The Utah Olympic Park will host more than 700 athletes during the 2017 Nordic Junior and Under-23 World Championships ©Getty Images

The Olympic venues in Park City and Midway in Utah are continuing their preparations ahead of the United States' hosting of the 2017 International Ski Federation (FIS) Nordic Junior and Under-23 World Ski Championships.

More than 700 athletes are expected to compete in the event next year, which will make it the largest international skiing event held at the venues since the 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Olympic Games.

The Junior Worlds will be comprised of cross-country skiing, ski jumping and Nordic Combined competitions, including the first ever women’s ski jumping team event.

Athletes will represent 40 nations and compete in 21 events across the three disciplines.

In all, 1,000 people are expected in Utah, including coaches and support personnel.

"Hosting these Championships not only enhances the sustainability of Utah’s Olympic Legacy but is also an opportunity to showcase the Nordic sports," said United States Ski and Snowboard Association (USSA) executive vice president Luke Bodensteiner.

The Junior Worlds will be comprised of cross country, ski jumping and nordic combined competitions, including the first ever women’s ski jumping team event ©Getty Images
The Junior Worlds will be comprised of cross country, ski jumping and nordic combined competitions, including the first ever women’s ski jumping team event ©Getty Images

"We expect to see some exceptional performances from the top junior athletes, and we hope these performances will inspire youth and adults alike to view Nordic skiing as a healthy, life-long activity. 

"It’s going to be a great event for the community."

Park City and Midway are joining forces in a bid to "ensure an exceptional experience" for athletes and spectators during the event.

Local hotels and business partners hope to provide athletes with "both unique social experiences and the opportunity to experience Utah’s culture".

Multiple elite events will be held prior to the Junior Worlds, including the US Championships for ski jumping, Nordic Combined and cross-country. 

This will ensure any necessary venue updates are noted and implemented, the USSA said.

"The Utah Olympic Park will showcase Utah’s commitment to providing athlete training and competition venues at world class levels," said Utah Olympic Legacy Foundation President and chief executive Colin Hilton.

"The cross-country courses and Nordic jumps will provide for a challenging and exciting competition.

"I am excited to see the Heber Valley and Park City communities work together to welcome and support more than a thousand athletes and coaches from nearly 40 countries."