Sliders will be put through their paces on home ice after a decision to skip the first four World Cup events of the new season due to coronavirus safety fears.

It means they will miss the season-opener in Innsbruck in Austria on November 28 and 29 and then three competitions in Germany.

These are the World Cups in Altenberg on December 5 and 6, Oberhof on December 12 and 13 and Winterberg on December 19 and 20.

The first event of 2021 is also in Germany, in Königssee between January 2 and 3, with USA Luge targeting 2021 to return to competition.

For the past six months, their athletes have been practicing start training at the new refrigerated complex in Lake Placid.

Physical and weight training has also been carried out at the facility but athletes have not been able to actually slide.

"Like most things, it feels really strange not to be sliding right now," said Emily Sweeney, a bronze medallist at the World Championships in 2019.

"Things will look different, but I am definitely looking forward to getting back on a sled."

Chris Mazdzer, an Olympic silver medallist at Pyeongchang 2018, added: "Despite the ever-changing world that we currently find ourselves in, I am really excited to get back on ice because it's what I love doing and brings a little normalcy and structure back into my life.

"Regardless of what happens this season in terms of travel, competition and restrictions, there is so much that can be accomplished in terms of equipment. 

"Even if we stay on one track all year, we will be able to accomplish a lot in terms of being prepared for the upcoming Beijing Olympics."

Lake Placid has twice hosted the Winter Olympic Games, in 1932 and 1980.

The New York village will host the Winter World University Games in 2023.

A Luge World Cup was due to take place there in the new season, but was removed from the calendar due to coronavirus restrictions and relocated to Oberhof.