New Biathlon Building and Expanded Stadium Ready to Welcome World-Class Para Athletes
CANMORE, AB – The Alberta World Cup Society (AWCS) is delighted to announce the successful conclusion of the FIS Site Visit for the upcoming FIS Para Cross-Country World Cup, scheduled to take place in Canmore December 4,6,7. FIS officials concluded their comprehensive review with positive feedback, affirming the readiness of the Alberta World Cup Society to host this significant international event at the Canmore Nordic Centre Provincial Park.
Organizing Committee leadership volunteers and FIS representatives connect at a casual BBQ, fostering collaboration during the recent FIS Site Visit in Canmore. Photo Credit: AWCS
A productive meeting between AWCS and FIS representatives, laying the groundwork for the successful FIS Para Cross-Country World Cup in Canmore this December. Photo Credit: Georg Zipfel
This site visit was a crucial step in the preparations, allowing FIS representatives to assess the venue’s enhancements, particularly the integration of the new Biathlon Building into the hosting plan and the expansion of the stadium specifically designed to accommodate the unique needs of Para races. These infrastructure improvements are part of a broader commitment to ensuring a world-class experience for all athletes and officials.
“We are incredibly pleased with the outcome of the FIS Site Visit. Their positive assessment validates the preparations being made by the AWCS and its Organizing Committee and the significant investments made in the Canmore Nordic Centre, particularly the thoughtful design of our new Biathlon Building and the expanded stadium, which are pivotal for hosting Para events at the highest standard. This World Cup is not just a competition; it’s a key preparation for Canada’s Para Cross Country National team, as they gear up for the Paralympic Winter Games, continuing our proud tradition of hosting pre-Games events.” said Norbert Meier, Vice President, Events Chair, AWCS.
Inspection of New courses at the Canmore Nordic Centre Provincial Park. Photo Credit: Georg Zipfel
“With the construction of the new functional building in the Biathlon Arena, a very high international standard for skiing has been achieved. The stadium and the entire track network can be used multifunctionally in winter and summer. Canmore therefore fulfils all the requirements for staging the FIS Para Cross-Country World Cup in December 2025.” said Georg Zipfel, FIS Race Director Para Cross-Country
“It’s been some good work to put together some courses that make us of the new stadium layout. We’ve tried to create accessible courses that can be used as legacy pieces for the future. We’re aiming to provide courses that are fun and challenging and can help support Canadian Athletes’ development as they learn to compete on world class courses.” said Brian McKeever, Nordiq Canada, Para Nordic Ski Team Coach.
The successful site visit reinforces Canmore’s reputation as a premier destination for Nordic sports, capable of delivering exceptional events. The AWCS, supported by its dedicated volunteers, is now fully focused on the final preparations for December.
“Hosting an event of this caliber requires an extraordinary team, and we are incredibly fortunate to have such a wealth of local volunteer talent,” added Nancy Richard, Local Organizing Committee Chair, AWCS. “Their dedication will be paramount in ensuring a fair, safe, and impeccably run competition for all.”
The December 2025 FIS Para Cross-Country World Cup promises to be a thrilling showcase of athletic excellence and a testament to Canmore’s enduring commitment to the global ski family. This will be followed by the IBU Para Biathlon World Cup from December 11-14, organized by the Alberta Events Hosting Society for Biathlon, creating an extended festival of Para Nordic sport.