The visit started just a day after the launch of a new committee to oversee both Olympic and Paralympic test events, with 28 such competitions scheduled for the period between February 2016 and April 2017.

But, with construction deadlines tight, concerns remain over whether several of the venues will be ready in time.

International Ski Federation President Gian Franco Kasper, a member of the IOC Coordination Commission, warned that for Alpine and freestyle skiing there is little margin for error.

Renovation at the freestyle ski and snowboard venue at Bokwang Snow Park is required, but at the new Jeongseon Alpine Centre - where downhill, giant slalom and super combined competitions are scheduled to be held - completion is not due until October 2016.

"It is going to be tight," the Swiss IOC member, who said last month it would be "impossible" to stage these test events, told insidethegames today.

"But we can't afford not to hold test events because we will have to see how the course works and whether changes need to be made.

"That is vital in an event like downhill, as skiers are travelling so fast."

Officials, including IOC Coordination Commission chair Gunilla Lindberg (far left) and Pyeongchang 2018 chairman Cho Yang-ho (second left), during today's venue tour ©ITG


The skiing venue was not among those visited by the IOC today, as the Commission, chaired by Sweden's IOC Executive Board member Gunilla Lindberg, began proceedings here at the coastal cluster, where the ice sports, including figure skating and short track speed skating, are due to be held. 

International Skating Union President Ottavia Cinquanta, another Commission member, told insidethegames afterwards that he was "pleased" with progress on a venue which is currently around 10 per cent completed.

But the Italian added he is not "totally satisfied" and it is still possible changes could be made.

The Gangneung Oval speed skating venue, the Gangneung and Kwandong Hockey Centres and the Gangneung Curling Centre, the only ice venue not being developed from scratch, are also being visited, as well as the Alpensia Sliding Centre where luge, bobsleigh and skeleton will all be held.

An artists impression of the Alpensia Sliding Centre, another venue due to be completed by October 2016 ©Pyeongchang 2018



With several calls for the sliding venue to be shifted to Japan to avoid expensive construction costs over recent months, organisers were keen to point out the strong progress, with the venue reportedly 20 per cent completed and utilising, what they claim, are innovative construction techniques.

The official opening of the Coordination Commission inspection is due to take place tomorrow morning at the Lakai Sandpine Resort Hotel Convention Centre in Gangneung.