FIS Women's Alpine Race Director Atle Skaardal, Birds of Prey Race Director Greg Johnson and USSA Technical Adviser Tommy Johnston tour construction of the new women's speed track being built in anticipation of the 2015 FIS Alpine World Ski Championships in Vail and Beaver Creek. (photo: Vail Valley Foundation/John Dakin)

FIS Impressed with 2015 Women’s Downhill

Avon, CO –International Ski Federation (FIS) Women’s Alpine Chief Race Director Atle Skaardal was impressed with the progress on the world’s newest women’s speed venue Tuesday as he inspected the Beaver Creek track currently being built in anticipation of the 2015 FIS Alpine World Ski Championships. Construction on the new course, located adjacent to Beaver Creek’s renowned Audi Birds of Prey men’s World Cup course, began July 2.

“There has been great work done and it is very accurate,” Skaardal said. “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.”

FIS Women's Alpine Race Director Atle Skaardal, Birds of Prey Race Director Greg Johnson and USSA Technical Adviser Tommy Johnston tour construction of the new women's speed track being built in anticipation of the 2015 FIS Alpine World Ski Championships in Vail and Beaver Creek. (photo: Vail Valley Foundation/John Dakin)
FIS Women’s Alpine Race Director Atle Skaardal, Birds of Prey Race Director Greg Johnson and USSA Technical Adviser Tommy Johnston tour construction of the new women’s speed track being built in anticipation of the 2015 FIS Alpine World Ski Championships in Vail and Beaver Creek. (photo: Vail Valley Foundation/John Dakin)

Crews have also cleared the new ladies’ technical course, which will traverse down Raven Ridge, entering the men’s Birds of Prey course near the Harrier Jump on skier’s left. Skaardal and members of the 2015 Organizing Committee, including U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association Vice President Events Calum Clark and Alpine Technical Adviser Tom Johnston toured the venue on Tuesday.

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“It’s absolutely amazing what this organizing committee has been able to accomplish in such a short amount of time,” noted Clark. “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.

“It’s exciting to watch the course take shape,” added 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.”

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 2015 FIS Alpine World Ski Championships are scheduled from Feb. 2-15, 2015 in Vail and Beaver Creek.

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