Innerhofer returns at Lake Louise

The Italian suffered a road accident in July and back problems prevented him joining his team-mates for summer training in Argentina.

But his fitness was confirmed last week at Copper Mountain.

He was ranked in the top five in each of the three FIS races in which he participated in the Colorado resort where many teams trained ahead of the first speed events of the season in Canada.

"It was a disastrous summer but I'm stubborn and I was never miserable because I knew I had to be patient and slowly, slowly I'd be back to my usual level," said the 28-year-old who is nicknamed "Winnerhoffer" after his three medals at the World Championships in Garmisch-Partenkirchen.

In contrast, American Bode Miller is not yet ready after a knee operation and is also likely to sit out next week's events at Beaver Creek.