The season finale for the world’s best halfpipe snowboarders will take place at WinSport, Canada’s only World Cup level halfpipe. Alberta will be on display for the world to see with the competition set to be broadcast across 80 countries, further strengthening the province's position as the world’s top winter sport hub.
The World Cup will inject $12.1 million into Calgary's economy, driving people to local businesses and restaurants while drawing about 1,000 in-person spectators to Canada Olympic Park for the two-day event. Canada Olympic Park is an international staple in the world's winter sport community, having hosted many international ski and snowboard events, bobsledding and the 1988 Winter Olympic Games.
“Calgary is the perfect destination for this competition. WinSport’s amazing infrastructure and the city’s warm hospitality are destined to leave a lasting impression with athletes on the world stage. We are ready to deliver the best world cup yet and put Alberta on the map as the best venue on the FIS circuit.”
Alberta’s government is providing the event with $100,000 in funding. The province’s next generation of athletes will be in awe as their heroes fly up the 22-foot Olympic level halfpipe to execute an array of spins, flips and grabs. Seven Albertans representing the full Canadian squad are set for glory with having the home-country crowd cheering them on.
“Hosting Canada Snowboard’s World Cup snowboarding events in Alberta is vital for the development of the sport in the region. This event not only showcases Alberta’s stunning snowboarding venues, but it also brings significant economic benefits to the province. Moreover, hosting these events in Alberta provides invaluable opportunities for local athletes to showcase their skills while competing at an international level.”
Canada boasts a strong record in Olympic snowboarding events with a total of 17 Olympic podium finishes since the 1998 Winter Olympics in Nagano, Japan, including Edmonton’s Mike Robertson securing silver in men’s snowboard cross at the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympic Games.