January 9, 2003 – The U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association is reviewing its World Cup strategy, looking for a new site after the announcement by Park City Mountain Resort that it could no longer host the opening early-season races. USSA President and CEO Bill Marolt was optimistic at being able to find a new site, and to use the change as an opportunity look at new ways to build excitement for ski racing.

“Park City Mountain Resort, under the leadership of the Badami and Cumming families, has been a pioneer in World Cup ski racing,” said Marolt. “We're disappointed that Park City can no longer host races at that time of year, but we also truly understand the business decision. We plan to continue to be partners with the resort going forward.

“And we do hope that early-season World Cup ski racing can return to Park City Mountain Resort in the future.”

Park City had been the anchor of the early-season World Cup calendar since the 1980's, showing the world that U.S. resorts had the technology to make snow early for racing and recreation. Since the World Cup moved to a permanent opening in North America in the 1990's, North American resorts have racked up a track record of over 90% success in running events on schedule, compared to less than 60% for European sites in pre-holiday races. Park City Mountain Resort had been hoping for a mid-season date, but World Cup calendars are fixed for several years out.

“Our task now is to find another U.S. early-season site,” said Marolt. “And at the same time, we want to look at ways to better capitalize on our narrow window of exposure for the sport in America.”

USSA officials had been planning on a 2004-05 calendar with Park City. The Utah resort had been scheduled for a men's giant slalom and slalom Nov. 20-21, followed by a women's GS and slalom on Thanksgiving weekend, Nov. 26-27. Beaver Creek, Colo. Is on the calendar for a men's downhill and super G Dec. 4-5.

Marolt looks for the sport to still play a large role in the Olympic community of Park City. In addition to events that Park City Mountain Resort will continue to produce, Deer Valley Resort has established itself as a mainstay on the World Cup freestyle circuit, and World Cup ski jumping is returning this year to the Utah Olympic Park.

“The Olympic legacy will continue in Park City,”said Marolt. “And in addition to major events, we continue to see Park City as the home base for many of our elite athletes in all sports.”

USSA had no immediate timetable for determining a new World Cup plan. Marolt expects discussions to take place during the remainder of the winter, with the final 2004-05 calendar to be finalized at the FIS Congress in Miami in early June.