The Tremblant Alpine Skiing World Cup made its thrilling debut in December 2023, leaving spectators, athletes, and organizers buzzing with excitement. Nicholas Cogger, the head of the organizing committee, reflects on the event’s success and outlines ambitious plans for the upcoming edition in December 2024. Let us delve into the highlights of last year’s event, the lessons learned, and the future of the event.
Reflecting on 2023: A Smooth and Successful Debut
The first edition of the Tremblant Alpine Skiing World Cup was a resounding success, particularly in terms of the competition itself. Cogger highlights that the experience for the athletes was a major focus, with meticulous preparation of the course, top-notch snowmaking, and excellent snow quality. “We put everything into it“, he says, emphasizing that despite the risks of hosting an event so early in the season, the effort paid off. The feedback from athletes, both Canadian and international, was overwhelmingly positive. Many remarked that it felt like a well-established event rather than a first-year attempt, which Cogger considers a major highlight.
This strong foundation has encouraged the organizing team to maintain their focus on the athlete experience while shifting more attention to enhancing the spectator experience for the 2024 event.
Elevating the Spectator Experience in 2024
In 2023, the event attracted 15,000 spectators over the weekend, and Cogger expects this number to grow to between 15,000 and 20,000 this year. Recognizing the need to accommodate and engage this larger audience, the committee has planned several key improvements.
One significant enhancement is the expansion of the general admission spectator area. Last year, the crowd nearly spilled over at the bottom of the course, so this year the general viewing area will extend further up the slope. This expansion will include additional infrastructure, food and beverage options, and entertainment, ensuring that the crowd can fully enjoy the event.
“It’s really about creating an atmosphere.”
Additionally, a third large screen will be installed near the base of the waterfall, providing better visibility of the action from all angles. “It’s really about creating an atmosphere“, Cogger notes, with the integration of partners, crowd animations, music, and more. The grandstand will also be enlarged to accommodate more fans, and those with tickets in this area will have access to a dedicated food and drink service.
Learning and Improving
The 2023 event was not without its challenges, but Cogger believes that the organizing team’s detailed planning and contingency measures were key to its success. The weather cooperated, with cold enough temperatures for snowmaking and manageable wind conditions. However, the team is not taking any chances this year.
“We’re always looking to evolve and find new ways to enhance the experience.”
For 2024, with the event scheduled a week later in December, the team gains the advantage of an additional week for snow production. They have also reinforced the windbreak wall at the start of the Flying Mile course, which played a vital role in ensuring the race could proceed on the second day last year. These enhancements will make the wall even more sturdy. Additionally, a new permanent timing cabin will be installed at the finish line, which will serve as an employee break room the rest of the year.
The feedback from the International Ski Federation (FIS) has been overwhelmingly positive so far this year, and the organizing committee is determined to stay on this path. Cogger emphasizes that the committee has been continuously meeting and planning since the conclusion of last year’s event, always looking for ways to build on their strengths and improve. “We’re not content with the status quo“, he says.
Engaging the Next Generation
For Cogger, one of the most important aspects of the event’s evolution is its impact on young spectators. He hopes that by witnessing world-class skiing in their own backyard, these young fans will be inspired to pursue the sport at a high level. “The real evolution of this event is about the impact it can have on the Quebec ski community“, he says. Seeing top athletes in action could ignite a passion for skiing among local youth, potentially leading to future World Cup competitors.
“The real evolution of this event is about the impact it can have on the Quebec ski community.”
As December 2024 approaches, the anticipation is building. With meticulous planning, expanded infrastructure, and a continued commitment to excellence, the Tremblant Alpine Skiing World Cup is poised to become an even more thrilling and memorable event for athletes, spectators, and the entire Tremblant community.
