We’ll keep this as simple as we can. This piece includes information about streaming the FIS Cross-Country World Cup on your computer or watching on cable TV through a U.S. based content provider. This is not a primer on acquiring a VPN and tapping into a European based broadcast network. We know of a single reliable option at this point for viewing the World Cup – that would be the subscription model offered by NBC Sports.
Over the years, NBC has swapped names out for its sports streaming service as if throwing mud at the wall until something sticks. This year, Peacock TV is your gateway to viewing alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, biathlon, ski jumping, freestyle, snowboarding, and Nordic combined. Currently, the snowsports schedule only shows events through the end of December. We are expecting that to change as the season trainspires. (These events, like in the past, shoud be broadcast live and archived for viewing after the event has concluded.)
Cutting to the chase, you’ll need to buy a subscription to “Peacock Premium” for your World Cup viewing pleasure. That’s the name for this year’s streaming package that includes the World Cup. There’s the possibility of subscribing to “Peacock”, but again, a subscription to “Peacock” does not provide access to the goods. It has to be premium.
Last year, viewers subscribing through NBC purchased the “Snow Pass”. That pass was the key to unlocking only snowsport events. This year, the Peacock Premium subscription unlocks the full array of sports and entertainment offered on the Peacock network. Your subscription to Peacock Premium is all-inclusive – it’s not solely for skiing/snowboard content.
Peacock Premium offers a $4.99/month subscription, or a $49.99/year option. Both price points are lower-tiered and include advertisements/commercials while viewing.
For $9.99/month or $99.99/year, you have the option of viewing content ad-free. However, NBC has this disclaimer for the higher price point options: “Due to streaming rights, a small amount of programming will still contain ads (Peacock channels, events, and a few shows and movies).” According to PeacockTV, you can cancel your subscription at anytime.
Snow melts. The World Cup season lasts from November through March. So depending on your budget and your affinity for the Peacock, the monthly option might serve you best.
Of course, this is a pay-to-view service. The costs for viewing ski racing appears to have decreased if you go the month to month route. In 2018, for example, the NBC Sports Gold “Snow Pass” was $69.99. Breaking the season down to five months in duration, that’s roughly $14.00/month.
For those subscribing to a cable service, COX and xfinity do have plans for those interested in accessing Peacock Premium. If your cable provider already includes Peacock Premium in your package, then you should already be good to go.
