Photo Courtesy Alberta Parks

By Canadian Press

CANMORE NORDIC CENTRE, FEB. 9-13

It’s not just any loppet, it’s the World Cup

Feb 9, 2024 | 12:16 PM

Alberta will welcome almost 200 elite athletes from more than 20 countries to the 2024 COOP FIS Cross-Country World Cup Feb. 9-13.

Provincial officials note, Alberta has a strong legacy of hosting World Cup cross-country skiing events. Since 2005, the Canmore Nordic Centre, which was a 1988 Winter Olympic Games venue, has hosted six World Cups. The government says hosting the 2024 FIS Cross-Country World Cup will provide 24 Canadian athletes, including four Albertans, with the home-course advantage while inspiring the next generation of Alberta athletes.

Officials say the World Cup is set to bolster the Bow Valley region’s economy and display the magnificent scenery of the Canadian Rockies to up to 40 million viewers worldwide. The four-day event is expected to draw about 15,000 spectators, boost hotel bookings and increase activity at small businesses, resulting in an economic impact of about $8 million.

“We look forward to welcoming athletes and spectators from around the world to experience the warmth and hospitality that define our province,” says Joseph Schow, Minister of Tourism and Sport. “The FIS Cross-Country World Cup is poised to leave a legacy, promoting tourism, showcasing our province’s natural beauty and reinforcing our reputation as a world-class destination for major sport events.”

Alberta’s government says it is providing $850,000 in funding to plan, stage and deliver the FIS Cross-Country World Cup. The Canmore event, organized by the Alberta World Cup Society, will host two sprint races – one classic and one freestyle discipline – on the 1.3-kilometre course. A 10-kilometre freestyle race will take place on the five-kilometre loop and the 20-kilometre classic mass start race will take place on the 3.3-kilometre course.

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“Alberta’s parks are the premier destination for major winter sporting events,” adds Todd Loewen, Minister of Forestry and Parks. “The parks’ strong legacy of hosting sporting events like the 1988 Winter Olympic Games, paired with the beautiful snow-covered mountain tops, is sure to leave athletes and viewers from around the world with the desire to explore our parks.”

Government officials say the Canmore Nordic Centre is world-renowned for its courses, often deemed among the best on the World Cup circuit. The snow, preparation and course layouts are felt to be key contributors to the great turnout of World Cup teams in 2024. Organizers say confirmed attendees include powerhouse teams like Norway, Sweden, Finland and the United States, along with Ireland making its official debut.

“The Alberta World Cup Society is excited to welcome the world’s best cross-country skiers to Canmore Nordic Centre, once again,” exclaims Norbert Meier, vice-president and events chair, Alberta World Cup Society. “The 2024 COOP FIS Cross Country World Cup in Canmore will bring four thrilling days of racing and inject more than $8 million into the local economy. Thanks to the support of our partners, and more than 350 volunteers, we are delighted to host this incredible celebration of the ski community.”

Provincial officials say Canada boasts a strong track record in Olympic cross-country skiing, with Canadian women securing two gold medals and one silver medal over the last five Olympic Games, including Alberta’s Beckie Scott and Chandra Crawford both securing women’s gold in 2002 and 2006 respectively.