These dates have been confirmed at today’s FIS Calendar Conference in Turkey.

A Super-G and a downhill are scheduled in Gardena/Gröden for December 17th and 18th, 2010 whereas the traditional giant slalom is scheduled on the Gran Risa in Alta Badia on December 19th. There won’t be a slalom in this year’s World Cup program. “We are confident that the slalom will return in the next few years” states Marcello Varallo, President of World Cup Alta Badia. The preparations for the giant slalom have already begun. “We are renovating the arrival area to adapt to the standards set by FIS” adds Mr. Varallo. “There will also be a new bridge over the river Gader.”

Following North America (Lake Luise and Beaver Creek), Gardena/Gröden will be host of European’s first speed events as Val d’Isère (FRA) is hosting technical events only this year. “This increases the importance of our races” states Edmund Dellago, President of World Cup Gardena/Gröden. “Expectations will run high as this will be the athletes’ first opportunity to show their power on European soil”.

Both Presidents agree that close cooperation and coordination is ever more important given strong international competition. Based on their comments, both Mr. Dellago and Mr. Varallo agree that the FIS Calendar Conference has gone smoothly. Erich Demetz, Chairman of the Alpine World Cup FIS Sub Committee ran the meeting.

The 47th FIS Congress is currently taking place in Antalya, Turkey. Approximately 1000 delegates from 100 nations are in attendance. Highlight of the Congress is the selection of the 2015 Ski World Championship host. Cortina, St. Moritz and Vail are the last three contenders. The winner will be announced tomorrow.