Still Too Early to Determine Viability for 2020 Xfinity Birds of Prey World Cup
Following the International Ski Federation's (FIS) annual spring meetings, there was some misinformation being circulated about decisions made and key dates discussed. This week, the Vail Valley Foundation (VVF), organizer of the Xfinity Birds of Prey FIS Ski World Cup, made it clear in a release that it is still too early to determine the possible effects of COVID-19 on the event, which is currently scheduled to take place Dec. 4-6 in Beaver Creek, Colo.
Note: following the FIS meetings, the 2020-21 calendars have been confirmed, though the situation will be monitored closely. On request of the FIS Discipline Technical Committees, a Task Force specific to each event will be installed to undertake on-going monitoring of Covid-19 relating matters that may arise leading up to each FIS World Cup Event and implement necessary actions.
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The nonprofit Vail Valley Foundation, the local organizers of the Xfinity Birds of Prey FIS Ski World Cup, today released a statement that it is too early to tell the possible effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the event, which is currently scheduled to take place Dec. 4-6 in Beaver Creek.
“We are working closely with the FIS, U.S. Ski and Snowboard, Vail Resorts, Beaver Creek Resort Company, and many others to take a look at all possible options to host our races this season, but it is too early to tell what effects the COVID-19 pandemic may have on the World Cup season,” said Sarah Franke, Vice President of Operations and Marketing for the Vail Valley Foundation.
“The safety and well-being of our athletes, fans, staff, volunteers, media, and everyone involved in this spectacular athletic event each year are paramount,” Franke said. “With that in mind, we are doing our due diligence with our partners, and looking at all options, including the continuation of the event as planned,” Franke said.
The event as planned includes a weeklong celebration of the sport of ski racing, welcoming winter into the Rocky Mountains, culminating with three days of top-tier racing from the world’s best men’s ski racers in super G, downhill, and giant slalom racing.
Ideas for changing or rescheduling the FIS Ski World Cup racing season, including the Xfinity Birds of Prey, have abounded in the media and in ski racing fan circles, but organizers say there have been no decisions made at this time, and none are expected until late summer or early autumn.
On request of the FIS Discipline Technical Committees, a Task Force specific to each event will be installed to undertake on-going monitoring of Covid-19 relating matters that may arise leading up to each FIS World Cup Event and implement necessary actions.
The group per event will comprise the key stakeholders from the decision-making bodies and experts who can provide advice with one representative each from the National Ski Association organizing nation, the respective LOC, broadcast-commercial rights holder, FIS Race Director and Management, Medical Committee representative, Discipline Committee Chair and Council Member from the organizing nation.
The Vail Valley Foundation, which serves as the local organizing committee for the Xfinity Birds of Prey FIS Ski World Cup, said they would communicate any new information to partners, volunteers, and the public as soon as any decisions are made.
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About the Xfinity Birds of Prey FIS Ski World Cup
Ranked as the number one overall stop by the athletes and coaches who participate, the Xfinity Birds of Prey FIS Ski World Cup in Beaver Creek has become legendary in the ski world.
Beaver Creek Mountain is home to the formidable Birds of Prey racecourse, challenging an international roster of top athletes for one week of racing featuring Men’s alpine super G, downhill and giant slalom competitions. The event is organized by the non-profit Vail Valley Foundation, in close partnership with the FIS, United States Ski and Snowboard, Vail Resorts, the Beaver Creek Resort Company, Beaver Creek Resort, Xfinity, and TIAA Bank.
About the Vail Valley Foundation
The Vail Valley Foundation is a 501c3 Colorado nonprofit corporation with a mission to enhance the quality of life in the Vail Valley and showcase our community to a global audience through arts, athletics, and education.
The organization’s work in education is through YouthPower365, a 501c3 Colorado nonprofit corporation with a mission to provide year-round extended learning opportunities that empower and educate the youth and families of Eagle County from cradle-to-career readiness. The Vail Valley Foundation also provides the Vail Valley with several of its most treasured annual events, such as the GoPro Mountain Games, the Xfinity Birds of Prey FIS Ski World Cup races, the Vail Dance Festival, and the Hot Summer Nights and ShowDown Town free concert series’. The Vail Valley Foundation also manages and operates two performing arts centers, the Vilar Performing Arts Center in Beaver Creek Village and the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater in Vail, providing more than 100 Broadway, dance, comedy, classical, rock, pop, jazz, community and family events per year.
Vail Valley Foundation activities and events are in part made possible by cornerstone partners: the Town of Vail, Vail Resorts, Beaver Creek Resort Company, GMC, and TIAA Bank.
To learn more about the Vail Valley Foundation activities and events visit www.vvf.org.
Release courtesy of the Vail Valley Foundation