Choppers haul in snow for Cortina alpine races

Artificial snow has been airlifted by helicopters to the upper reaches of the Olimpia delle Tofane course in preparation for this weekend's World Cup women's alpine races.

CORTINA D'AMPEZZO, Italy — Artificial snow has been airlifted by helicopters to the upper reaches of the Olimpia delle Tofane course in preparation for this weekend's World Cup women's alpine races.
    ''On Sunday we made 51 flights in two hours,'' organizing committee president Enrico Valle said.
    Cortina, like the rest of the Alps, is experiencing its warmest winter in years.
    Organizers produced artificial snow at the base of the course before transporting it by helicopter to the top portion of the course, which is located beneath jagged mountain peaks.
    ''This snow costs as much as gold, but it's worth it,'' Valle said.
    Super G, downhill and giant slalom races scheduled this weekend for Cortina, the premier stop on the women's circuit, were given the go ahead by the International Ski Federation last week.
    ''The Olimpia was prepared to perfection. It's not icy and the snow is solid,'' said Italian downhiller Kristian Ghedina, who retired after last season.
    Ghedina is from Cortina and tested the course Tuesday.
    Organizers in Kitzbühel, the premier men's stop, are performing a similar operation with helicopters. Approval for races in the Austrian resort Jan. 26-28 was delayed until Thursday.
    The first downhill training session was scheduled for Wednesday.

— The Associated Press