Since preparations began for the inaugural edition in 2023, Nicholas Cogger, head of the organizing committee, has played a key role in bringing the PwC Tremblant World Cup to life and shaping its evolution. From transforming the Flying Mile to preparing the mountain, go behind the scenes of this world-class competition and discover the vision guiding its development.
Origins of the Tremblant World Cup
In the fall of 2023, just a few weeks before the inaugural World Cup event at Tremblant, Nicholas Cogger shared his excitement as the event approached. To welcome the world’s top female skiers, the Flying Mile had been transformed into a world-class race course through extensive widening and meticulous improvements. Nicholas also highlighted the dedication of Tremblant’s teams and the essential support of volunteers in delivering impeccable race conditions.
Why Tremblant? According to Nicholas, the destination has everything it takes to host an event of this magnitude, from its facilities to its well-established transportation systems. He also emphasized the energy of the crowd and the unique experience of watching a World Cup race from the foot of the slopes.
Looking Back on a Successful First Edition
Following the inaugural edition in December 2023, Nicholas reflected very positively on the event. The athlete experience had been a top priority, with meticulous course preparation, first-rate snowmaking and excellent snow quality.
“We gave it everything we had,” he explained. Despite the risks involved in hosting a competition so early in the season, the efforts paid off. Feedback from Canadian and international athletes, as well as the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS), was extremely positive, with many noting that the event already felt well established despite being its very first edition.
This strong foundation encouraged the organizing team to continue focusing on the athlete experience while exploring ways to further enhance the spectator experience.
“We’re always looking to evolve and find new ways to improve the experience.”
Always Learning and Improving
For Nicholas, meticulous planning and the contingency measures put in place by the organizing committee played a key role in the success of the inaugural edition. Several improvements have since been implemented. The general admission spectator area has been expanded, with more food and beverage options and additional entertainment. A third giant screen also provides a better view of the action, while the grandstand can now accommodate more spectators.
On the mountain, the windbreak wall at the start of the Flying Mile has been reinforced. It had played a crucial role in allowing the race to go ahead on the second day of competition in 2023. A permanent timing hut has also been planned for the finish area.
These preparations reflect the organizing committee’s commitment to learning from every experience and continuing to evolve the event.
“We’re not satisfied with the status quo,” says Nicholas.
“The true evolution of this event lies in the impact it can have on Quebec’s ski community.”
Engaging the Next Generation
Beyond the competition and spectator experience, one of the most important aspects of the event for Nicholas remains its impact on the next generation. Having the opportunity to watch a world-class ski competition at home allows young ski fans to see the world’s best athletes in action and, perhaps, inspires them to pursue their own ambitions of reaching the highest levels of the sport.
Since preparations first began in 2023, this drive to evolve has remained at the heart of the PwC Tremblant World Cup: learning from every experience, improving the facilities and creating an event that brings together athletes, spectators and the entire ski community.
