Dundret takes its place on the world stage

When the Ski Cross World Cup Final takes place at Dundret on March 27–29, it’s more than just a competition – it’s clear proof that Gällivare is back in the alpine elite. It has been over 40 years since Dundret hosted an alpine World Cup event. Back then, Ingemar Stenmark and Stig Strand were the Swedish stars, and the competition attracted a large audience.

Now there are new names – and a completely new sport taking center stage. For Dundret as a facility and Gällivare as a destination, the Ski Cross Final is a flying start to once again becoming a place to be reckoned with.

“This is just the beginning,” says Markus Tjikkom, Event Manager at Dundret.
“The World Cup Final is the start of re-establishing Dundret as an alpine facility where the very best skiers come to train and compete. This, in turn, will increase interest in downhill skiing in general and lead to more people skiing downhill and new stars being nurtured here at Dundret.”

The ambition extends beyond a single weekend in March. The competitions are part of a long-term initiative.

“We see this as an opener. By saying yes, we show that we want to organize competitions at the highest level. If we handle this correctly, we will receive more requests to host competitions,” says Markus Tjikkom.

A Mountain Built for Action

The mountain offers perfect conditions for a course with intense duels. The over 900-meter-long course provides 55 seconds of ski drama.

“Dundret is spot-on for ski cross. We have a hilly course with many turns, and there will be a lot of action. The terrain is naturally undulating, and it’s easy to build a really good course,” says Markus Tjikkom.

The layout also means that the audience gets a really good experience. The first part of the race is followed via a big screen before the skiers turn into Främjabacken – where the drama unfolds before the spectators’ eyes. The entire world elite, including Swedish star Sandra Näslund, will be present.

“When the international spotlight is directed at Dundret, it’s a great opportunity for our entire region. It’s not just an important sporting event but also proof that our region is globally competitive, with unique natural conditions and a strong hospitality sector that can welcome international guests,” says Andreas Cederlund, Head of Promotion & PR at Arctic Sweden Visitors Board.

Snow-reliant Norrbotten attracts

At a time when snow has become a scarce commodity in Europe, Norrbotten offers stable winter conditions. The Arctic region has long been an attractive training ground for alpine skiers, and with the Alpine World Championships in Narvik in 2029, this position is further strengthened.

Here you’ll find variety – from slopes close to town to classic mountain skiing in, for example, Riksgränsen and Björkliden. Dundret, known as the town-adjacent mountain, offers a bit of everything. Few ski resorts can offer a World Cup within walking distance of the center, yet with a high-alpine feel.

Set for a Public Festival

With free admission, performances, catering, après-ski, and hopefully spring-winter days of the finest Norrbotten kind, all conditions are in place for the World Cup Final to be a public festival. Markus Tjikkom doesn’t consider it impossible that up to 5,000 people could visit the area each day.

“We want this to be a really fun event for the whole family. The competition takes place during the most beautiful period of the year, when there is still plenty of snow and the sun has started to warm up,” says Markus Tjikkom.

The victory trophy will be something special, crafted by a local artist using reindeer antler scraps.

“We will organize this competition in a Norrbotten way and will, among other things, highlight the Sami culture,” says Markus Tjikkom.

In connection with the inauguration, Sami artist Sofia Jannok will perform.

Eventful Spring-Winter

The World Cup Final kicks off an intense spring-winter at Dundret. In addition to the annual cross-country classic Dundret Runt, the snowboard event Days of Thunder is also organized together with American Snowboy Productions, where Swedish PJ Gustafsson, among others, showcases his best tricks.

The season concludes with Dundret Meltdown, a weekend filled with activities and experiences marking the end of the winter season.

The ambition is high there too.

“We want Dundret Meltdown to be northern Sweden’s best season finale,” says Markus Tjikkom.

Program

Friday, March 27

09:15–10:00 Training in the ski cross course

11:00–12:30 Qualification – skiers qualify for the competition

Saturday, March 28

09:40–10:20 Training in the ski cross course

11:00 Inauguration with Sofia Jannok

11:20–12:50 Competition – The world elite begins competing

Sunday, March 29

09:40–10:20 Training in the ski cross course

11:20–12:50 WC Final – The world’s best ski cross skiers battle for gold

Facts/Ski Cross

Ski cross is a fast-paced ski discipline where four skiers compete simultaneously on a course filled with jumps, banked turns, and bumps. The goal is to reach the finish line before opponents, with the top contenders advancing through elimination heats. The sport combines high speed, technique, and tactical choices, making each race unique and exciting for both skiers and spectators.