October 19, 2018 (Canmore, Alberta) – The Alberta World Cup Society is pleased to announce it has been awarded the rights to host the 2021 Masters World Cup by the World Masters Cross Country Ski Association. After a successful presentation at the annual meeting in Cogne, Italy, the National Directors voted to award the event to the AWCS. This event is due to take place in the Bow Valley from Feb 25 to March 5th 2021.

The Masters World Cup is held annually and brings together cross country skiers age 30 years and older for a week-long celebration of the sport and competition. 6 race days are held over a period of one week with numerous opportunities to also enjoy the cultural amenities of the host region. The 2019 MWC will be held in Beitostolen, Norway and the 2020 MWC will be in Cogne, Italy.

2021 marks the second time Canmore will be hosting the MWC, the first time being in 1995. This gives Canmore the distinction of joining a very small group of communities to host this prestigious event more than once. Previous Canadian communities to host the MWC include Sovereign Lakes (Vernon), BC and Val Cartier, Quebec. Event Chair Norbert Meier says:”This is going to be the biggest Nordic event to come to the Bow Valley in over 20 years. The competition will be intense and the camaraderie will be high. We know Nordic skiers love coming to the Bow Valley and we have a superb hosting track record giving participants the confidence they will really enjoy their stay with us.”

The AWCS expects to bring at least 1,200 skiers from around the world to Canmore in March 2021. Racing occurs in 5-year age groups with competitors as young as 30 years and as “experienced” as 90. This will be a true demonstration of cross country skiing as a life-long sport. Dave Rodney, CEO of Tourism Canmore Kananaskis, says:”This is the kind of event that keeps Canmore and the Bow Valley in the forefront of winter recreational tourism. We congratulate the AWCS in bringing the MWC 2021 to Canmore and look forward to winter tourism getting a real boost.” Including the days of official training, the entire event is expected to bring skiers to the Bow Valley for well over a week. The economic impact expected is substantial with competitors staying in local hotels, purchasing meals and enjoying amenities.

Meier said the next steps include securing adequate funding to host a successful event and engaging with sport partners and sponsors. An Organizing Committee will be formed under the auspices of the Alberta World Cup Society. The AWCS is also hosting the FIS Season Final cross country world cup in March 2020.

The Alberta World Cup Society continues to promote its mandate of developing and growing cross-country skiing in Alberta through hosting World Cup races and by providing resources for the development of officials, coaches and athletes. All these activities are made possible with the involvement of tireless volunteers who dedicate their time in different capacities to make this possible.