Positive interim result

Two years ago, Garmisch-Partenkirchen was the winner of the awarding of the FIS Alpine World Ski Championships in 2011.

Now the clock is ticking and opening ceremony approaching. Reason enough to draw an interim result. How far is the planning process and implementation advanced?

Sports facilities and race courses

The permissions are given for all the replacements and new constructions for the world championship courses. The modifications of the “Gudiberg” where all the slalom competitions will take place started in 2007. The track is now leading right into the historical Olympic Ski Stadium where the men’s Slalom of the World Cup in February 2008 had a successful premier. Racers and spectators were impressed of this extended route. In 2008 and 2009 further slope constructions will be at work to improve the production of artificial snow, transportation of passengers and infrastructure.

In autumn 2007 the “FIS-Schneise” at the “Kandahar” has been broaden. The preferred replacements and constructions of the central racecourse started on schedule in April 2008. Medal decisions in downhill, super G, giant slalom and super combination for women and men and also the team event will be hold on the legendary “Kandahar”. The men’s race course receives a new, technical challenging and spectacular lower section. The replacements should be finished by 95 percent in autumn 2008.

Hotels

Accommodations for athletes, coaches and staff of the participating countries were already confirmed in autumn 2007. The required beds for 1.100 team-members for a period of two weeks were fixed by contract between the OC and 22 “Team Hotels”. Currently the OC, in close cooperation with “GAP Tourism”, is searching for another 4.500 beds for employees and guests of sponsors and media in the vicinity of Garmisch-Partenkirchen. Peter Fischer, CEO of the GAP2011 OC, is confident of completing the needed capacity until autumn 2008. So another big task would be cleaned up.

Traffic and environment

The Ski Worlds 2011 should run car-free and eco-friendly as much as possible. A responsible department, established by the OC, which runs under direction of the renowned Prof. Dr. Seiler, is already working on effective concepts in close cooperation with police, railway and suburban communities. Amongst others the principal elements are traffic solutions, parking systems, energy efficient supply and energy recovery.

Stars

The two local heroes in alpine skiing, Maria Riesch and Felix Neureuther, have presented themselves in excellent performance last season and therefore they belong to the absolute top spot of world cup skiing. If their positive development continues, they could be successful medal candidates in their home town. But in addition, the German Ski Federation is holding some more talented skiers in the next generation which could reach some great results in the next few years.

Fans

The Slalom World Cup in 2008 showed that popularity of ski events is still growing in Garmisch-Partenkirchen. The enthusiastic audience of 12.000 people at the “Gudiberg” is a great chance for the following World Cup Events and the World Championships. The catchment area of Garmisch-Partenkirchen and its world championship races with a high public interest should enable an amount of daily spectators from 20.000 to 40.000.

Population

A wave of optimism is affecting Garmisch-Partenkirchen and the whole population supports the World Championships. Stickers, made for cars, are one indicator for that. In the meantime 10.000 stickers have been handed out. Nearly every fifth car of the region is decorated with the official championship logo. If tourism, retail traders and citizens act together, Garmisch-Partenkirchen will be able to celebrate a top class experience of skiing.

Sports and organisation

The new founded company for this event is well structured. Peter Fischer and his expert team are known for brilliant ski races since years. Up to now the organisation is short-staffed. When business activities will rise in 2010, staff would be growing with it. The team of volunteers for the race course is getting expanded at present. In 2009 four World Cup races will take place in only three days and the Junior World Championships in addition. In 2010 the World Cup Finals will be the general rehearsal for the title bouts.

Less than three years or more precisely less than 1.000 days before the FIS Alpine World Ski Championships will take place in 2011 the organising committee is on the right path. The process of planning and implementation is in advance so far, although there are some more tasks to accomplish in the next period of time. This positive interim result is a great reason to look forward to the time of ski racing and celebrations during the World Ski Championships from 6th to 20th of February 2011.