The two-day site visit on August 23-24 offered a captivating preview of the historic Canmore Nordic Center, a legacy venue from the 1988 Olympic Winter Games that will play a central role in hosting the cross-country skiing World Cup organized by the Alberta World Cup Society.

Rachel Ludwig, CEO of Tourism Canmore Kananaskis, expressed the community’s gratitude in a press release, saying: 

“The 1988 Olympic Winter Games were a catalyst for tourism in Canmore and continue to have a lasting economic impact on the community. We extend our heartfelt appreciation to the Alberta World Cup Society for their dedication to bringing exceptional sporting events to Canmore, and we are eager to welcome the world here once again for the 2024 COOP FIS Cross-Country World Cup.”

The site visit provided a unique opportunity for key stakeholders, international delegates, and event organizers to experience firsthand the cutting-edge facilities and infrastructure improvements that will ensure the seamless execution of the COOP FIS Cross-Country World Cup. The Organizing Committee took great pride in showcasing the distinctive charm of Canmore, Alberta, as a premier host destination for this prestigious event.

Michal Lamplot, Race Director for the International Ski and Snowboard Federation, shared his enthusiasm, stating: 

“It has been a long time since the last FIS Cross-Country World Cup in Canmore in 2016. However, the Organising Committee did not lose anything from their enthusiasm and commitment for Cross-Country Skiing. The beautiful sceneries of Canmore and the motivated and competent team of the Organising Committee will deliver an outstanding stage of the FIS Cross-Country World Cup in February 2024.”

During the site visit, rigorous inspections of the venue and racecourse took place, where cross-country skiing’s finest will compete over four thrilling days. The meticulous attention to course design, logistical planning, operational protocols, and fan engagement was evident throughout the tour, leaving participants deeply impressed by the Organizing Committee’s commitment to creating an inclusive and sustainable event.

Norbert Meier, Events Chair and Vice-President of the Alberta World Cup Society, expressed his satisfaction, saying: 

“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. I think it was indeed a case of “mission accomplished!”

FIS World Cup Calendar Season 2023/2024

During the Congress in May, the International Ski & Snowboard Federation (FIS) endorsed the cross-country skiing World Cup calendar for the season 2023/2024.

Calendar for the 2023/2024 Cross-Country Skiing World Cup

Period I – Before Christmas

• November 24-26: Ruka, Finland
  • November 24 – Sprint C
  • November 25 – 10km C
  • November 26 – 20km Mass Start F
• December 2-3: Gällivare, Sweden
  • December 2 – 10km F
  • December 3 – Relay 4×7.5km
• December 9-10: Östersund, Sweden
  • December 9 – Sprint C
  • December 10 – 10km F
• December 15-17: Trondheim, Norway
  • December 15 – Sprint F
  • December 16 – 20km Skiathlon
  • December 17 – 10km C

Period II – Tour de Ski

• December 30: Toblach, Italy – Sprint F
• December 31: Toblach, Italy – 10km C
• January 1: Toblach, Italy – 25km Pursuit F
• January 3: Davos, Switzerland – Sprint F
• January 4: Davos, Switzerland – 20km Pursuit C
• January 6: Val di Fiemme, Italy – 15km Mass Start C
• January 7: Val di Fiemme, Italy – 10km Final Climb F

Period III – Two New Organizers

• January 19-21: Oberhof, Germany
  • January 19 – Sprint C
  • January 20 – 20km Mass Start C
  • January 21 – Relay 4×7.5km
• January 26-28: Goms, Switzerland
  • January 26 – Mixed Relay 4×7.5km
  • January 27 Sprint F
  • January 28 – 20km Mass Start F

Period IV – North America

• February 9-13: Canmore, Canada
  • February 9 – 10km F
  • February 10 – Sprint F
  • February 11 – 20km Mass Start C
  • February 13 – Sprint C
• February 17-18: Minneapolis, USA
  • February 17 – Sprint F
  • February 18 – 10km F

Period V – Scandinavia

• March 1-3: Lahti, Finland
  • March 1 – Team Sprint C
  • March 2 – 20km C
  • March 3 – Sprint F
• March 9-10: Oslo, Norway
  • March 9 – 50km Mass Start C women
  • March 10 – 50km Mass Start C men
• March 12: Drammen, Norway
  • March 12 – Sprint C
• March 15-17: Falun, Sweden
  • March 15 – Sprint C
  • March 16 – 10km C
  • March 17 – 20km Mass Start F

Also Read: FIS World Cup calendar and approved cross-country skiing distances.

Are you interested in traditional cross-country skiing? Click HERE and read more.