This event, which took place in junior competition last season, will take its place in a range of men's and women's events.

Felix Loch of Germany will go in search of the 50th men's singles World Cup win of a career that has earned him three Olympic golds and 13 world titles.

Loch, who finished fourth at this year's Beijing 2022 Winter Olympic Games, has earned nine of those World Cup victories at Igls and is eager to move into double figures at the Austrian resort.

He will still have a way to go to catch the most successful World Cup luger so far, however - Armin Zoggler, now team manager of Italy, has won 57 individual events and earned 10 overall titles.

"The pre-season preparation in the summer went very well." Loch told FIL.

"I was able to train athletically well and I am leaner than ever.

"However, we will only see where we stand at the World Cup competitions.

"I am really looking forward to the season and I'm very happy to be able to race in Whistler and Salt Lake City again after two years."

A total of 38 women, 38 men, 11 women's doubles and 21 men's doubles from 20 nations have registered for the first Luge World Cup of the season.

A maximum of four singles and three doubles may start per nation.

Nine stops of the World Cup are scheduled on the FIL calendar in six countries and on two continents.

In addition, three Sprint World Cups and six Team Relay World Cups are to be held.