Representatives from 50 nations will be involved in the 10-day International Ski Federation (FIS) competition that will take place in Narvikfjellet Arena.

Yesterday and today was given over to downhill practice, with the women’s downhill event due to start the competition tomorrow morning, followed in the afternoon by the men’s downhill.

Sunday will see the men’s and women’s super-G events taking place.

Switzerland topped the medal table at last year’s version of these Championships, with three golds, three silvers and a bronze.

Austria, who won two silvers and two bronzes last year, have named a 16-strong team including Lisa Grill, bronze medallist in last year's women's downhill behind winner Juliana Suter of Switzerland and her compatriot Noemie Kolly.  

Narvik was established in 1902 and is the third largest town and municipality in Norway by population.

It is situated 68 degrees north, 220 km within the Arctic Circle – making it one of the most northerly towns in the world.

The town of Narvik is located at the foot of the mountain.

The ski lift starts just above the city centre, approximately 200 metres above sea level, and take athletes and spectators up to 1006 metres above the sea within 10 minutes.

The spectacular views from the top of Narvikfjellet are unique, as the pistes go almost down to the fjord.