The Audi FIS Alpine Ski World Cup is poised for the 2008/09 slalom opening at Levi (FIN), which will take place this weekend. Following the positive snow control last Thursday, the organizers up North have been busy preparing the race and training slopes. Several teams have already been training at Levi since the beginning of the week. After a few days of temperatures at or slightly above freezing, true winter weather is forecast for the weekend with approximately -10C and some snowfall.

More than 20’000 spectators are expected at the two races on the weekend, when the ladies compete on Saturday 15th November and the men on Sunday 16th November and the organizers have put great emphasis on involving local schools and youngsters to bring them to the events. Both races as well as Friday’s and Saturday’s bib draws can be viewed through live streaming on the new FIS Alpine World Cup website at www.fisalpineworldcup.com.

Levi is one of the largest, if not the largest, ski resorts in Finnish Lapland. The Levi fell reaches 531 meters above sea level, boasting 48 slopes (15 of which are lit) and 26 lifts including the only gondola lift in Finland. This year’s events are the fourth time that the resort serves as a FIS World Cup host since February 2004.