All systems go for St. Moritz 2017 after successful World Cup Finals

Less than a month after the successful conclusion of the Audi FIS Ski World Cup Finals in St. Moritz, Switzerland, the coordination group returned to the Engadine valley for the last spring meeting before St. Moritz hosts the FIS Alpine World Ski Championships in Feb. 2017.

With the local organizing committee now at full strength, it was the largest gathering yet, with the St. Moritz Town Council President and Mayor, FIS, EBU, Tridem Sports and Swiss-Ski representatives in attendance for two intensive days of inspections and meetings.

All on hand agreed that the 2015-16 season finals were a big success and also served a valuable purpose in identifying several small details to address in order to get St. Moritz fully prepared for alpine skiing’s biggest event of 2017.

“St. Moritz enjoyed a dream World Cup Finals,” said FIS Secretary General Sarah Lewis. “Their hard work and preparation over the last three years was clear as there was not one area that didn’t live up to expectations. There are now just the standard minor adjustments to implement between now and the final inspection in September, but we can anticipate excellent World Championships next February, both on the race courses and with an exciting festival program.”

“We definitely were dealt a good hand for the Finals,” said St. Moritz Organizing Committee President Hugo Wetzel. “The stunning weather, coupled with the outstanding performance of the Swiss team were more than we could have hoped for. Naturally, as the week wore on, we noted several small areas that will need adjusting, but we are excited to get everything as close to perfection in the next nine months.”

A large focus is now on promotion of the World Championships and ticket sales, which are expected to be strong especially with the hometown Swiss skiers performing on a high level right now. St. Moritz is located within striking distance of many other nations, such as Austria, Italy and Germany, so the international atmosphere is anticipated to be second to none with hospitality houses being reserved all around the alpine village.

From a sporting perspective, the men’s first taste of the slopes in St. Moritz were largely positive, while the ladies continued to feel right at home on their World Cup track. The biggest challenge facing the organizers in this area will be the vast quantity of athletes, when men and ladies in all FIS alpine events arrive in town for the marquee event.

Release courtesy of FIS