The American ski resort town was confirmed as the host of the event during the FIS Congress earlier this month and their organising committee has now welcomed the governing body’s chief race director Atle Skaardal.

He was joined by fellow FIS colleagues Markus Waldner, Markus Mayr, Emmanuel Couder, Andreas Krönner, and Mike Kertesz, as well as the US Ski Team.

After an inspection of the on and off hill facilities at the site, Skaardal confirmed that a couple of changes had been made to the course to help deliver an exciting competition.

“We’ll have great, exciting races here,” he said.

“We had great men’s speed races in the past, it was amazing, and in terms of technical events, we know Aspen has all the necessary requirements, so they will also guarantee great tech events.

“Some small changes have been made to the hill and start area, so we can deliver a very exciting team event in the lower section.”

It will be the first time in 20 years that the United States will host the World Cup Finals, with Vail having held the event in 1997.

The races will also bring a conclusion to the 50th anniversary season of the World Cup.

Accommodation needs and the recruitment of volunteers was also discussed during the technical visit, with around 300 and 400 volunteers deemed necessary.

Tiger Shaw, USSA President and chief executive, believes that Aspen will sign off the season in style and will help to boost ski racing across the country.

“Aspen has been a remarkable partner in a very largescale project to bring the best ski racers in the world to the USA for an end of season festival of the sport” he said.

“It’s an important part of our initiative to increase awareness of ski racing in America”.