The Men’s Individual Large Hill / 10 km event in Nordic Combined at the 2026 Winter Olympics is unique because it blends two very different disciplines into a single medal contest. Athletes must first compete in ski jumping from the large hill and then race in a 10-kilometer cross-country skiing event. Success requires both explosive power and technical precision in the air, followed by endurance, pacing, and tactical awareness on the snow.
What makes this event stand out from other Nordic Combined formats is the balance between jumping and distance. The large hill produces longer, more dramatic jumps, where small differences in technique, timing, and aerodynamics can create meaningful point gaps. Those results then directly shape the start order for the cross-country race. Because the skiing distance is 10 km, there is enough time for strong skiers to recover from a weaker jump, but not enough to erase a large deficit easily. This creates a dynamic contest where both phases remain critical.
Compared to normal hill events, the large hill rewards athletes who can generate more speed on the in-run and maintain stable flight at greater distances. The cross-country portion, meanwhile, tends to produce tactical racing, with athletes chasing time gaps rather than starting side by side.
Event Format at the 2026 Winter Olympics
The competition begins with the ski jumping round on the large hill. Each athlete completes one scored jump, earning points based on distance and style. These points are converted into time differences for the second phase using the Gundersen method. The athlete with the highest jump score starts first in the cross-country race, and others follow at staggered intervals based on how far behind they are in points.
The second phase is a 10 km cross-country skiing race. Because of the staggered start, the event becomes a pursuit. Athletes can see the competitors ahead of them and must decide when to push the pace or conserve energy. Drafting, positioning on climbs, and smart pacing all play major roles.
Medal Decision and Competitive Dynamics
The first athlete to cross the finish line in the 10 km race wins the gold medal. Silver and bronze go to the next finishers, regardless of their original jumping rank. This direct link between jumping performance and race position makes strategy essential. A strong jumper must defend their lead under pressure, while strong skiers chase from behind, often forming groups to close gaps.
This format makes the Men’s Individual Large Hill / 10 km one of the most complete tests in Nordic Combined. Athletes must be fearless in the air and resilient on the course, knowing that one weak phase can undo the other. At the 2026 Winter Olympics, the event is expected to deliver close finishes and dramatic comebacks as competitors fight for every second on the road to the podium.