Discover FESA's Evolution: From O.P.A. to a Continental Leader. Learn more on our About FESA page.
The FESA Games are built around the idea of creating a vibrant space where young athletes come together for their first taste of international competition. It’s more than just a series of events—it’s an opportunity for aspiring talents from different disciplines and countries to connect, challenge each other, and share the excitement of competing on an international stage.
With athletes coming from all corners of Europe, the FESA Games offer a unique blend of camaraderie and competition. It’s a chance for participants to experience the thrill of international sports, build friendships across borders, and gain valuable experience that will shape their athletic journeys. The spirit of the FESA Games is about more than winning; it’s about sharing a passion for winter sports and building a sense of unity across nations.
History of FESA Games
The roots of these events go back to the Berauer Cup, held from 1963 to 1985, followed by its successor, the O.P.A. Games. These competitions brought together young talents in Cross-Country Skiing, Nordic Combined, and Ski Jumping for a shared and exciting event.
In 2002, the event was rebranded as the Nordic Ski Games of the O.P.A., with a fresh focus on strengthening the unity among Nordic ski disciplines while offering young athletes an even greater incentive to participate.
However, as time went on, the organizational, logistical, and financial challenges grew, leading to a decision in 2013 to split the event into separate competitions. This change allowed each discipline to shine even brighter while maintaining the spirit of the original games.
The FESA Games rotate annually, with each edition hosted by a different FESA member country. This exciting event typically takes place in early March, bringing together young talents from across the FESA commission member nations.
Ski Alpine
The Ski Alpine competitions feature one age group: U16 (students), offering these young athletes a platform to compete at a high level. Usually, a range of requirements is covered – from technical to speed disciplines.
Youth - Berchtesgaden (GER) - 27.02.- 01.03.2026
- Super-G U16 Girls / Boys
- Giant Slalom U16 Girls / Boys
- Slalom U16 Girls / Boys
Cross-Country
The Cross-Country Skiing competitions feature two age groups: U16 (students) and U18 (youth), offering these young athletes a platform to compete at a high level. The FESA Games Cross-Country U16/U18 are often paired with a Continental Cup (COC), adding even more excitement to the event.
Each year, the competitions alternate between different techniques, featuring individual start races and relays, ensuring a dynamic and engaging experience for all involved.
Santa Caterina / Valfurva (ITA) - 21.03.- 22.03.2026
- Interval Start C U16 Girls / Boys
- Interval Start C U18 Girls / Boys
- Mixed-Relay F U16
- Mixed-Relay F U18
Ski Jumping
The Ski Jumping competitions feature two age groups: Youth 1 (students) and Youth 2 (youth), offering these young athletes a platform to compete at a high level.
The Ski Jumping competitons were held together with the Nordic Combined competitions, but the age groups are split across two competition weekends.
Youth 1 - Tschagguns (AUT) - 25.10-26.10.2025
- Individual Competition Girls / Boys
- Team Competition Girls
- Team Competition Boys
Youth 2 - Premanon (FRA) - 07.03.-08.03.2026
- Individual Competition Girls / Boys
- Team Competition Girls
- Team Competition Boys
Nordic Combined
The Nordic Combined competitions feature two age groups: Youth 1 (students) and Youth 2 (youth), offering these young athletes a platform to compete at a high level.
The Nordic Combined competitons were held together with the Ski Jumping competitions, but the age groups are split across two competition weekends.
Youth 1 - Tschagguns (AUT) - 25.10-26.10.2025
- Individual Gundersen Girls
- Individual Gundersen Boys
- Team Competition Girls
- Team Competition Boys
Youth 2 - Premanon (FRA) - 07.03.-08.03.2026
- Individual Gundersen Girls / Boys
- Team Competition Girls
- Team Competition Boys
