Five regional banks and foundations in Northern Norway have committed NOK 182 million (approx. EUR 16 million) to support the 2029 FIS Alpine World Ski Championships in Narvik. This marks the largest-ever joint contribution from the Northern Norwegian banking sector.
These banks—Sparebanken Narvik, SpareBank 1 Helgeland, Sparebank 68° Nord, Gildeskål Sparebank, and SpareBank 1 Nord-Norge—are allocating the funds through their charitable foundations, in line with the Norwegian savings bank model which channels profits back to local communities.
This is a historic investment—not just in a major sporting event, but in the future of Northern Norway. It’s about building infrastructure, creating long-term value, and strengthening regional pride, says Paul Carsten Holst, CEO of Sparebanken Narvik.
A World-Class Event—North of the Arctic Circle
Narvik 2029 will be the first Alpine World Championship ever held north of the Arctic Circle. With over 700 million global TV viewers expected, and 150,000 visitors anticipated, it will be the world’s second-largest winter sports event after the Winter Olympics.
The championship is projected to generate more than NOK 1.3 billion in regional economic value through investment, operations, and tourism. Nearly 450 full-time jobs will be created from the investments alone.
Ragnar Norum (CEO, Narvikfjellet Allmenn AS), Bjørn Bardal (Executive Vice President, Retail Market, SpareBank 1 Nord-Norge), Hugo Thode Hansen (CEO, Sparebank 68° Nord), Paul Carsten Holst (CEO, Sparebanken Narvik), Knut-Eirik Dybdahl (Incoming CEO, Narvik 2029 Alpine World Championships).
Beyond the economic impact, this is about identity and community. The Championships will show what’s possible when we work together in the north, says Hugo Thode Hansen, CEO of Sparebank 68° Nord.
Investment in Lasting Infrastructure
The funds are earmarked for essential infrastructure upgrades, including a new chairlift and expanded ski areas in Narvikfjellet. These upgrades are crucial for meeting international standards set by the International Ski Federation (FIS), while also supporting long-term tourism and local recreational use.
This is not just for the championship. We are investing in a sustainable, year-round mountain destination for both elite athletes and local families, says Hanne Nordgaard, CEO of SpareBank 1 Helgeland.
A Shared Commitment to the North
This financial commitment follows a growing collaboration among Northern Norway’s savings banks. In early 2025, the banks met in Tromsø to align efforts on regional development, infrastructure, and attractiveness. The Narvik 2029 investment is a tangible result of this partnership.
We believe in this region. As community-owned banks, our profits go back into strengthening the places we serve. When we act together, we create impact—locally and globally,
says Hanne Karoline Kræmer, Group CEO of SpareBank 1 Nord-Norge.
Media Contacts:
Bjørn Tore Hansen, CEO, Gildeskål Sparebank | +47 994 97 932
Hugo Thode Hansen, CEO, Sparebank 68° Nord | +47 977 89 673
Paul Carsten Holst, CEO, Sparebanken Narvik | +47 909 95 054
Hanne Nordgaard, CEO, SpareBank 1 Helgeland | +47 481 11 876
Hanne Karoline Kræmer, Group CEO, SpareBank 1 Nord-Norge | +47 414 70 783
Morten Tønder Albertsen, Head of Communications, SpareBank 1 Nord-Norge | +47 901 21 173
