Construction underway on Sestriere's 2006 Olympic skiing venues{mosimage}Construction is underway on the mountains that will host the alpine ski races at the 2006 Winter Olympics. Sestriere and San Sicario, which will host the men's and women's alpine events, respectively, are receiving a summertime face-lift.

In March, when the World Cup Finals came to Sestriere, the president of the FIS, Gian-Franco Kasper, told local organizers to hurry up their pace. Speaking to Ski Racing 's Gary Black Jr., Kasper cited deficiencies in finish areas, lodging, transportation and managing credentials. "The finish area wasn't even up to Europa Cup standards," said Kasper of the men's downhill course.

The on-hill preparation, at least, is being addressed. Vialattea, the company that manages the several mountains that are home to the race venues, has posted photos of the course building on their website. Click here to view the photo gallery:

OLYMPIC COURSES

In addition to the Olympics, the mountains are hosting World Cup races this season. Sestiere has a men's night slalom on December 13, and San Sicario has women's speed events in late February -- the Olympic test events.