Today, Thursday 17th May, the FIS Council elected the Organisers of the FIS World Championships in Nordic, Alpine, Freestyle & Snowboard 2023, as well as for the FIS Ski Flying World Championships 2022. The final presentations by the six candidates for the 2022 and 2023 FIS World Championships took place on Tuesday 15th May with the highly-anticipated decision announced at 19:30 in Costa Navarino (GRE) at a cocktail reception that, which was streamed live on the FIS Facebook channels, and can still be viewed.
Vikersund (NOR) was unanimously elected as host of the FIS Ski Flying World Championships 2022.
“Vikersund will make an excellent host of the Ski Flying World Championships in 2022. There is strong interest and strength and depth in the sport in Norway, backed by a traditional venue,” said FIS President Gian Franco Kasper.
Also unanimously elected was Bakuriani (GEO) to host the FIS Freestyle Ski & Snowboard World Championships 2023. It marks the first time in the history of FIS that Georgia will host a World Championship and with more than 25 medal events planned, it is sure to be an eventful World Championships.
“Electing Georgia as the host of the FIS Freestyle Ski and Snowboard World Championships shows the far reach and global appeal of the sport,” said Kasper. “These are our youngest disciplines, so it seems only fitting that a new, enthusiastic host nation steps in to welcome the World Championships.
Alpine saw two first-time bids going head-to-head with Meribel-Courchevel (FRA) edging Saalbach (AUT) with nine votes to six for the right to host the FIS Alpine Ski World Championships 2023. The French resort is also a regular host of men’s and ladies’ Audi FIS World Cup races.
It is the first time since 2009 that France has hosted the FIS World Championships, when Val d’Isere played host to the Alpine Events.
“The bid of Courchevel-Meribel was very appealing with two top level resorts offering essentially men’s and ladies’ venues, which is sure to facilitate scheduling and logistics. The French Organisers are sure to put on an excellent show for the athletes, media and fans.” said Kasper of the French success.
The Nordic World Ski Championships will be hosted by Planica (SLO). The Slovenian town won with nine ballots against its competitor Trondheim (NOR) with six. It was the fourth time that the resort bid to host the World Championships.
“Planica has put a massive investment into their facilities, which now boasts perhaps the most state-of-the-art Nordic Centre facilities anywhere on the globe. The athletes will truly have a chance to live up to their fullest potential at these World Championships and the passion of the Slovenian people for winter sports will create a memorable atmosphere,” said Kasper.
Overview of the votes
2022 FIS Ski Flying World Championships:Vikersund (NOR) – unanimous
2023 FIS Freestyle Ski & Snowboard World Championships: Bakuriani (GEO) – unanimous
2023 FIS Alpine World Ski Championships: Meribel-Courchevel (FRA), nine votes
2023 FIS Nordic World Ski Championships: Planica (SLO), nine votes
Source: fis-ski.com
