FIS Updates From The Dubrovnik Spring Alpine World Cup Meeting
The spring meetings returned for the first time after 2019 where they were held in exactly the same location, Cavtat - Dubrovnik (CRO).
As usual, to conclude the intense week of meetings with key stakeholders, Friday is dedicated to the members of the sub-committee for the Alpine World Cup, which gather to discuss specific points and proposals for the upcoming and future seasons of alpine events.
2023-24 Calendars
The provisional Calendars for the coming season were presented with some returns, some new entries and, of course, the classics.
As there are no major events scheduled, the weeks in February remain open, and therefore, It was considered to give space to organisers that do not always manage to be included in the calendar
The scheduling of the calendars was also made considering the climate changes. Therefore the opening of Soelden (AUT) was postponed by one week and, consequently, the World Cup Finals in Saalbach (AUT). Given last season's cancellations, the Speed opening in Zermatt-Cervinia (SUI-ITA) has been planned for later in November.
The World Cup Finals are presented in a fortnight to give more visibility to the disciplines usually scheduled during the week. Therefore both calendars present the first technical weekend followed by the speed one.
Women's Calendar
A fully balanced calendar with 11 competitions per discipline was presented.
As far as the women's World Cup is concerned, we revisit some resorts on the calendar that was missing last season, such as Val D'Isere (FRA) and Garmisch Partenkirchen (GER) with speed disciplines, and return to Jasna (SVK) and Val Di Fassa (ITA), which had been missing for a few years.
After a successful trial run during the Noraam Cup, a brand-new entry is Mont Tremblant (CAN), the Canadian resort that replaces Lake Louise in the women's calendar.
Men's Calendar
The men's calendar features a schedule of great classics with the return of Bansko (BUL) and Kvitjell (NOR) and the inclusion of the Gurgl (AUT) slalom, which will host a World Cup race for the first time.
Team Alpine Combined
Following the proposal submitted last season by the athletes' commission and after a successful trial run during the Junior World Championships in St.Anton (AUT), it was decided to give this format its first chance during the next World Cup season. In the men's calendar, Kitzbhuel (AUT) seems to be the first organiser to present this format, while the organiser has yet to be decided for the women's calendar. It consists of a Downhill or Super G run and a slalom run competed by nations who will field their best athletes in the individual disciplines. The rules are still being finalised.
Safety
There was much discussion on the topic of safety and it was agreed that airbags will become mandatory in the World Cup from the 2024-25 season.
All the proposals mentioned above are subject to the approval of the FIS Council on 24 May.
