"This winter's calendar includes no less than 12 international competitions, 10 World Cup events, a European Cup event and an Intercontinental Cup event - organised within the footprint of the Annecy 2018 bid - showcasing our expertise in the organisation of major sporting events," said Christian Monteil, chairman of the Supervisory Board and President of the Haute-Savoie General Council.

"It's always with immense pleasure that the residents of our region welcome each year's international competitions, keen to share our passion for winter sports while ensuring a memorable festive experience for athletes and spectators from across the world."

The French Alps and, more specifically, the Savoie Mont Blanc region, have for many years been the theatre of a whole host of major winter sports competitions.

Since the very first Winter Olympics in Chamonix in 1924, the region has witnessed the surge in winter sports on its runs and tracks which have become a must for ski enthusiasts from all over the world.

The region has developed expertise second to none when it comes to organising major sporting competitions, guaranteeing year in, year out the best possible conditions for the competing athletes.

Annecy 2018 team ambassadors Perrine Pelen, Jean-Pierre Vidal and Antoine Dénériaz were in Val d'Isère for the Alpine skiing, flying high the colours of the French bid to host the 2018 Winter Games.

"Val d'Isère also sets a truly magnificent example when it comes to legacy," said Pelen.

"Following the Alpine Skiing World Championships in 2009, the media centre was transformed into a swimming pool and fitness centre for the region's inhabitants.

"This is a fine illustration of our ability to reconvert infrastructures developed for sporting events."


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