The International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) has awarded the 2026 Alpine Skiing World Cup Finals to Norway. Hafjell and Kvitfjell will host this prestigious season-ending event from March 19–25.
"Congratulations to Kvitfjell and Hafjell for an outstanding delivery this winter with three World Cup weekends. Kvitfjell has delivered top-tier races with real winter snow for years. After 23 years, Norway and Gudbrandsdalen truly deserve the grand World Cup Final, and we look forward to returning next year. Now it’s full speed ahead to deliver world-class races," say FIS Alpine Race Directors Peter Gerdol (women) and Markus Waldner (men).
"We’re excited to finally welcome the world’s best alpine skiers in all disciplines to Norway and Gudbrandsdalen. This is going to be rock ‘n’ roll," says Claus Johan Ryste, Alpine Director at the Norwegian Ski Federation.
This marks the first time since 2003 that the World Cup Finals will be held in Norway—an honor that represents a significant recognition of Norway’s role in international alpine skiing.
"Securing the finals is a great honor. The competition to host these events is fierce, and we are both proud and humbled by the trust placed in us. Now it’s time to deliver," says Ole Kristian Kirkerud, President of the Organizing Committee.
The speed events, Downhill and Super-G, will be held in Kvitfjell on March 21–22, while the technical events, Giant Slalom and Slalom, will take place in Hafjell on March 24–25. The World Cup Finals are often referred to as a “mini world championship,” gathering the season’s top-ranked athletes across all alpine disciplines.
Significant impact for the region
World Cup weekends attract spectators, support crews, and media attention, generating major economic and societal ripple effects. A survey conducted by Sponsor Insight revealed that the two 2024 World Cup races in Kvitfjell alone contributed over NOK 150 million to the region through accommodation, dining, and valuable media exposure.
"This is a victory for both Norway and the Lillehammer region," says Claus Johan Ryste. "Kvitfjell and Hafjell have consistently delivered world-class events, most recently with three successful World Cup weekends this winter. The 2026 Finals will be a true highlight on home soil."
Jonas Bjørnerud, Commercial Director at Alpinco, also emphasizes the significance of the award:
"This is a historic opportunity for the entire region. For businesses, it means full hotels and restaurants, high activity, and increased turnover during a period when the season is usually winding down. For the local population, it brings pride, engagement, and inspiration for the next generation of ski racers."
Long-term effort behind the awarded event
Preparations for the finals have already been underway for over a year. More investments are coming in terrain adaptation, infrastructure, and safety, along with planning for public events, ceremonies, and side programs.
"We’ve already been planning and preparing for over a year to ensure we’re ready. It’s paying off. Now we aim to elevate both the athletic and spectator experiences to new heights," says Kirkerud.
Among the event concepts to be further developed ahead of the finals is Summit Kvitfjell—the business week on snow—which has become a key meeting point for tourism, innovation, and future-oriented business development. "In 2026, Summit Kvitfjell will be even stronger, with more stage content, better networking opportunities, and unforgettable experiences across all our venues," says Kirkerud.
An International Recognition
The award is a clear signal from FIS that Hafjell and Kvitfjell meet world-class standards.
"We’ve made long-term investments in snow production, slope design, and infrastructure to compete with the world’s top destinations. The feedback is clear: it’s the combination of technically demanding, varied terrain, snow reliability, and world-class logistics. Along with increasing international interest from visitors, this confirms that Hafjell and Kvitfjell are among the top alpine venues in Europe," concludes Bjørnerud.
The 2026 World Cup Finals will gather the elite of alpine skiing, business leaders, and local pride, all set against the spectacular winter backdrop of Norway’s premier alpine destinations. We are really excited!!
