Representatives of the International ski Federation FIS, the Italian ski Federation FISI, the organizing Committee of the world Cup Fondazione Cortina 2021 and the municipality of Cortina d’ampezzo took part in the 8th meeting of the Coordination group of the FIS 2021 Alpine skiing world Cup, which was held in the format of an online conference. 
The main focus was on the events held by Fondazione Cortina 2021 in connection with the championship – the readiness of infrastructure projects, sports facilities, the development of marketing and communication.
As you know, in March this year, the resort of Cortina d’ampezzo lost the opportunity to host the final of the Audi FIS world Cup in Alpine skiing, which would have been the last test of readiness and would have demonstrated the charm and hospitality of Cortina. However, before the introduction of quarantine measures, a large amount of work was done by national and local authorities, and many facilities were checked for readiness. In particular, work was completed on upgrading the slopes, managing logistics in the Rumerlo area, and installing temporary structures at the competition venues (bleachers, tents, TLC services, containers, etc.).
The FIS management was shown the Olympia and Vertigine tracks on Tofana, the Lacedelli track in Cinque Torri, the bypass in Rumerlo and the new Freccia nel Cielo cable car. At the same time, work continues on the Labirinti highway, the construction of a bypass in the Druscie area, the road to Gilardon and the construction of the Son de Prade-Bai de Dones cable car (between the ski areas of Tofana and Cinque Torri), which will be completed by December 2020.
The meeting considered various scenarios envisaged due to the coronavirus epidemic that could affect all sporting events of the next season. Taking into account the uncertainty of the situation at the global level, which is typical for all sports, representatives of the organizing Committee of the world Cup 2021 listed a draft of events that will ensure the success of the competition – including with restrictions on the number of spectators.
In this regard, the representatives of the Fondazione Cortina 2021 organizing Committee assured that they are determined to complete the last stage of preparation for the world Cup. At the same time, the priority will be to ensure the health and safety of all those who decide to take part in it – athletes, coaches, journalists, volunteers and operators, spectators and local residents.
In this context, the creation of the infrastructure necessary for the effective organization of competitions, as well as the implementation of auxiliary structures, is guaranteed. Everything will be done in full compliance with the current sanitary rules and with the adoption of measures for social distancing and individual protection introduced by the health authorities.
“The work done so far has been positively evaluated by FIS Secretary General Sarah Lewis,” commented Valerio Giacobbi, CEO of Fondazione Cortina 2021. “We have a developed infrastructure and a great team that can guarantee that the upcoming FIS world Cup in Alpine skiing will be organized in the best possible way. However, we are facing a global health crisis that forces us to focus only on the near future. It is difficult to make forecasts now, but we have once again confirmed our readiness to maintain constant contacts with the main stakeholders (FIS, FISI, Infront and the Italian authorities), so that we can constantly monitor the situation and monitor the organizational and management structures. We hope that Cortina 2021 can become the first major sporting event to take place after the Covid pandemic, a symbol of rebirth for all of Italy.”
