The Board of Narvik VM 2029 AS has decided that the LOC will withdraw from hosting the Women’s Alpine Ski World Cup speed events that were scheduled to take place in Narvik in March 2027.
The decision follows an overall assessment of the risks associated with hosting a World Cup event in a completely new venue as early as 2027. The Board has based its decision on the findings from the FIS inspection of the venue on 8 and 9 October, as well as an independent professional assessment of the construction status and project progress. Both assessments point to too great an uncertainty associated with staging a World Cup event in a brand-new venue at this stage.
The Board therefore considers the risk to be too high that the remaining work will not be completed within the necessary timelines. Although it is still considered technically possible to complete the project in time, there is insufficient certainty that this can be achieved without assuming an unacceptable level of risk.
The decision is not due to any lack of effort on the part of the many stakeholders involved in developing the venue in Narvikfjellet. On the contrary, an extraordinary effort has been made throughout the project period. The project organization and its contractors have carried out extensive work under challenging conditions and have contributed to significant progress in the development of what will become a World Championship venue of international standard.
At the same time, both the FIS inspection and our own site reviews, supported by independent technical expertise, show that substantial work remains to be completed in areas including infrastructure, snowmaking systems, earthworks, lift installations and test operations before the venue can be ready for World Cup-level competition.
In all plans since Narvik’s World Championship bid was submitted in 2024, the goal has been to have the venue completed in time for the World Cup Finals in 2028. As a result, there has always been a risk that hosting a World Cup event as early as March 2027 would not be possible, and the races had therefore never been finally confirmed. The decision is being announced now because an early clarification gives the Norwegian Ski Federation and FIS better opportunities to identify an alternative venue for the event in Norway.
Narvik VM 2029 AS will now focus fully on completing the World Championship venue and continuing preparations for the FIS Alpine World Ski Championships in Narvik in 2029.
The decision to withdraw from hosting the World Cup races does not change our ambitions for the 2029 World Championships. On the contrary, it is about ensuring that our resources are used in a way that provides the best possible conditions for delivering a championship of the highest international standard. We have great confidence in the project, in the venue, and in Narvik as a future host of the World Championships.
Share the article
