The second Coordination Group Meeting for the 2021 FIS Alpine World Ski Championships was held in Cortina d’Ampezzo (ITA) last week. The delegation welcomed by Paolo Nicoletti CEO of the Local Organising Committee included technical and administrative staff from FIS led by Secretary General Sarah Lewis, representatives from the Italian Ski Association, FISI, led by Alpine skiing director Massimo Rinaldi and representatives of Infront Sports & Media.

The primary focus of the two days of meetings was on the work being undertaken to develop the courses and finish areas. The speed events will finish at a new location in the traditional Rumerlo area, where the current ladies’ World Cup races are staged. Meanwhile the slalom finish area will be newly constructed, while using portions of the former Olympic slalom Druscie course. An additional investment will be in the transportation system to and from the mid-mountain finish areas. The Italian Government has already confirmed significant investment to upgrade road to Cortina and EUR 40 million for installations including the courses The Government has also approved a decree to the law to facilitate the construction projects.

After the outdoor inspections, meetings took place the following day during which a full agenda of organisational aspects of the 2021 World Championships were presented and discussed. The Cortina 2021 team, together with FISI, presented its progress in the last six months, including formally presenting the stunning corporate identity and logo and detailing updates on the recruitment of volunteers and the vision for the fan experience during the World Championships.

"This was an extremely valuable visit shortly after the appointment by the Italian Winter Sport Association of Alessandro Benetton as President of the Local Organising Committee”, said FIS Secretary General Sarah Lewis. “During these two days, we could cover many essential areas and look into the road map and timelines to 2021. The basis is now in place to advance the planning for the Cortina 2021 FIS Alpine World Ski Championships, after recent confirmation of significant support from the Government Authorities with construction projects."