FIS approves 1st PyeongChang test event

By Nam Hyun-woo

The organizing committee of the PyeongChang Olympics said Wednesday that the Jeongseon Alpine Center was officially approved for the venue of International Ski Federation’s (FIS) Ski World Cup series in February, which is the first test event before the 2018 Winter Games.

Questions had lingered whether the course in Jeongseon, Gangwon Province, could host the men’s downhill and Super-G races from Feb. 6 to 7 because of the slow progress in snowmaking and other setbacks in construction. As the FIS gave green light to the organizers, the center will stage the races as the first in a series of 28 test events for the PyeongChang Olympics and Paralympics.

FIS Technical Expert Guenter Hujara who inspected the course from Tuesday said: “The slope is ready and snow conditions on the hill are great; there is enough snow prepared to very high standards.

“I have no doubt that athletes will enjoy the excellent course here at Jeongseon,” he said.

According to the organizers, Hujara checked the quality and quantity of the snow, safety preparations and also took a ride on the gondola up to the top of the course.

The organizers said that they will use the remaining days to make sure all operations are ready.

“I am extremely happy to hear the positive results,” said chief organizer Cho Yang-ho. “We will concentrate on a successful World Cup competition next month and focus on preparations for the Games in 2018,” he said.