CANMORE – As upgrades to Canmore Nordic Centre Provincial Park sports stadiums continue, a local group bringing the world cup to town just got the approval it was hoping for.
The International Ski and Snowsport Federation (FIS) gave a thumbs up to the COOP FIS Cross Country World Cup coming to the Canmore Nordic Centre in February following a recent venue and course inspection.
The successful checkup moves plans full steam ahead for the international event when the world’s best skiers will be in town between Feb. 9-13, 2024.
“The beautiful sceneries of Canmore and the motivated and competent team of the organizing committee will deliver an outstanding stage of the FIS Cross-Country World Cup in February 2024,” said Michal Lamplot, FIS race director, in a media release.
The Alberta World Cup Society, the organizing group, said it remains focused on bringing world class events to the Bow Valley.
“Our team had prepared well to show our full operational capabilities to the FIS staff and to instill in them full confidence in our ability to host a first class world cup that is on par with other leading hosting venues on the FIS cross country circuit,” said Norbert Meier, Events Chair and vice-president of the Alberta World Cup Society, in a media release. “I think it was indeed a case of ‘mission accomplished.’”
Currently, there are major upgrades happening at the Canmore Nordic Centre as it prepares for the 2023-24 ski season.
Brendan Procé, a spokesperson for the Alberta government said the “most critical parts of construction will be complete” for winter 2024’s biathlon and cross-country skiing world cups at the Canmore Nordic Centre.
This includes the new biathlon building and upgrades to the biathlon stadium and firing range, as well as upgrades to the cross-country stadium and day lodge.
The Canmore Nordic Centre is set to exclusively host the cross-country world cup following a location in Calgary not being a viable option for organizers.
Of the four races, two days (Feb. 9 and 13) are set aside for sprint races that involve heats until the fastest skiers race in the final. From Feb. 10-11, the longer distance races take place – one classic, one skate.
Approximately 20 nations are expected to participate next year.
It will be a busy winter in Canmore for international competitions. From March 11-17, the world's top biathletes will make their way to Canmore for the IBU Biathlon World Cup.
