The Alberta World Cup Society set to host the COOP FIS Cross-Country World Cup a year from now

The Alberta World Cup Society (AWCS) will host the COOP FIS Cross-Country World Cup (4 race days), for a total of 3 race days at the Canmore Nordic Centre Provincial Park and 1 city sprint in Calgary from February 9-13, 2024. These competitions will be surrounded by ancillary event activities to provide a full winter recreation experience for all spectators.

CANMORE, ALBERTA February 14, 2023 – The Alberta World Cup Society (AWCS) will continue to build on its international event hosting capacity and host a COOP FIS Cross-Country World Cup a year from now. This will be the 7th time that AWCS has invited the world’s best skiers to come and experience Alberta’s world renowned Canmore Nordic Centre Provincial Park and showcase the Bow Valley’s beauty to the world in the international broadcasts of the event. A new challenge has been undertaken by the organizing committee, hosting a City Sprint in Calgary!  The Calgary City Sprint on Prince’s Island Park will be the first of its kind and all Calgarians will be invited to take part in this exciting event.

“It is so exciting to plan for the COOP FIS Cross-Country World Up event in Alberta in February 2024!  It’s been a while since we were last able to host the world’s best cross country skiers and we know they are also looking forward to coming to Canada and the Canadian Rockies.  Our volunteers are busy making all the plans necessary for a very successful event and we look forward to thousands of Albertans joining us to cheer on the athletes of the dynamic and ambitious Canadian National Ski Team.” said Norbert Meier, Events Chair, Alberta World Cup Society.

The AWCS has been working on this world cup for the past three years and is planning to host the first of two North American stops for the COOP FIS World Cup Cross-Country Ski races. With the continued support of the community, businesses, volunteers, sponsors and the municipal, provincial and federal governments, the AWCS looks forward to hosting a series of first-class events including numerous community activities.

“Hosting the Nordic World Cup in Canmore is not only about showcasing the athletic talents of these world class athletes, it’s also an opportunity to highlight the beauty of our destination and the charm of our community. By supporting events like this, we’re not only promoting sports tourism, but we’re also able to raise the profile of the area and encourage visitors to come and experience astonishing adventures that will nourish their soul. The benefits of sports tourism are countless, from boosting the local economy to improving the standard of living for our community, and we’re proud to be part of it.” said Rachel Ludwig, CEO Tourism Canmore Kananaskis.

“We are thrilled to once again welcome the World to the iconic setting of the Canadian Rockies in beautiful Calgary and Canmore for the 2024 FIS World Cup. International teams are used to WC organizations of the highest standards in Canada and once again we can guarantee that the AWCS and its partners will put on not only a great competition, but also a great show. Hosting of international events in Canada is critical for the development of Canadian skiers but also for FIS to truly deliver its mandate as an international federation. We are grateful to have another opportunity to partner with FIS in hosting these World Cups next February to continue building the profile of cross-country skiing around the World.” said Stéphane Barrette, CEO, Nordiq Canada.

After their time in Alberta, world cup athletes will head to Minneapolis, Minnesota for two more races on February 17 and 18 to complete their North American visit.

 “We are thrilled to collaborate with the Alberta World Cup Society to bring world cup races and more visibility to cross country skiing in North America,” said Loppet Foundation Executive Director Claire Wilson.