Industry News
The FIS Alpine World Cup at Beaver Creek, Colorado, is being held this weekend, December 1-3, 2023, with two Downhill races and a Super-G race, but the first event, one of the two Downhill events, was canceled today, Friday, December 1, due to heavy snowfall and poor visibility. Unfortunately the men’s speed opening is not off to a good start this season, with another cancellation for the fastest of the FIS alpine skiers. The initial speed opening had been scheduled for November at the Matterhorn Ski Paradise ski area which straddles the border between Switzerland and Italy. The cross-border race had to be canceled due to inclement weather and one of the Downhill races was moved to Beaver Creek, but now has to therefore be rescheduled again after today’s cancellation.
Today’s Downhill race was initially delayed to an 11:00 a.m. start, as the slip team tried their best to get the course race ready, despite the approximately four inches of fresh snow on top of the race course at Beaver Creek. There was another delay of the decision, but ultimately the jury decided to cancel the race, as conditions were not safe for athletes.
Festivities and events at Beaver Creek still went ahead, including an autograph session with Ted Ligety and a beautiful fireworks display. The bib draw for tomorrow’s race went ahead in the evening, so all fingers are crossed that the rest of the races on the Birds of Prey course can take place.
