Altenberg. Radical changes are currently occurring in the winter sport region of Altenberg. In addition to an extensive modernization of the demanding artificially refrigerated track located in the eastern part of the Erzgebirge Mountains, there will be a comprehensive structural change. The modification measures at the Altenberg bobsleigh and luge track are making great progress, and the key features of the new structure are already known. There will be a new responsible body as well as a new operating company.

Since the German re-unification, the city of Altenberg has been the responsible body for the biathlon stadium and the artificial luge track. After the construction measures prior to the 2008 Bobsleigh and Skeleton World Championships, the city found itself in a situation where it was unable to come up for its share of up to 15 per cent of the total construction sum. In order to ensure that the construction measures in view of the 2008 World Championships can be carried out and that the location can be maintained in the long run, the region of Weißeritzkreis is now stepping into the breach, raising the capital resources as a new responsible body.

The new operating company with the name of Wintersport in Altenberg (WiA) is supposed to be a limited liability company. Business areas include not only the facility’s operation, but also its marketing. The general overhaul of the facility, which was officially inaugurated in 1986, will include a completely new finish outrun, where luge relay competitions can be staged as well, and a modernization of the start area. Besides, various maintenance measures are pending.

Since the ground-breaking ceremony held on May 24, 2007, the old finish building and various sections of the old finish outrun have been taken down; some civil engineering as well as concrete works have already been carried out. All works are expected to be completed by October 15, 2007.