Lake Louise
Lake Louise in Alberta, Canada is preparing to host the first event of the ski world cup downhill season with their annual Winterstart contest.
After a promising pre-season in October warm temperatures have made the start of winter 2010-11 a little less snowy than 2009 but Lake Louise was able to open on schedule on November 5th, the first resort in Canada to do so after the planned October 30th opening of Banff neighbour Mount Norquay was delayed by the warm conditions.
This year racers will be preparing for the Alpine skiing world Championships in Garmisch, this time last year all the preparations were for the Whistler Olympics.
It was quite a controversial Winterstart in 2009 too with several of Canada's favourite downhillers put out of action for the season, missing the Games, as a result of injuries sustained. This played a part in a delegation of racers approaching the FIS with a long list of requests for safety enhancements on Downhill Courses, a list which a working committee are currently investigating.
This year's contest kicks off on November 27/28th with the Men's downhill, the first Ladies race is a week later on December 3rtd to 5th.
The entertainment doesn't stop with the races. The festival area, located at the base of the mountain, will be packed with activities for the whole family and is free to enter.
Inside the festival area there will be tons of giveaways, free hot chocolate, ice sculptures, and contests.
Guests will also be able to view the finish area and cheer on the World Cup athletes as they cross the finish line!