FIS officials praise progress on new women's downhill course at Beaver Creek

International ski racing officials this week toured Beaver Creek, site of a new women's downhill course, and said they were impressed by the progress on construction that began in July.

“There has been great work done and it is very accurate,” said Atle Skaardal, Women's Alpine Chief Race Director for the International Ski Federation (FIS). “Now we only have little things to tweak and small solutions to figure out. This course has everything in it and I know that it will be a great racecourse. I also know that the ladies are going to be very excited to race here.”

Construction on the new course, located adjacent to Beaver Creek's renowned Audi Birds of Prey men's World Cup course, began July 2. The new racecourse is scheduled to make its international debut Dec. 14-15, 2013 as the women's World Cup tour travels to Beaver Creek for downhill and super G competitions.

The course will then be the main attraction of the 2015 FIS Alpine World Ski Championships, scheduled for Feb. 2-15, 2015 in Vail and Beaver Creek.

“It's absolutely amazing what this organizing committee has been able to accomplish in such a short amount of time,” said Calum Clark, U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association Vice President of Events. “Standing on its own, this women's slope would be one of the best in the world with every element of modern downhill. It's a perfect complement to the men's Birds of Prey course and will carry every bit of the same reputation.”

The men race every year on the Birds of Prey course, and will do so again Nov. 30 through Dec. 2.

“It's exciting to watch the course take shape,” said Ceil Folz, President of the Vail Valley Foundation and 2015 Alpine World Ski Championships Organizing Committee. “Knowing that we are well on our way to having yet another world class racecourse in our own backyard is a real testament to the dedication and commitment of Vail Resorts and our entire community.”

Crews have also cleared the new ladies' technical course, which will traverse down Ravens Ridge, entering the men's Birds of Prey course near the Harrier Jump on skier's left.

For additional information on the 2015 FIS Alpine World Ski Championships, visit www.vailbeavercreek2015.com.

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