Canmore Nordic Centre to host top cross-country skiers in final World Cup event

The Canmore Nordic Centre will host skiers from around the globe during Ski Tour Canada from March 8 to 12.

The Alberta government says this is the largest event of its kind hosted in Alberta sincethe 1988 Winter Olympics.

And it says this is the first time the Federation Internationale du Ski has hosted its final World Cup event of the season outsideEurope.

"This prestigious international competition inspires and teaches our young athletes that success in any sport, at any level, can be attained through commitment, hard work and dedication,"saidCulture and Tourism MinisterRicardoMiranda saidin a release.

"Cross country skiing is a sport that builds character and teaches discipline valuable lessons for living a life of excellence."

Thewinners of the final stages of the men's and women's World Cup circuit 2015-2016 season are to be decided over the four days of racing.

The event is expected to reach 12,000 spectators and 60 million TV viewers worldwide, according to the release.

"Events of this kind shine a global spotlight on our province, and prove the economic benefits of building and maintaining world-class recreational facilities," said Banff-Cochrane MLACameron Westhead, MLA said in the release.

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The CanmoreNordic Centre has been preparing for this event for a long time.

A spokeswoman says the snow conditions are very good.

The Nordic Centre makes its own snow and started making a good base before Christmas.