Around the World
One year to Kreischberg 2015
With exactly one year to the start of the FIS Freestyle Ski and Snowboard World Championships from 15th -25th January 2015 at Kreischberg (AUT), FIS interviewed the local Organising Committee. Press Attache Karl Fussi spoke about the preparations for the first ever combined Freestyle and Snowboard World Championship.
With only one year to go, what is the current level of interest?
It's great. The World Championships are on everyone's mind. The entire region is focusing on next year’s highlight. It’s perfect timing for the Audi Ski Cross World Cup to come to town which takes place on 25th January 2014, one year ahead of the big show.
How about the fans?
We are currently building up the momentum. Right now, many people are applying to volunteer. Day-by-day, we are receiving applications, which is very good. In the end, we will fill 600 volunteer positions to help make the World Championships happen.
What is different compared to eleven years ago when Kreischberg hosted the 2003 FIS Snowboard World Championship?
The main difference is of course the combination of Freestyle Skiing and Snowboard. Besides that, we definitely have more accommodation available.
In addition, the Organising Committee is now more experienced with 70% of our current members having already participated in 2003.
Is it more work-intensive this time around?
Yes, it is. The main factor is the scheduling of the events. We have to be very precise. We will award a total of 23 World Championship titles in only 10 days. As a result, we have to guarantee perfect work flow and the best possible conversion of the course if needed.
Therefore, you need several sub Organising Committees which all focus on only one event with a larger Organising Committee overseeing the big picture.
Talking about structure, there are two different venues to manage.
That's right. Lachtal will host the alpine snowboarding events. This is important as it eases the course work. Lachtal already hosted two very good Europa Cups a few weeks ago and is fully equipped and focused.
Both venues, Lachtal and Kreischberg, are run by the same cable car company which makes it easier for us.
Some competitors will stay in Lachtal which will feature an additional race and press office.
What kind of side events for fans are you planning?
We want to host four big World Championship festivities on the two weekends. One partner has already been found with Ö3 (Austrian Radio Station) and we are currently finalising contracts with different bands and DJ's.
Therefore, everyone can look forward to a great show, on and off the slopes!
Source: the official FIS site
With only one year to go, what is the current level of interest?
It's great. The World Championships are on everyone's mind. The entire region is focusing on next year’s highlight. It’s perfect timing for the Audi Ski Cross World Cup to come to town which takes place on 25th January 2014, one year ahead of the big show.
How about the fans?
We are currently building up the momentum. Right now, many people are applying to volunteer. Day-by-day, we are receiving applications, which is very good. In the end, we will fill 600 volunteer positions to help make the World Championships happen.
What is different compared to eleven years ago when Kreischberg hosted the 2003 FIS Snowboard World Championship?
The main difference is of course the combination of Freestyle Skiing and Snowboard. Besides that, we definitely have more accommodation available.
In addition, the Organising Committee is now more experienced with 70% of our current members having already participated in 2003.
Is it more work-intensive this time around?
Yes, it is. The main factor is the scheduling of the events. We have to be very precise. We will award a total of 23 World Championship titles in only 10 days. As a result, we have to guarantee perfect work flow and the best possible conversion of the course if needed.
Therefore, you need several sub Organising Committees which all focus on only one event with a larger Organising Committee overseeing the big picture.
Talking about structure, there are two different venues to manage.
That's right. Lachtal will host the alpine snowboarding events. This is important as it eases the course work. Lachtal already hosted two very good Europa Cups a few weeks ago and is fully equipped and focused.
Both venues, Lachtal and Kreischberg, are run by the same cable car company which makes it easier for us.
Some competitors will stay in Lachtal which will feature an additional race and press office.
What kind of side events for fans are you planning?
We want to host four big World Championship festivities on the two weekends. One partner has already been found with Ö3 (Austrian Radio Station) and we are currently finalising contracts with different bands and DJ's.
Therefore, everyone can look forward to a great show, on and off the slopes!
Source: the official FIS site
