ASPEN, CO (Nov. 22) - The International Ski Federation Saturday confirmed the Aspen Winternational Audi FIS World Cup for next weekend, after a favorable on-course snow inspection Thursday on Aspen Mountain.  Up to two feet of new snow also fell on the Aspen resort region over the weekend. The women's giant slalom is set for Saturday, Nov. 28 with the slalom on Sunday, Nov. 29. NBC, Universal Sports and Versus will broadcast the races from Aspen.

 
Snowmaking is in full effect at Aspen (Aspen Skiing Company)

Crews at Aspen have been working 24/7 preparing the course and setting up safety fencing. Weather has cooperated with cold temperatures making for good snowmaking conditions.

"We've had an extraordinary effort from the on-mountain team at Aspen," said U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association Vice President, Events Calum Clark. "Snowmaking has gone very well and Aspen has five cats working almost non-stop positioning snow the entire length of the course."

Natural snow has also blanketed the region giving it a full-on winter feel. Weather is expected to warm a bit during the week, but officials anticipate continued good snowmaking temperatures.

"While the course has been fully prepared with manmade snow, the fresh snowfall over the weekend has really raised the enthusiasm of the crews who have been working around the clock to prepare the race course," added Clark.

Aspen Mountain is scheduled to open for the season on Thanksgiving Day, November 26.
 
A complete photo gallery from Aspen if available at http://ussa.smugmug.com.