Ski World Cup Opens in Austria

(ATR) It was a festive and busy weekend in Sölden as the 2014-15 FIS Alpine Ski World Cup season got underway with a pair of races at the Austrian mountain resort.

Three-time overall world cup champion and Austrian favorite Marcel Hirscher won the men’s giant slalom on Sunday, while 19-year-old Mikaela Shiffrin of the U.S. and Anna Fenninger of Austria tied for victory in the ladies GS.

"For sure, it is not only important for me. It’s important for the whole nation, tourism in Austria and other skiing nations too," Hirscher said after the victory. "You saw some great pictures of our mountains live on TV."

The world’s premiere ski racers descended the steep and icy Rettenbach Glacier course under warm and mostly sunny conditions. Nearly 15,000 fans enthusiastic fans came out for the men’s race on Sunday, packing Glacier Stadium and the entire finishing area.

Sölden’s experienced organizing committee was tested as nearly 70 centimeters of fresh snow that had fallen on Wednesday and Thursday had to be removed from the piste. Crews of up to 500 people worked diligently around the clock to make the races happen.

Just over two hours prior to Sunday’s race, a small fire truck rolled over while navigating a sharp turn on the 12-kilometer switchback road which ascends from Sölden to the Rettenbach Glacier. Traffic backed up due to the accident with fans, journalists, event staff, and other race-goers experiencing delays approaching 90 minutes.

Over the last four days in Sölden, numerous press conferences and FIS meetings, including Forum Alpinum, were also held. FIS sponsors Audi and Milka hosted press events, in addition to ski manufacturers Head, Rossignol and Salomon.

Audi began its 13th season as title sponsor for the FIS World Cup. The luxury car brand is also the presenting sponsor for February’s FIS Alpine Ski World Championships in Vail/Beaver Creek, Colorado.

Sölden, situated about 90 kilometers southwest of Innsbruck in the Ötztal valley, has been hosting the traditional ski racing season kickoff since 1993.

100 Days To Go For Colorado World Championships

The 100-day countdown to the FIS Alpine Ski World Championships in Vail/Beaver Creek, Colorado Feb. 2-15, was celebrated and promoted in Sölden.

Enhancing the occasions for the Colorado organizers in Austria was that Vail resident Mikaela Shiffrin shared victory in Saturday’s race. It was the first career giant slalom win for the young Sochi Olympic slalom gold medalist.

"For us to have a hometown girl like Mikaela representing us, and Lindsey (Vonn) too, and for her to win and win her first GS, nothing could have gone better than that on 100 days out," organizing committee president Ceil Folz said.

Folz and her team were nearly everywhere in Sölden, spreading their message, interacting with international ski journalists and informing what is to be expected at the FIS season showcase event later this winter.

Joining Folz were Vail/Beaver Creek 2015 VP of communications John Dakin and senior marketing manager Kate Peters among a team of six who made the trip to Austria.

"I love coming to Europe to see racing, so I hope they will feel that same way to come and see our races," Folz said referencing members of the international media as well as ski racing fans across Europe.

"Other than your room and beer, we’re covering the costs – the races are free, transportation is free, entertainment is free. It will be a great opportunity for Europeans to come and have a great experience," Folz said about the championships.

Folz presented at the FIS Forum Alpinum on Friday. International media, national ski association members, FIS staff and various world cup organizers were informed about the championships and shown a fun video highlighting ongoing preparations.

Later that afternoon, Vail/Beaver Creek 2015 also hosted a well-attended afternoon media reception at a local restaurant.

Dropping by to meet with the jam-packed gathering of international ski media were U.S. Olympic medalists Shiffrin, Julia Mancuso, Bode Miller and Ted Ligety, as well as Austrian ski stars Marlies Schild and Hannes Reichelt.

FIS secretary general Sarah Lewis addressed the importance of Vail/Beaver Creek hosting the world championships for what will be their third time, but first since 1999.

"It is a great opportunity for Alpine skiing in the U.S, which is a key market for the sport from a recreational skiing standpoint, as well as sponsor engagement." Lewis said.

"The timing is ideal on the back of the great excitement during the Olympic Winter Games 2014 in Sochi which really raised the profile of the very successful U.S athletes at home."

Written by Brian Pinelliin Sölden

20 Years at #1: Your best source of news about the Olympics is AroundTheRings.com, for subscribers only.