The countdown begins: 200 days until Schladming 2013

Thursday, July 19 marks the 200-day milestone for the FIS Alpine World Ski Championships 2013 in Schladming, Austria scheduled to take place from February 4-17.



Since Schladming was awarded the event at the FIS Congress in 2008, organizers have invested major efforts in preparing the championships. This includes considerable new infrastructure such as the “Sky Gate,” which runs over the finish line at the Planai and the Schladming conference center that will serve as the new media center.



Schladming has staged FIS World Cup competitions since 1973, gaining significant experience. In particular, the FIS World Cup men’s slalom — the night race — boasts a special atmosphere with up to 47,000 spectators each year.



As recently confirmed, the nations’ team event will also enjoy the special night atmosphere at Schladming in 2013. The competition will take place February 12, 2013.

In just 200 days, the championships will get under way as the ski racing season highlight is officially opened.

“For me it was a wonderful ending in Schladming,” said Swedish legend Anja Pärson who ended her career in Schladming last March. “The finish area is one of its kind; the atmosphere is so special that at the start you cannot wait to get down there! Everything is there for a great festival: The slopes, the mountains, the snow, the sun and the tradition of great skiing. For me the region of Steiermark has been my second home during my last years of racing in the World Cup.”