Narvik Ski Resort
From Lapland’s border mountains, the journey returns to the coast, to a ski resort where alpine terrain rises directly above a living city, and the fjord becomes part of the view.
High above the deep blue waters of the Ofotfjord, where mountains rise sharply from the sea and Arctic light shifts from silver to soft pastels, lies Narvik Ski Resort, one of Scandinavia’s most visually striking ski destinations. Few places in the world combine steep alpine terrain, a vibrant coastal city at the base, and long, luminous Arctic seasons quite like this.
Narvik Ski Resort has long been known for its dramatic scenery, playful off-piste terrain, and friendly, down-to-earth atmosphere. Now, as the resort prepares to host the FIS Alpine World Ski Championships in 2029, a new chapter is taking shape, strengthening its role as the beating heart of Arctic skiing.
A Fjordside Arena
Rising directly from Narvik’s own backyard, the mountain climbs from near sea level to more than 1,000 metres, unfolding into long, flowing runs framed by dramatic fjord views.The terrain offers a broad mix: family-friendly slopes, wide scenic pistes ideal for cruising, steeper upper-mountain sections for advanced skiers, and natural off-piste zones that reward curiosity on powder days.
From the summit, the view opens straight across the Ofotfjord, with the Lofoten Wall on the horizon and the lights of Narvik shimmering below, a constant reminder that here, city life and high alpine skiing merge seamlessly.
The resort continues to evolve, with expanded snowmaking, improved trails, and a modernised mountain layout forming part of an ambitious upgrade programme leading toward 2029.
An Arctic Season of Northern Lights and Endless Days
Skiing at Narvik Ski Resort is defined by Arctic contrast. Early winter brings crisp days and the chance to ski beneath the Northern Lights, dancing above floodlit slopes. As spring arrives, days stretch into long, golden afternoons ideal for relaxed laps and soft-snow carving. Late spring and early summer deliver a rare experience: skiing in 24-hour daylight, as the midnight sun paints the mountains in warm, pastel tones.
For many visitors, the combination of fjords, Arctic light, and alpine terrain turns a ski trip into something more, an encounter with nature at its most elemental.
A Mountain for Families and First-Timers
Despite its dramatic setting, the ski resort is designed to welcome newcomers. Gentle beginner slopes, easy lifts, a dedicated children’s area, skilled English-speaking instructors, and full-service rental options make it easy to get started.
Families value the compact layout, welcoming atmosphere, and direct access from the city, making it simple to combine skiing with urban culture, dining, and indoor attractions.
Urban Ski Culture at the Foot of the Mountain
What truly sets Narvik Ski Resort apart is its closeness to the city. Hotels, cafés, shops, and the waterfront are just minutes from the base station. Visitors can ski in the morning, explore fjord activities or museums in the afternoon, enjoy local cuisine for dinner, and return for evening skiing high above the city lights.
For those who prefer to stay slope-side, Basecamp Apartment Hotel and the iconic glass cabins at Camp 291 offer comfortable accommodation with immediate access to the mountain.
This seamless blend of nature and city life gives Narvik a character that stands confidently beside the great alpine towns, yet remains unmistakably Arctic.
Experiences Beyond the Slopes
Beyond alpine skiing, the ski resort offers a wide range of winter experiences, from lift-accessed backcountry touring in the
surrounding mountains to snowshoe adventures with panoramic fjord views. Northern Lights excursions, city nightlife, cultural events, and a lively dining scene add further depth to the experience.
Preparing for the World Stage: Narvik 2029
With the confirmation of the 2029 FIS Alpine World Ski Championships, Narvik Ski Resort is undergoing one of the most ambitious mountain upgrades in Northern Europe. The vision is clear: to create an elite competition venue while improving everyday skiing for locals and visitors alike.
Key developments include the new six-seater Linken Express chairlift opening in 2026, the Northern Lights Lift tripling uphill capacity by December 2025, a new gondola line with a mid-station nearly doubling the current length, two new T-bar lifts to optimise race and training flow, expanded snowmaking powered by renewable energy, and a redesigned finish area built to host thousands of spectators.
Together, these upgrades transform Narvikfjellet into a modern, high-capacity alpine arena, ready not only for the 2029 Championships, but also for future World Cup events and international racing.
The Panorama Slope
Among the most exciting additions is the new three-kilometre Panorama Slope. A wide, family-friendly green run with lighting, gentle gradients, and sweeping views of the Ofotfjord below. Stretching from the Mountain Restaurant to the lower gondola station, the slope offers smooth, flowing turns and a vertical drop of 542 metres, making it a standout experience for all skill levels.
Lift-Assisted Freeriding
Narvik Ski Resort also offers some of Scandinavia’s most dramatic lift-accessed freeriding. With a vertical drop of up to 1,100 metres and legendary fjord views, the terrain has become a favourite among ski photographers and experienced riders alike.
Ride the new Linken Express to 1,003 metres above sea level, then continue on randonnée toward the Third Peak. Just 30 minutes later, off-piste routes such as Mørkholla deliver big-mountain skiing of international calibre, remarkably close to downtown Narvik.
Landscape and People
Narvik Ski Resort is shaped as much by its people as by its terrain, from local families and junior racers to freeriders and international visitors. A warm, distinctly northern spirit runs through the mountain, blending resilience with hospitality.
Skiing above the fjord as the sun dips behind the peaks, it’s easy to understand why the world’s best alpine athletes are preparing to race here. Narvikfjellet leaves a lasting impression.
A New Icon in the North
Narvik stands at the crossroads of adventure and ambition. Defined by fjords, Arctic light, and a rapidly rising international profile, the resort complements its neighbours perfectly. Where Riksgränsen embodies raw Arctic skiing and Björkliden offers calm, panoramic mountain life, Narvik adds the drama of the fjord, the energy of a city, and the momentum of a future World Championship venue.
This is Arctic skiing with a sense of place, bold, beautiful, and unforgettable.