Dire European conditions postpone World Cup snow controls

Snowmaking underway at Val Gardena as of Dec. 8. Facebook

A lack of snow and cold temperatures in Central Europe has already forced the relocation of one set of December World Cup races from Courchevel and Val d’Isere, France, to Are, Sweden. Now, the speed races scheduled for the week after are at risk of a similar fate.

The official snow control for the men’s speed races in Val Gardena, Italy, which are scheduled to begin with a training run on Dec. 17, has been postponed from Dec. 6 to Dec. 9. The Saslong is in rough shape right now, but artificial snowmaking has started at the resort as of today, according to photos posted on social media.

The snow control in Val d’Isere, France,  for the women’s World Cup events scheduled starting Dec. 18, has also been postponed from Dec. 7 to Dec. 10.

Given the time of the season surrounding the holidays and the fact that both genders would be seeking a replacement speed venue, it is unlikely the races will be successfully relocated over the same dates should the venues fail the postponed snow controls.