Held every four years, the Winter World Masters Games brings together adult athletes of different ages from around the world. In Finland, participants will compete in 14 winter sports in January 2028. In addition to the compulsory sports, the programme includes winter swimming, winter trail running and winter disc golf.
Lahti will be the main competition hub and will host 11 sports. Events will take place at Lahti Sports Centre, Wemasto Arena, RTK Arena, Kisapuisto and Pajulahti.
Ice hockey matches will be played in Vierumäki and Heinola. Heinola will also host winter disc golf, while the alpine skiing events will take place in Levi.
The Games are open to athletes of different ages and levels
In January 2028, Lahti will welcome athletes from around the world. On the first day of pre-registration alone, athletes from 41 countries registered for the Games. The event has attracted strong interest in Europe, Canada, the United States and Australia.
The Games are for athletes aged 30 and over. Participants have different sporting backgrounds and goals. Recreational athletes and former competitive athletes will take part in the same international event.
– The Masters Games could be described as the Winter Olympics for adult athletes. They are open to people of many ages and ability levels. The programme combines winter sports with a strong tradition in Lahti and Finland with new sports that have been added to the Games. The level of interest is clear: for example, all places in figure skating were booked within a few hours, says Inkeri Määttä, Head of Events and Cultural Affairs.
Participants stay in the host region for several days
Based on previous Masters Games, participants stay in the host region for an average of five days. Thousands of participants and the people travelling with them will increase demand for accommodation and restaurant services in Lahti.
The Winter World Masters Games continues Lahti’s tradition of hosting major winter sports events. Salppuri Oy is responsible for organising the event.
More information:
Winter World Masters Games 2028