FIS president Kasper: „Spectators were unique“

FIS president Gian Franco Kasper spoke at the final press conference about excellently organized Ski World Championships and noted especially the unparalleled spectators. About 130.000 viewers came to see the races; about 50.000 were at the Championships Park to provide a great atmosphere.

"I have tried to find critical points but could not find them", praised Kasper the organization. "Excellent work was done during these six years, every detail was perfectly organized. Spectators were great, ever present from A to Z, which was not taken for granted." The FIS president also denied the complaints about the preparation of the race courses. "For some it is too icy, for others it is too soft. It is not possible to satisfy every single wish. I am very happy to see the courses prepared hard, otherwise we would probably not have any races in the end."

"Festival in the snow" not only a poster slogan

"The `festival in the snow´ was a success from national and from LOC point of view" mentioned DSV president Alfons Hörmann. "We had the goal to promote the national rebirth of alpine Skiing as sports. The World Championships was an important step. Establishments were modernized, investments effectuating sustainability were made. It will be possible for the first time in Germany to train professionally in the speed disciplines." "Festival in the snow" said Hörmann, "was not only a poster slogan, but an objective which was filled with life". The president stressed on the side events: "From the opening ceremony to the difficult topic of 1936 with a successful exhibition at the Championships Park - the realization was done in a very good manner.

There was a real World Championships feeling in Garmisch-Partenkirchen

LOC director Peter Fischer announced the official spectator numbers: "There were around 130.000 spectators going to the races. Our total budget for tickets was exceeded by ten per cent. There were another 50.000 visitors at the Championships Park. This proves that Garmisch-Partenkirchen and the region are worthy to organize World Championships. There was a true World Championships feeling. That´s why I thank all the visitors who contributed to this World Championships." The suspected traffic jams did not happen. "The free transport was mostly preferred. At the Super Combined we transported 8000 people from Kandahar to Gudiberg. There were no logistical problems and no problems with the traffic." Fischer drew also a very personal balance: "For me the Ski World Championships in Garmisch-Partenkirchen is a dream fulfilled. I am personally very satisfied and very thankful to my whole team and to the 1300 volunteers, sincerely thank."

Numbers and facts

• 130.000 spectators at the races
• 50.000 visitors in the Championships Park
• 2195 accreditated media representatives
• 1300 volunteers
• 469 athletes
• 67 nations
• about 3 % more worldwide TV viewers (provisional number)