Lucerne 2021 is looking for a new Alpine skiing venue ©Hoch-Ybrig

Organisers of the 2021 Winter Universiade in Lucerne are evaluating a new Alpine skiing venue after the resort of Hoch-Ybrig withdrew from its hosting responsibilities.

Hoch-Ybrig, in the canton of Schwyz, was announced as the Lucerne 2021 Alpine skiing venue in April 2018.

But the Organising Committee has been informed by the Hoch-Ybrig Holiday and Sports centre that has pulled out as the venue for the sport at the event.

"This exit comes as a surprise for us and we regret this very much," Lucerne 2021 managing director Urs Hunkeler said.

"The cooperation was felt to be positive and the Local Organising Committee had already done a lot of preparatory work."

Lucerne will play host to the 30th edition of the Winter Universiade in 2021 ©Lucerne 2021
Lucerne will play host to the 30th edition of the Winter Universiade in 2021 ©Lucerne 2021

The Organising Committee, led by Hunkeler, is now focusing on the evaluation of a new venue.

This will be determined jointly with the International University Sports Federation.

The 2021 Winter Universiade is due to take place from January 21 to 31 and will include competition in nine sport disciplines.

Students aged between 17 and 25 are eligible to enter.

They will come from more than 540 universities and polytechnics in 50 countries.