Narvik Photo / skiforbundet.no
NARVIK, Norway — Work high above Narvik, the 2029 Alpine World Championships venue, continues to move forward despite snow, wind, and freezing conditions over the past week. According to the Norwegian Ski Federation, progress remains on schedule, with visible changes across the terrain and infrastructure.
The northern Norwegian town—home to just over 22,000 people and located above the Arctic Circle—will host its first-ever Alpine World Championships. The event marks a milestone for Norway, long regarded as one of skiing’s great nations but never before a host of the sport’s biggest championship.
Linken Express Chairlift Taking Shape
Construction of the new Linken Express chairlift has reached key milestones. Foundations for all lift masts are complete, and the top three—numbers 9, 10, and 11—are now installed.
Crews are focusing on finishing the top station, installing the support structure, and synchronizing the lift system before winter. Once the upper station is complete, installation of the remaining masts will resume. Simultaneously, drilling, blasting, and foundation work for the lower station are underway. The lift is expected to open February 14, 2026.
Panorama Downhill Run Nears Completion
The new three-kilometer Panorama slope, built for the 2029 World Championships, is already 60 percent complete. The most challenging sections are finished, and the entire course is being widened to between 30 and 34 meters.
Before its planned December 2025 opening, workers will dig trenches for infrastructure, install snowmaking equipment, and mount floodlights. All work is progressing according to plan.
Nordlysheisen Upper T-Lift and Power Upgrades
At the nearby Nordlysheisen T-lift, construction crews are establishing the access road to the lower station while planning continues for the top terminal. Installation of the lift will begin as soon as the Linken Express project wraps up.
A new substation will boost both capacity and stability in the resort’s electrical network. The lift is scheduled to open December 2025.
Lower-Mountain Hub and Commercial Center
While construction dominates the upper slopes, detailed planning is underway for Narvik’s lower area. The blueprint includes a new finish zone, visitor facilities, and a commercial center surrounding the upcoming gondola base station.
This phase is scheduled to begin immediately after the 2025–26 season ends in April or May, ensuring no delay in the overall timeline.
2026 Junior Worlds to Serve as Dress Rehearsal
Narvik will host the FIS Junior World Championships from March 5–15, 2026, providing a full-scale test of the new lift systems, slopes, and technical infrastructure. The event will offer valuable experience for organizers ahead of the 2029 World Championships.
A Historic Moment for Norwegian Skiing
Narvik secured the 2029 World Championships by winning the FIS vote 11–8 over Val Gardena, Italy, with Andorra’s Soldeu receiving one vote. “This is a monumental day for Norwegian skiing,” said Tove Moe Dyrhaug, President of the Norwegian Ski Federation. “The World Championships are one of the biggest sporting events on the planet, and now we can finally host them at home.”
It’s an especially remarkable moment for a venue that has never held a World Cup race. Narvik previously hosted the 2020 Junior World Championships, which were cut short after six events due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Upcoming Alpine World Championships
- 2027: Crans-Montana, Switzerland
- 2029: Narvik, Norway
- 2031: Val Gardena, Italy
Information for this report was provided by the Norwegian Ski Federation (Skiforbundet) and Narvikfjellet AS project updates.
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