FIS Alpine World Ski Championships confirmed following positive snow control

The 2019 FIS Alpine World Ski Championships in Åre (SWE) were officially confirmed by the International Ski Federation (FIS) on Monday following a positive snow control at the venue. Great snow conditions and a massive amount of work ensured that the Championships were given a green light and competitions will be carried out as planned. The first medal event will be the ladies’ super-G on 5 February 2019.

There is plenty of snow in Åre; the snow measurements confirmed at least 80 centimeters of snow on the competition slopes and more than 70 cm along the courses.

"We had no measurement with less than 80 centimeters of snow and there is likely much more than that in many places," said Anders Sundqvist, Åre 2019 Sport Director.

After few weeks of prime winter weather, with cold temperatures and at times heavy snowfall, the slopes in Åre are in excellent shape. All the planned snow-making activities and course preparations have been completed as planned.

"Ninety-nine percent of the planned snow has now been produced and moved to where it is needed, with a couple of minor adjustments still needed on the training slopes and glide track," remarked Tom Johnston who represented the FIS at the snow control.

The challenging weather over Christmas and New Year’s, with temperatures above freezing and significant precipitation, were not ideal for holidaymakers but proved extremely beneficial for the base on the race slopes. Even the lowest parts of the competition slopes are now firm.

"The rain helped firm up the base, and the dry snow that has fallen since then will become hard when we now add some water. The preparation is mostly finished; I would say we are race ready," added Sundqvist. "We will now add some finishing touches. With a great base we will ensure safe and fair conditions for all competitions."

On Sunday, the qualification slopes in Duved were injected with water to help provide a hard surface. During the following week, the resort operator SkiStar’s groomer team and slope staff will break the top of the snow surface and inject the competition slopes in the National Arena.

"There is a positive forecast for the final preparations," noted Johnston.

"We are thrilled that we have so much snow here in Åre. Our partner SkiStar has done a marvelous job with the slopes’ base preparation and we will have excellent conditions when the world’s best racers arrive in two short weeks. Indeed, the entire resort will offer great skiing thanks to the excellent winter weather we have right now," said Niklas Carlsson, CEO of Åre 2019.

Release courtesy of Åre 2019