The FIS Ski World Cup event at Aspen (USA) was given the official green light Thursday as officials toured the snow flush World Cup race hill in Aspen.
"We're well beyond were we have been in the last few years for snow and racing conditions," said Jim Hancock, Chief of Race for the Nature Valley Aspen Winternational, who conducted the official snow control in consultation with Markus Mayr, FIS Race Director for the ladies' technical events. "We still have a little bit of work to do, but the coverage is unprecedented and we're confident in producing a great start to the North American World Cup swing."
As early as mid October, the Rocky Mountains welcomed cold temperatures and plentiful natural snowfall to create outstanding early season skiing and race training conditions. Aspen has been no exception.
The annual Thanksgiving weekend event launches the North American swing of the Audi FIS Ski World Cup, but it also brings ski racing action back to the forefront.
The Nov. 12-13 slalom races scheduled for Levi, Finland were canceled due to lack of snow, therefore Aspen will be the first stage for World Cup ladies since the Oct. 22 opener in Soelden, Austria – a race won by three-time overall champion and Olympic gold medalist Lindsey Vonn.
