Pyeongchang 2018 still has work to do according to members of IPC Alpine Skiing and Snowboard ©Getty Images

International Paralympic Committee (IPC) Alpine Skiing and Snowboarding has reiterated that Pyeongchang 2018 still has "work to do” ahead of the Paralympic Winter Games.

The news comes just four months after Pyeongchang 2018 was urged to "start putting plans into action" by the IPC, with the governing body also describing the ensuing 12 months as “critical” for the organisation of the Games.

Head of IPC Snowsports Dimitrije Lazarovski and IPC Alpine Skiing Sport Technical Committee chairperson Markus Walser visited all venues between May 16 and 18.

“There is still work to do and we have outlined what needs to be achieved before we return for the second visit in September-October 2015,” Walser said.

The officials met representatives of the Korean Paralympic Committee and Korean Adaptive Skiing Association who were also in attendance.

During the visit, it was confirmed that the IPC Alpine Skiing Asia Cup and IPC Snowboard Asia Cup, due to be held in March of next year, will act as key test events for the Organising Committee.

Para-snowboard at Pyeongchang 2018 will feature 10 medal events instead of the two that took place at Sochi 2014
Para-snowboard at Pyeongchang 2018 will feature 10 medal events instead of the two that took place at Sochi 2014 ©Getty Images

Jeongseon Alpine Centre, which will stage alpine speed events such as downhill and Super-G, and the Yongpyong Alpine Centre, due to stage snowboard competitions, were the main two venues which were inspected by the officials.

“Holding the pre-test events in March next year will allow for athletes and teams to become familiar with both the venues and the surrounding area, as well as for the organisers to test their preparation," Walser added.

"Most significantly, it will also give athletes from the region the chance to compete at an international event close to home.

“The legacy of these Games for alpine skiing and snowboard in Asia is one of the most important elements for us, and we are aiming for the result to be an increase in top-level athletes competing on the world stage in future years.”

The visit preceded the IPC Governing Board meeting, where it was decided that 10 snowboard medals would be awarded at Pyeongchang 2018, an increase from two at Sochi 2014.


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