IPC Alpine Skiing has signed a deal with the International Ski Federation ©IPC Alpine Skiing

Para-Alpine skiers will compete in their own races at six International Ski Federation (FIS) able-bodied events for the first time next year, it has been announced.

The move comes following an agreement between the FIS and International Paralympic Committee (IPC) Alpine Skiing.

Races in the sitting, standing and visually impaired classifications will all be held at the six meetings, starting in Kranjska Gora in Slovenia on February 11 and 12.

Croatia will then play host in Zagreb-Sljeme on February 14 and 15 before the schedule moves to Mokra Gora in Serbia between February 21 and 22.

The youngsters will then compete at the famous Criterium Internazionale Giovani event in Folgaria in Italy between March 8 and 9.

France will host the next leg in Val d’Isere between April 6 and 7, before Whistler in Canada rounds off the six events between April 13 and 14.

All events will feature slalom and giant slalom, except for Folgaria, where giant slalom and a team event will be contested, and Whistler, where only slalom is scheduled.

FIS President Gian Franco Kasper said the organisation were
FIS President Gian Franco Kasper said the organisation were "proud" to add the Para-races to its schedule ©Getty Images

Sir Philip Craven, the IPC President, said: "This collaboration represents a huge step forward for young, aspiring Para-Alpine skiers and means that they will have a dedicated circuit to compete in.

"They will be able to ski against each other at some of the best youth races on the calendar, and be exposed to high-level competition like never before. 

"In addition able-bodied teams from all over the world, and spectators, will get to experience Para-snow sport.

"We are grateful to FIS and the Organising Committees for their cooperation in making this happen, and are confident that this is the start of a great legacy for Para-Alpine skiing."

In 2013, IPC Alpine Skiing launched the Para Snow Sport Youth Circuit which provided opportunities for skiers to compete against each other at various locations.

Training and development camps have also been held which are credited for the discovery of France’s now 11-time world champion Marie Bochet.

"FIS is proud to be able to add this Para-series to its calendar for the first time ever," said FIS President Gian Franco Kasper. 

"This will give a very important group of young skiers a competitive circuit to pursue their goals. 

"It will be great to see the results this winter, and beyond."