The Alpine World Cup final for Hafjell and Kvitfjell in 2026
The International Ski Federation (FIS) has awarded the 2026 Alpine World Cup final to Norway. Hafjell and Kvitfjell will host this prestigious end to the World Cup season, which will be held from 19 to 25 March.
This is the first time since 2003 that the World Cup final is held in Norway, and is an award that represents a significant recognition of our role in international alpine sport.
The race directors of FIS alpine skiing, Peter Gerdol and Markus Waldner, congratulate them on this year's efforts and look forward to returning to Gudbrandsdalen next year.
We congratulate Kvitfjell and Hafjell on a fantastic delivery this winter, with no less than three World Cup weekends carried out in a brilliant way. Kvitfjell has also for a number of years delivered top sporty races with real winter snow. After 23 years, Norway and Gudbrandsdalen deserve the big World Cup final, and we look forward to coming back next year!
The speed disciplines, downhill and super-G, will take place in Kvitfjell on 21–22 March, while the technical disciplines, giant slalom and slalom, will be held in Hafjell on 24–25 March. The World Cup finals are often referred to as a "mini-World Championship", and bring together the season's highest-ranked athletes in all alpine disciplines.
To get the final to Norway is a great honor. The competition to get the final races is fierce, and we are both proud and humbled by the trust we have received. Now we have to deliver," says Ole Kristian Kirkerud, head of the organizing committee.
Significant ripple effects for the region
The World Cup weekends attract both audiences, support staff and media interest, and generate significant economic and societal ripple effects. A survey conducted by Sponsor Insight shows that the two World Cup races in Kvitfjell in 2024 alone contributed over NOK 150 million to the region through, among other things, overnight stays, restaurant visits and valuable visibility.
This is a victory both for Norway and for the Lillehammer region," says Claus Johan Ryste, Alpine Director of the Norwegian Ski Federation. - Kvitfjell and Hafjell have for a number of years delivered world-class events, most recently with three successful World Cup weekends this winter. The finals in 2026 will be a highlight on home soil.
Jonas Bjørnerud, commercial manager at Alpinco, also emphasizes the importance of the award:
This is a historic opportunity for the entire region. For the local business community, this means full beds and restaurants, as well as high activity and increased turnover. For the locals, it provides pride, commitment and, not least, inspiration for the next generation of skiers.
Long-term work behind the award
Preparations for the final have already been going on for over a year. Further investments in terrain adaptation, infrastructure and safety are now awaited, in addition to planning public activities, graduations and side events.
We have been planning and working on the preparations for over a year already so that we will be prepared. It has yielded results. Now we will lift both the sporting and spectator implementation to new heights, says Kirkerud.
Among the event concepts that will be further developed towards the final is Summit Kvitfjell – the business week on snow, which since its inception has become an important meeting place for tourism, innovation and future-oriented business development.
In 2026, Summit Kvitfjell will become even stronger, with more content on stage, better networking opportunities and unforgettable experiences across our arenas, says Kirkerud.
An international recognition
The award is a clear signal from FIS that Hafjell and Kvitfjell maintain international top standards.
Over time, Alpinco has made major investments in infrastructure, trail profiles and services in our destinations - here we compete in world class. The feedback we receive is clear: The combination of great routes, snow safety and logistics means that FIS and the best skiers in the world come to us. This and an ever-increasing interest from foreign guests confirms that Hafjell and Kvitfjell are among the foremost arenas for alpine sports in Europe, Bjørnerud concludes.
Norwegian alpine skiers are also pleased with the award.
I'm definitely looking forward to running finals on home soil, it will be a perfect way to round off the Olympic season! says an expectant Adrian Sejersted
The World Cup finals in 2026 will bring together the world's elite in alpine skiing, business and local pride, all against the spectacular winter backdrop of Norway's premier alpine destinations.