World Championships 2029

The Road to the 2029 Alpine World Ski Championship

Ahead of the World Championships, Narvik will host two major test events: the Women’s Alpine Ski World Cup speed events in March 2027 and the Alpine Ski World Cup Finals for both women and men in 2028. Together, these events will help build expertise, test the new competition venue and prepare the entire town for what lies ahead in 2029.

Three Years of World Class Alpine Skiing

The road to the World Championships includes three major international events:

• 12–13 March 2027: Women’s Alpine Ski World Cup speed events
• 2028: Alpine Ski World Cup Finals for women and men
• 13–25 February 2029: FIS Alpine World Ski Championships

The 2027 World Cup will be the first major test of the new downhill course, finish area and event organisation. The following year, the world’s best alpine skiers will gather in Narvik for the World Cup Finals, where the overall and discipline titles will be decided.

By 2029, everything will be ready for one of the world’s biggest winter sports events. Narvik 2029 estimates that the championships will attract around 700 athletes from 68 nations, 2,000 volunteers and up to 100,000 spectators.

A New Ski Resort Takes Shape

Being awarded the 2029 World Championships has accelerated the development of Narvik Ski Resort. With an investment budget of approximately NOK 800 million, a modern, fully equipped alpine skiing venue is being built to meet FIS international standards – while first and foremost providing an excellent skiing experience for everyday visitors.

The development includes:

• Linken Express – a new six-seater chairlift towards Linkentoppen
• A new gondola with year-round operation
• New and upgraded T-bar lifts
• A new, easy 2.9-kilometre panoramic slope
• New and upgraded competition courses
• A new downhill racing course and finish area
• Expanded snowmaking facilities with a new water reservoir and pumping system
• Floodlighting and upgraded power supply
• Permanent safety installations, including A-nets
• Terrain reshaping and improvements to existing slopes
• New operational infrastructure and a snow groomer garage

The competition facilities are scheduled for completion in autumn 2027. The resort is being developed to allow international competitions to take place alongside regular resort operations wherever possible. The goal is to create a mountain experience for everyone – from children and recreational skiers to elite athletes.

Making the Mountain More Accessible

The new gondola will be one of the most important long-term investments. Running from the town up to 656 metres above sea level, it will make the mountain much easier to access – both with and without skis.

Operating year-round, the new gondola will open up the mountain to even more visitors. Families with children, tourists, cyclists, hikers and people requiring accessible transport will enjoy easier access to the mountain, its spectacular views and activities. In winter, the gondola will become a key part of the ski resort’s infrastructure. Throughout the rest of the year, it will serve as a gateway to hiking, cycling, the midnight sun, the Northern Lights and unforgettable Arctic nature experiences.

This is more than an investment in three major championships. It is infrastructure designed to be used every day, all year round, for decades to come.

What Do the Championships Mean for You as a Visitor?

During the competitions, parts of the ski resort will be reserved for training, racing and safety operations. As a result, certain slopes, lifts and spectator areas may be closed or have limited capacity. Up-to-date information about open lifts and slopes will be published ahead of each event.

In return, you’ll have the chance to experience alpine skiing at the very highest level – up close. Watch the world’s best athletes race down the mountain with the town and Ofotfjord below, feel the excitement of the crowds at the finish area and take part in the celebrations in the town centre.

You can also become part of the event as a volunteer. Major championships rely on volunteers in a wide range of roles, from slope preparation and venue operations to transport, guest services, media, logistics and spectator assistance. It’s a unique opportunity to get closer to the sport, learn new skills and become part of a community that brings together people of all ages, backgrounds and experiences.

What Does This Mean for Narvik and Northern Norway?

The championships will generate activity long before the first skier leaves the starting gate. They will create opportunities for local and regional businesses, strengthen expertise in event management and tourism, and raise the international profile of Narvik and Northern Norway.

For local ski clubs and young alpine skiers, the development means access to better training facilities and a venue capable of hosting everything from children’s races and training camps to FIS races and World Cup events long after 2029. For local residents, the new infrastructure will make the mountain more accessible and offer a wider range of activities throughout the year.

The World Championships will also inspire pride and a sense of belonging. When thousands of volunteers, organisations, businesses and residents work towards a common goal, the result is more than just a world-class sporting venue. It builds expertise, strengthens the community and demonstrates what a town in Northern Norway can achieve.

A Lasting Legacy Beyond 2029

When the medals have been awarded and the world’s best alpine skiers have moved on, the benefits will remain in Narvik. New lifts, improved slopes, more reliable snow conditions and modern safety installations will enhance the skiing experience for both locals and visitors. The expertise gained from hosting these major events will also enable Narvik to welcome future international races, championships and training camps.

The ambition is clear: Narvik aims to establish itself as an international winter destination and a permanent fixture on the world alpine skiing map, without losing what makes it truly special.

This is no polished Alpine village. Here, the mountains plunge straight into the fjord. The weather changes, the light falls differently, and nature sets the rules. It is precisely this raw, untamed beauty that the world will experience in 2029.