Snowmaking is in full swing at Killington before the resort hosts two World Cup races ©Wikipedia

Organisers of the next leg of the women's International Ski Federation (FIS) Alpine World Cup in Killington believe that a "state-of-the-art" snowmaking system will allow races to go ahead as planned.

The women's circuit is due to head to the United States venue for the third leg of the World Cup season later this month - with giant slalom planned for November 26 before slalom on November 27.

Warmer temperatures in Vermont and the winter weather "dragging its heels" has caused concern, however, although organisers will pull out all the stops and are "increasingly optimistic" the snowmaking system will "save the day", according to the FIS.

Warmer temperatures were a problem during last season's winter schedule, with various FIS events having to be either relocated or cancelled due to a lack of snow.

Staff at Killington have been using 120
Staff at Killington have been using 120 "snow guns" to get ready for the races ©FIS

In Killington 120 "snow guns" currently line the course, one every six metres from start to finish.

These can pump out snow when the temperatures allow it.

"Killington has some of the best snowmaking capabilities in the country and possibly even the world," said chief of race Ted Sutton.

"Temperatures in New England have gotten progressively warmer each year, but we’re in better shape right now than all the other areas in the country. 

"Even in Colorado they’re losing snow during the daytime right now. 

"But in the northeast, we rely on snowmaking to guarantee our races."