Tour de Ski stages.
- Ski‑Mountain Climb – The steep uphill segment characteristic of the Tour’s concluding stage.