The 2008/09 FIS Alpine World Cup season will kick off in just three days on 25th-26th October in Sölden (AUT). It will be the 11th time that Sölden hosts the Audi FIS Alpine World Cup's Glacier Opening.

The official snow control for the season opening giant slalom races scheduled in Sölden this Saturday and Sunday was made last Thursday, 16th October 2008. Markus Mayr, FIS Race Director - Ladies' Technical Events conducted the control and gave green light for the races regarding snow conditions.

Commenting on the situation, he said: "Overall the conditions are good regardless of the rather thin snow cover. The cold weather in the last several days and freezing temperatures at night helped our preparations. On Tuesday, Hans Pieren, FIS Race Director - Men's Technical Events, together with the organizing team completed the work on the race piste with the injection beam."

He added: "The organizers are ready and the course will be prepared up to the requirements. There might be some new snow on Wednesday and / or Thursday which will require additional work from us but will surely not hurt the competition."

After a low weather front passes on Thursday, the forecast promises great improvement as of Friday and the weekend weather is expected to be quite nice.

FIS News