Preparing for the 2029 World Championships

Construction Start:
May 12, 2025

Planned Completion:
March 31, 2027

Construction Budget:
NOK 720,000,000

Client / Developer:
Narvikfjellet Allmenn AS

Project Location:
Fagernesfjellet, Narvik

Main Contractor:
Taubane Teknikk AS

Lift Supplier:
Leitner Ropeways

Snowmaking Supplier:
Demac Leco Snowsystems

The Project Goal for the Development Ahead of the 2029 World Championships in Narvik

The project goal for the development leading up to the Alpine World Ski Championships in Narvik 2029 is threefold and long-term:
 

1. Deliver a turnkey facility

The objective is to develop a complete and modern alpine venue, fully approved by the International Ski Federation (FIS), and ready to host the World Championships in 2029 in accordance with international standards for infrastructure, safety, and technical specifications.

2. Leave a lasting legacy

The development aims to create long-term value for alpine sports and the local community, providing facilities that benefit elite athletes, grassroots sports, tourism, and residents alike. The venue will remain in active use after the championship and contribute to recruitment and activity throughout the region.

3. Establish Narvik as an international winter destination

The facility is intended to position Narvik as a recurring host for World Cup races and international alpine championships beyond 2029. The ambition is to make Narvik a permanent presence on the international alpine skiing calendar in the years to come.

Funding of the 2029 Alpine World Ski Championships in Narvik

The Alpine World Ski Championships in Narvik 2029 are financed through a combination of public and private funding, along with revenues generated from the event itself. The total funding framework exceeds one billion Norwegian kroner, of which NOK 712 million is allocated to facility development, and NOK 440 million to the execution of the championship.

International Funding

The International Ski Federation (FIS) is contributing between NOK 440 and 480 million. This represents a significant portion of the event budget and reflects FIS's strong support for hosting the championship in Narvik.

Government Support

The Norwegian government has allocated NOK 342 million for infrastructure development. In addition, NOK 108 million will be provided through lottery funds (spillemidler) in 2025. This brings total national funding to NOK 450 million.

Regional and Local Contributions

The county authorities in Northern Norway are contributing NOK 82 million. Narvik Municipality is providing an additional NOK 32 million, earmarked for the construction of an underpass (culvert) connected to the facility.

Private Sector Contributions

Private actors, including savings banks, businesses, and foundations, have collectively contributed NOK 256 million. This demonstrates broad support from the private sector for the project.

Event Revenue

In addition to the various contributions, revenue from ticket sales and sponsorship agreements will support the championship. These funds will go to the local organizing committee to help cover operational costs.

This combination of international, national, regional, and private funding provides a strong financial foundation for both the development of the facilities and the successful execution of the 2029 Alpine World Ski Championships in Narvik.

Spring 2025

Fjellveien – Reinforcement and Upgrading

Fjellveien will be reinforced and upgraded to handle increased loads resulting from construction activities. The road will be adapted for the use of heavy machinery, increased traffic, and higher weight loads than previously. This is necessary to ensure safe and efficient access throughout the construction period.

Establishment of Construction Site Areas

Construction zones will be established, including temporary storage of materials, as well as placement of machinery and technical equipment at the Upper Mountain Lift Station (656 meters above sea level).

Development of New Slope Routes

Terrain modification will be carried out to establish new championship slopes. The work includes blasting, excavation, internal relocation of masses, and grading.

Summer 2025

 

Mountain Work and Terrain Interventions

Removal and adjustment of mountain masses will be performed through drilling and controlled blasting operations, from 200 to 1000 meters above sea level.

Mass Transport and Heavy Equipment Operation

Large amounts of rock and soil will be transported internally within the construction area using construction machinery, trucks, and dumpers.

Infrastructure Upgrades

Construction roads and routes will be reinforced to withstand heavier machinery and future use.

Autumn 2025

 

New Chairlift – Linken Express

A new chairlift with associated infrastructure will be built. The work includes ground preparation, blasting, construction of access roads, as well as foundation work and installation of the top station, bottom station, and 11 lift towers. The lift, supplied by Leitner, will also feature new technical infrastructure.

New T-bar Lift – Lift 3

A new T-bar lift will be constructed, including groundwork, foundation installation, and the erection of a top station, bottom station, and 8 lift towers. The lift is supplied by Leitner and will be relocated to a new position.

