Photo 13427231 © Tiziano Casalta | Dreamstime.com

By Tanner Smith

WORLD CUP FEB. 9-10

Hitting frontside 540s at Calgary’s Snow Rodeo

Feb 9, 2024 | 5:38 PM

Almost 50 of the world’s best snowboarders will be shredding the halfpipe at Calgary’s Snow Rodeo in the 2024 FIS Snowboard Halfpipe World Cup Feb 9-10.

Officials with the Alberta government note, the season finale for the world’s best halfpipe snowboarders will take place at WinSport, Canada’s only World Cup level halfpipe. Organizers say Alberta will be on display for the world to see with the competition set to be broadcast across 80 countries, further strengthening the province’s position as the world’s top winter sport hub.

Provincial officials suggest the World Cup will inject $12.1 million into Calgary’s economy, driving people to local businesses and restaurants while drawing about 1,000 in-person spectators to Canada Olympic Park for the two-day event. Canada Olympic Park is described as an international staple in the world’s winter sport community, having hosted many international ski and snowboard events, bobsledding and the 1988 Winter Olympic Games.

“Calgary is the perfect destination for this competition,” says Joseph Schow, Minister of Tourism and Sport. “WinSport’s amazing infrastructure and the city’s warm hospitality are destined to leave a lasting impression with athletes on the world stage. We are ready to deliver the best World Cup yet and put Alberta on the map as the best venue on the FIS circuit.”

Alberta’s government has announced it is providing the event with $100,000 in funding. Officials say the province’s next generation of athletes will be in awe as their heroes fly up the 22-foot Olympic level halfpipe to execute an array of spins, flips and grabs. Seven Albertans representing the full Canadian squad are set for glory with having the home-country crowd cheering them on, officials point out.

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“Hosting Canada Snowboard’s World Cup snowboarding events in Alberta is vital for the development of the sport in the region,” adds Dustin Heise, chief executive officer, Canada Snowboard. “This event not only showcases Alberta’s stunning snowboarding venues, but it also brings significant economic benefits to the province. Moreover, hosting these events in Alberta provides invaluable opportunities for local athletes to showcase their skills while competing at an international level.”

Provincial officials say Canada boasts a strong record in Olympic snowboarding events with a total of 17 Olympic podium finishes since the 1998 Winter Olympics in Nagano, Japan, including Edmonton’s Mike Robertson securing silver in men’s snowboard cross at the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympic Games.

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