March 21, 2019 (Alberta) – The Alberta World Cup Cross Country Ski Society is pleased to announce that the Government of Alberta is providing financial support for the Cross Country Ski Masters World Cup 2021.

The Masters World Cup 2021 will be held in Canmore on February 27 – March 5, 2021 at the world-class Canmore Nordic Centre Provincial Park. Organizers plan to attract over 1,000 masters cross country skiers from around the world to this outstanding event. The Masters World Cup is held annually with the 2019 edition taking place in Beitostolen, Norway and the 2020 event slated for Cogne, Italy.

Canmore last held the Cross Country Ski Masters World Cup in 1995 and Canmore is one of 3 worldwide towns to have the honour of hosting this prestigious event twice.

The economic impact of the Cross Country Ski Masters World Cup 2021 is expected to be significant. With over 1,000 national and international skiers coming to Canmore for a 7-10 day period, the local economy will benefit greatly. The provincial support recognizes that economic impact, especially since it comes at a time of year when tourism levels are usually lower.

Cam Westhead, MLA Banff Cochrane : “The Alberta World Cup Society does incredible work attracting athletes and spectators to beautiful Canmore. They help shine a national and international spotlight on Alberta and the Bow Valley, generating an enormous economic impact, and leaving a positive legacy. I’m proud that our government has supported this event, and congratulate AWCS on this significant accomplishment.”

The Alberta World Cup Society has been working with Tourism Canmore to bring the Masters World Cup back to Canmore. Executive Director Dave Rodney states: “This major international cross country ski event is exactly the kind of event that TCK is encouraging to come to Canmore. We are excited by the prospect of so many international visitors being here at a time of year when we have great capacity to roll out the white carpet and host them. We love that these visitors are interested in
outdoor recreation and travel for their sport. We look forward to working with the Alberta World Cup Society in the months leading up to this major event.”

Athletes from around the world will come to Canmore for the MWC 2021. Racing in the different age groups, female and male athletes will range in age from 30 to 90+ years old. “The MWC 2021 will be a tremendous celebration of cross country skiing as a life-long sport”, according to Norbert Meier, Event Director for the AWCS, “and we are thrilled to have the opportunity to show skiers from around the world our beautiful town of Canmore and the world-class trails at the Canmore Nordic Centre.”

The Alberta World Cup Society has also hosted FIS cross country world cup events in Canmore since 2005 and is looking forward to hosting the Season Final FIS world cup in March 2020. “It’s exciting to have 2 world cup events on our schedule – the FIS Season Final in 2020 and the Masters World Cup in 2021. Both events will showcase the best in cross country skiing – the best international xc ski stars 2020 and the masters competition in 2021 with skiers of all ages from around the world.”

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