New Family-Friendly Slope from the Upper Gondola Station

A new slope suitable for families will be established. The work includes forest clearing, blasting, excavation, ground preparation, and terrain grading.

Two New Pump Stations

Two new pump stations will be established as part of the new snowmaking system, delivered by Demac Lenko.

Water Reservoir at the Upper Gondola Station (approx. 670 masl)

A new water reservoir will be built. This will involve extensive groundwork, excavation, and internal material relocation.
 

Winter 2025

Handover to Operations

The facility will be handed over to the operating company Narvikfjellet AS, which will run the ski resort as usual during the period from mid-December to the end of April.

Hosting of the Junior World Championships

From March 5 to 15, 2026, the Junior World Championships (JR-WC) will be held at the facility, serving as a preparatory event for the 2029 World Championships.

Access is prohibited in this area

The entire ski resort area is designated as a construction zone during the period from May 23 to December 7, 2025.

However, the access restriction initially applies to the area above Familiebakken, Asbjørnstua, Camp 291, and Narvik Mountain Lodge, which marks the uppermost accessible point along Fjellveien. The red-shaded area on the map illustrates the construction zone where the access prohibition is in effect.

The construction period and corresponding access restriction are scheduled to run from May 23 through December 7, 2025.

No, unfortunately Fjellveien will not be open for public access during the summer and autumn of 2025.

The lower section of Fjellveien will remain open, with Camp 291 and Narvik Mountain Lodge serving as the uppermost accessible points. This means the road will be open as normal for guests visiting Narvik Mountain Lodge and Camp 291.

Assessment of Public Right of Access (Allemannsretten) in Fagernesfjellet

Narvik Municipality has reviewed the inquiry dated 30 June 2025 regarding public access in a planned construction area in Fagernesfjellet, related to the development for the Alpine World Championships 2029. The request concerns whether the area in question should be considered “innmark” (cultivated or developed land) under the Outdoor Recreation Act (Friluftsloven), and thus exempt from the public right of access.

Pursuant to Section 20a of the Outdoor Recreation Act, the municipality has reviewed the submitted maps and project description, and concurs with the project owner’s assessment: The area in question is classified as innmark during the construction period, cf. Section 1a of the Act.

Justification:

Public access to the site during ongoing construction activities would constitute undue encroachment upon the landowner’s use and pose significant safety risks due to heavy machinery, excavation, and technical installations. Based on a comprehensive assessment of safety considerations and the need for effective project implementation, it is deemed necessary to temporarily restrict public access to the area during the construction period.

No, the Ytterstien trail, also referred to as the nature trail over Kleiva, is unfortunately located within the construction area and will not be open for public access during the summer and autumn of 2025.


The trail will be affected by the development of the new family-friendly ski slope.

The entire alpine area will be designated as a construction zone during the period from May 23 to December 7, 2025.

The access restriction will initially apply to the area above Familiebakken, Asbjørnstua, Camp 291, and Narvik Mountain Lodge, which is the uppermost accessible point along Fjellveien. The red shaded area on the map indicates the construction zone where access is prohibited.

Important Information

Complete operational shutdown and access restriction – Summer 2025

Narvikfjellet hereby informs that the cable car, Mountain Restaurant, and Ski Shop will remain closed throughout the entire summer season of 2025.

This means there will be no operations in June, July, and part of August, contrary to previous communications.

The reason for this change is a clear request from the construction developer, Narvikfjellet Allmenn AS, which is leading the development for the 2029 World Championships.

The project organization strongly advises against any public activity and access to the mountain while construction work is ongoing, due to significant safety risks for both visitors and workers. Additionally, ensuring safe passage in the summit area would be extremely challenging, and opening to the public could potentially delay the project's progress.

Following a comprehensive assessment, Narvikfjellet AS has decided to comply with this request. The decision has been made with guest safety as the highest priority and with full understanding of the importance of completing the World Championships project without delays, so that the facility is ready for normal operations at the start of the winter season in December.

Camp 291 and Basecamp Narvik are not affected and will remain open as usual throughout the summer.

We sincerely regret any inconvenience this may cause our guests and partners and thank you for your understanding.

