Festival in the Snow

A real "Festival in the Snow" is waiting for the visitors when the championships will be opened with a ceremony at the time-honored Olympic Stadium on February 7th.

February 2011 - The Alpine World will be guest in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, resort with a brilliant skiing tradition. Olympic Winter Games in 1936, Arlberg Kandahar races since 1954, FIS Ski World Cups since 1970 and the FIS Alpine World Ski Championships in 1978, the proud list shows why Garmisch-Partenkirchen is also called the cradle of ski racing in Germany. From February 7th to February 20th 2011 Garmisch-Partenkirchen will again be center of the Ski World during the 41st FIS Alpine World Ski Championships.

This major alpine event pursues a definite philosophy, calling for attention: A real "Festival in the Snow" is waiting for the visitors when the championships will be opened with a ceremony at the time-honored Olympic Stadium on February 7th. The slogan demonstrates the standard the organizers want to meet to offer a very special event to their guests. And the whole event will be: "Naturally Bavarian". A relaxed attitude, cordiality and lots of hospitality are the way to get to the heart of the visitors. We want our guests to feel comfortable and keep good memories of their visit in Garmisch-Partenkirchen for a long time.

Never the less the top performances of the athletes will stay in the center of the "Festival in the Snow". Maria Riesch and Kathrin Hölzl will defend their titles, Felix Neureuther will reach for medals and the international top stars will keep the tension up. The famous racecourses "Kandahar" and "Gudiberg" will serve as stage for the athletes at the "sportive festival". The spectacular Kandahar, with the "Freier Fall", the steepest section within the Ski Circus (92% incline), and the "Gudiberg" including the finish area in the historical Olympic Stadium are unique sports venues providing goose bumps feelings.

There is a big variety of places to celebrate after the races. Directly behind the grand stands of Kandahar and Gudiberg event parks offer attractive entertainment. In the evening the presentation of medals takes place in the center of Garmisch-Partenkirchen. The cheering of thousands of spectators is a very special experience for every athlete and afterwards the spectators will happily continue to party.

The organizers accepted the obligation to a considerate handling of nature during planning. This includes a specific waste management conception and the extensive use of renewable energy provided by the city of Garmisch-Partenkirchen by building several water power stations and solar units during the last years. A wide range of public transfer facilities is offered to make a day at the World championships comfortable and environmentally sound from the beginning.

With the "Festival on Snow" the FIS Alpine World Ski Championships 2011 are adopting a special, individual course, conveying the charm of the area and creating a festive atmosphere with a friendly and relaxed ambience