Narvik 2029

The FIS Alpine World Ski Championships is the world’s second-largest winter sports event, following the Olympic Winter Games, and now, for the first time, the world will experience it in the unique Arctic setting of Narvik, Northern Norway!

How it began

Like many success stories, the journey towards hosting an Alpine World Ski Championship in Narvik began with a bold idea. While it’s hard to pinpoint exactly who first conceived it, once the seed was planted, the plans quickly gained momentum.

The dream of bringing the Alpine World Championships to Narvik and Northern Norway grew into a nationwide movement, with the entire region rallying behind Narvik as the future host city. With this strong support, an official bid was submitted, and in 2018, the Norwegian Ski Federation nominated Narvik and Northern Norway as the country's candidate for the 2027 World Championships.

While Narvik’s bid received widespread praise, it ultimately did not secure the event for 2027. However, the city used the time following the setback to gain valuable experience in hosting international events, setting its sights on the next bidding opportunity for 2029.

At the FIS Congress in Reykjavik in June 2024, it was officially announced that Narvik would host the FIS Alpine World Ski Championships in 2029, beating out strong competitors like Soldeu (Andorra) and Val Gardena (Italy).

AWSC in 10 points

1. The Most Spectacular Ski Championship in History

The FIS Alpine World Ski Championships is the world’s second-largest winter sports event, surpassed only by the Winter Olympics. Most ski destinations are typically located near small villages in traditional mountain regions. Narvik, however, offers something extra—its world-class ski facilities combined with the proximity to the sea. The dramatic combination of mountains, sea, and city creates a unique setting, offering spectacular backdrops for visitors and the millions of people who will follow the Championships on TV and social media.

2. A Project with a Focus on the Arctic

Northern Norway is the heart of the Arctic. Climate change and the significant environmental changes occurring in Arctic regions are highly relevant topics today. The Alpine World Ski Championships in Narvik will not only be the most spectacular ski event ever held; it will also use the global attention surrounding the event to highlight the challenges facing the Arctic. More importantly, the Championships aim to serve as a model for future sustainable events. Narvik's World Championship will strive to be the most environmentally friendly and sustainable sporting event ever hosted.

3. An Exceptionally Compact Championship

In alpine terms, Narvik is a large city. Yet, for all other purposes, it is relatively small, with all the essential amenities located close to the ski resort. Most visitors will be able to walk from the city center to the championship arena at Narvikfjellet, where the medal ceremonies will take place in the heart of the city. A significant portion of the accommodation needs will be met by utilizing modern cruise ships docked at Narvik Harbor. Electric shuttle buses will transport accredited personnel and spectators to and from the venue.

4. A Strongly Supported Event, Regionally and Nationally

The event has broad and unified support, both regionally and nationally. Political leaders, organizations, cultural institutions, businesses, and the local community in Northern Norway are all enthusiastically backing Narvik’s bid to host the World Championships. The Norwegian Ski Federation, Norway’s ski community, the government, and the state are all fully committed to the project, believing it is high time for one of the world’s best alpine nations to host the event on home soil.

5. A Project with Significant Ripple Effects

Narvik has big ambitions. The goal is to become the leading winter sports destination in the Arctic Circle, attracting winter tourists from around the world. At the same time, the city is working to develop a vibrant and inclusive urban environment that is economically, environmentally, and socially sustainable. The World Championships will strengthen the destination’s identity, foster local pride, and enhance its livability. The event will showcase key industries, such as tourism, energy, seafood, and aquaculture. The expansion of the ski resort will ensure long-term, sustainable operations and provide a broader range of services for both locals and visiting ski tourists for years to come.

6. A catalyst for the development of alpine skiing in Norway

Hosting a World Championship on home turf will always serve as a powerful motivational tool for athletes. For Norway, one of the world’s leading alpine nations, the World Ski Championships in Narvik will act as a catalyst for the development of strong training environments and help foster recruitment of new talent.

The majestic Narvikfjellet, which, after its development, will become one of the world’s most spectacular ski resorts, is poised to become a hub for the future development of Norwegian alpine talent. Narvikfjellet will host major and attractive races and competitions, both before and after the World Championships, further solidifying its role as a premier alpine venue.

7. A role model of sustainability

Environmental awareness and sustainability are increasingly important, and they will demand innovative thinking and smart solutions for major events. The Alpine World Ski Championships in Narvik will set a new standard for the most sustainable winter sports event ever held. Our goal is to minimize the environmental footprint of the event and to establish a framework for future events that can be both successful and environmentally responsible. This Championship will inspire other event organizers around the world and demonstrate that sports can play a key role in a sustainable future.

8. A huge folk festival

Northern Norway has repeatedly shown its enthusiasm and commitment to hosting major events. For both locals and visitors, the World Championships will be a true celebration. A series of events leading up to and during the Championship will create a festive atmosphere for the community, the athletes, and the audience. The event will be a visual and physical experience, with action-packed arena productions, vibrant city decorations, and captivating ceremonies. This will be a city-wide festival!

9. A World-Class Championship, Including in the Media

An Alpine World Championship attracts major international media attention. Around 30 countries will broadcast the event live on television, and journalists from the top ski nations will travel to Narvik to cover the Championship. New generations of media consumers expect new formats and opportunities for interaction, while also expecting the traditional TV coverage that has always been a hallmark of major sporting events. Narvik will meet these expectations and deliver a world-class media experience.

10. A Financially solid project

The scale of the Alpine World Championships makes the event costly. Both the execution of the event and the development of the facilities require significant investment, which calls for a realistic and sustainable funding model. The event will be financed through a combination of contributions from the International Ski Federation (FIS), support from the Norwegian government, and funding from Narvik Municipality. The Alpine World Ski Championships in Narvik will be carried out in a financially responsible manner, ensuring long-term sustainability and success.