Planned Construction Work for May–November 2025

In preparation for the Alpine World Championships 2029, extensive construction work will take place at Narvikfjellet during the summer and autumn of 2025. The following measures are included in the project:

Fjellveien – Reinforcement and Upgrading

Fjellveien will be reinforced and upgraded to handle the increased load caused by the construction activities. The road will be adapted for use by heavy machinery, increased traffic, and higher weight loads than previously. This is necessary to ensure safe and efficient access throughout the construction period.

New Chairlift – Linken Ekspress

A new chairlift with associated infrastructure will be established. The work includes groundwork, rock excavation, construction of access roads, as well as foundation work and installation of the top station, bottom station, and 11 lift towers. The lift will also feature new technical infrastructure.

New T-Bar Lift – Lift 3

A new T-bar lift will be constructed, including groundwork, foundation establishment, and erection of top and bottom stations along with 8 lift towers.

New Family-Friendly Ski Run from the Upper Gondola Station

A new ski run suitable for families will be developed. The work involves forest clearing, rock excavation, earthworks, and terrain grading.

Two New Pump Stations

Two new pump stations will be installed as part of the snowmaking system.

Water Reservoir near the Upper Gondola Station (670 meters above sea level)

A new water reservoir will be built, involving extensive groundwork and excavation in the area.

Establishment of New Ski Race Courses

Terrain modification will be conducted to establish new championship courses. The work includes excavation, relocation of earth masses, and grading.

Other Construction Activities in the Area

In addition to the above, the construction zone will be characterized by typical activities related to large-scale mountain construction projects, including:

• Rock Excavation and Terrain Intervention: Removal and adaptation of rock masses through drilling and controlled blasting.

• Mass Movement and Heavy Transport: Large volumes of stone and soil will be transported internally using heavy machinery, trucks, and dumpers.

• Infrastructure Upgrading: Roads and trails will be reinforced to withstand heavier machinery and future use.

• Construction Activities and Staging Areas: Establishment of staging areas, temporary material storage, and placement of machinery and technical equipment.

A contact form, along with the contact details for the project management team, can be found at the bottom of the information page.

The operating company, Narvikfjellet AS, has contacted all guests with active bookings or tentative reservations during the period affected by the mountain closure due to construction work. In collaboration with each guest, we have either relocated the booking to another location, rescheduled it to a different time, or cancelled the booking if no suitable alternative could be arranged.

No, the cabin park Camp 291 and the apartment hotel Basecamp Narvik will not be affected by the operational shutdown and will remain open as usual throughout the entire construction period.

Yes, it is possible to reach Fagernestoppen/Linken at 1007 m and the other peaks in the mountain massif, via Mørkhola. However, please note that there is no marked trail along this route.

The reception bar at Basecamp Narvik will be open daily from 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM throughout the entire construction period. Here, you can purchase refreshing drinks and light snacks. You can also enjoy your refreshments on the rooftop terrace on the 4th floor, which offers stunning views of Narvik city, Ofotfjorden, and the surrounding nature.

To ensure both public safety and the secure execution of construction work, the construction site will be secured in accordance with applicable regulations and standard practices for building sites.

Physical barriers such as construction fences, gates, and warning tape will be installed, and access roads will be clearly marked with signs indicating restricted entry and the hazards associated with entering the area. Additionally, informational signs will explain the reasons for the closure and specify which parts of the mountain are affected.

The barriers comply with safety requirements for construction sites. We urge all visitors to respect the signage and barriers, both for their own safety and to support the efficient progress of the project.

The construction site will be secured in week 22/23.

In order to honor long-term agreements with the cruise operators and Narvik Port Authority, we have undertaken a commitment to keep the facility operational on select dates, contingent upon the practical feasibility of transporting guests to the mountain via the gondola.

These limited openings are essential both to ensure the financial viability of Narvikfjellet and to maintain continuity in our service offerings. Consequently, the gondola and the Mountain Restaurant (providing limited café services) will be open on ten designated occasions during the period from May 24 to November 30 of this year.

The cruise operators and Narvik Port Authority have been duly informed of the significantly limited capacity at the upper gondola station. Therefore, guests will be directed immediately from the gondola to the restaurant, a measure implemented to uphold safety standards efficiently.

On select occasions, access may also be granted to other visitors. Further details regarding these opportunities will be communicated here and via our official social media channels.