Atle Skårdal becomes sports director

The Alpine World Ski Championships in Narvik are taking another important step forward in preparations for 2029. With the appointment of Atle Skårdal as Sports Director, the final key role in the core organization has now been filled. CEO Knut-Eirik Dybdal describes this as an important milestone on the road to the championships.

- We have worked long and hard to put this part of the organization in place. Atle brings a unique combination of expertise, experience and international experience. We are delighted that he has accepted the role,” says Dybdal.

A highly experienced international profile

Skårdal has extensive experience both as an elite athlete and as a leader in international alpine skiing. He previously served as head coach of the Norwegian Ski Federation’s women’s national team and spent many years as the FIS Race Director for the women’s World Cup.

Course design and the development of competition venues have been among his key areas of responsibility at FIS. This expertise will be crucial as the World Championship courses in Narvik are further developed and optimized in the lead-up to 2029.

- Atle knows exactly what it takes to create excellent and safe racing conditions. He has already contributed to the further development of the courses designed by Didier Défago as part of the bid process, and he will play a key role in ensuring quality and safety across all disciplines,” says Dybdal.

Ready for the next phase

With Skårdal on board, the core organization now consists of:

• •Knut-Eirik Dybdal, Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
• •Roger Fagerheim, Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
• •Atle Skårdal, Sports Director
• •Stine Stenseth, event manager
• •Victoria Bakken, Head of Sales and Marketing

- Now the team is complete, and we are ready to pick up the pace as we enter the next phase of preparations. This marks the beginning of an intensive and exciting period leading up to the 2029 championship,” says Dybdal.

An important building block toward 2029

With the executive leadership team in place, Narvik 2029 is strengthening the organisation’s ability to deliver an Alpine World Ski Championships at the highest international level. In the coming years, efforts will intensify in venue development, event delivery, commercialisation, volunteer engagement and international cooperation, with the aim of creating a championship that sets new standards for winter sports in the Arctic.