Both Whistler and Panorama, B.C. are in the mix as potential hosts of men's World Cup speed events in the future.
According to a report first published by the Canadian Press, Alpine Canada is seeking a Western Canadian replacement for the men's downhill that, up until 2022 was held each year in Lake Louise, Alta.
"What we really want to do is build, I'll call it a national alpine speed training centre. There are not too many places in the country where our athletes can train speed in early winter, late spring," said Alpine Canada president and chief executive officer Therese Brisson. "Where can we build a national training centre for speed with safety equipment, air fence, crash pads and where do we have the right weather patterns for that?
"And also, what would be a sensible location for a World Cup? There's places like Panorama and Whistler that rise to the top."
World Cup events on home snow are vital for Alpine Canada's bottom line. For instance, the recent cancellation of women's giant slalom in Mont-Tremblant, Que. due to warm weather lost the organization at least $1 million in lost fundraising and race costs.
Discounting the COVID-stricken 2020 campaign, Canada has hosted a World Cup annually for 30 years.
