Hermann Maier took super-G and downhill gold in the 1999 worlds in Vail.
Kristina Koznick, now a valley resident, tackles the 1999 worlds slalom course.
Norwegian Lasse Kjus bundled up five medals at the 1999 worlds.
There’s the Winter Olympics, then there’s that other event that brings even more of the best skiers in the world together to put their speeds to the test. Vail is no stranger to the World Alpine Ski Championships, having hosted the 1999 and 1989 events, but is poised to put itself back on the champ map … in 2013.
It’s not just a matter of putting your name into the hat. Much like the Olympics, cities must make a bid to host the World Championships, and America’s governing body of skiing – The U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association – selected Vail and Beaver Creek as the country’s choice mountains to host the 2013 event.
The Vail Valley Foundation – the organization that brings us the Birds of Prey Men’s World Cup ski races at Beaver Creek every year – hosted representatives from The International Ski Federation (FIS) this fall. The bid process involves a thorough inspection of proposed venues and examination of courses and facilities. The Foundation’s proposal has all the men’s and women’s speed races (downhill and super-G) taking place at Beaver Creek, incorporating some of the same jumps and features used in the Birds of Prey races. Men’s and women’s technical events (giant slalom and slalom) would take place at Vail on and around the International run with a high-visibility finish area near the base of the Vista Bahn lift.
The FIS won’t make its decision until May 2008. Vail will take on some steep competition, namely a trio of Europe’s biggest ski venues and fellow World Cup venues Schladming, Austria, Cortina, Italy, and Vail’s own sister city, St. Moritz, Swizterland.
Why should Vail and Beaver Creek host the 2013 World Championships? The Vail Valley Foundation offers the following reasons:
- United States is the largest ski market in the world
- Over $2 billion in Vail Valley renovation
- New challenging Women's Downhill course
- Ideal location for international television
- Extensive event experience and year-round organizing committee
- Time for the World Championships to return to the United States
- The support of 500 ski areas throughout USA
- Engaging New Worlds - Focused effort to grow the sport of skiing and ski racing
- Excellent hotels and transportation
- Dependable weather and snow conditions
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