December 18, 2004 – Alberta will host world cup cross-country ski races next year in
Canmore. It will be the first time the races have been held in Canada in a
decade, and will be one of the last events during Alberta’s Centennial
year. They will feature over 150 athletes from 16 countries, including
Alberta’s own Beckie Scott and Sara Renner.

The cross-country ski races will take place in Canmore Nordic Centre
Provincial Park in December 2005. The cross-country and biathlon sport
facilities and trails at the Canmore Nordic Centre are being upgraded to
meet current international standards. The races will kick off with a
four-person relay among nations on December 15, 2005. On December 17, men
will ski 30 km and women 15 km on the Olympic trails and the new Centennial
trails. Culminating the week of racing and ski festival activities will be
the team sprints on December 18. Two world cup races will also be held at
Sovereign Lake in Vernon, B.C. on December 10 and 11, 2005.

“An upgraded Canmore Nordic Centre puts Alberta back on the world scene for
the 2005 World Cup, and for events leading up to and after the 2010 Winter
Olympics,” said Gary Mar, Minister of Community Development. “These
upgrades will benefit recreational and competitive skiers alike.”

“Our investment ensures that the Nordic Centre will continue its standing
as a world-class facility,” said Dr. Lyle Oberg, Minister of Infrastructure
and Transportation. “Albertans and cross country skiing enthusiasts from
around the world will benefit from a revitalized facility in one of
Canada’s most scenic destinations.”

“In addition to the ski races, volunteers from throughout Alberta and the
host community of Canmore are busy planning creative activities such as a
street dance, arts displays and a Nordic Stampede,” said Robert Hogg,
co-chair of the World Cup Local Organizing Committee. “There will be
entertainment for the spectators throughout the race days. Bring your
skis! Ski the recreational trails in Kananaskis Country and at the Canmore
Nordic Centre. There will be fun for the whole family.”

“Hosting the 2005 World Cup events during Alberta’s Centennial year gives
us the opportunity to showcase our community and a revitalized Canmore
Nordic Centre, which will have significant economic, sport and recreation
impacts, locally,” added Ron Casey, Mayor of Canmore.

The provincial government is working to minimize the impact of construction
upgrades on users of the trails and facilities in Canmore Nordic Centre
Provincial Park. Recreational users will continue to enjoy the use of
trails in the park; staff are investigating alternate, safe, access points