Kvitfjell Lauparfestival is a July running weekend in Ringebu, Norway, centered on steep climbs and trail races at the Kvitfjell ski area. The most demanding race is Kvitfjell Opp: 3.2 km with approximately 840 meters of climbing up Northern Europe’s steepest alpine slope. The festival also features Langlaupet, a 25 km trail race with about 670 meters of climbing, and Stuttlaupet, a shorter 13 km option with 200-260 meters of climbing based on course data. An uphill children’s race is also available for younger runners.
The Kvitfjell Opp course reverses the Olympic ski route, taking runners from the finish area at the bottom to the start area at the top. Langlaupet and Stuttlaupet traverse varied terrain on trails that can be technical, with Langlaupet presented as an additional challenge for those seeking more after the uphill race. The weekend also includes a runner talk at Tyrihanstunet, free for participants, featuring past speakers like Thor Gotaas, Simen Holvik, Ingrid Kristiansen, and Frank Løke. The festival originated after the first Kvitfjell Opp gained popularity, expanding into a comprehensive running weekend with longer trail races and the children’s climb.