After thirteen days of top level sports action and excitement filling the tribunes and the city center alike, the FIS Alpine World Ski Championships 2011 in Garmisch-Partenkirchen closed on Sunday, 20th February. New stars were born during the eleven competitions, whilst some long-established champions achieved the crowning of their careers and others saw their shine dim.
In closing, FIS President Gian Franco Kasper highlighted the excellently organized championships and especially noted the unique spectator atmosphere. Some 130'000 spectators attended the 11 competitions and the official opening ceremony; whilst 50'000 visited the World Championship Park to create a wonderful atmosphere for the evening ceremonies.
"I have tried to find critical points but could not find them", praised President Kasper. "Excellent work was done during the last five years, every detail was perfectly organized. Spectators were great, in attendance from A to Z and supporting the competitors from all nations, which could not be taken for granted."
The immaculate German planning not only extended to the competitions but also to the weather. Punctually 10 minutes after the official closing ceremony, the snowfall began and there is now again a beautiful white blanket of snow covering the resort of Garmisch-Partenkirchen.
"The `Festival in the Snow´ was a success from both national and local points of view," stated President of the German Ski Association and FIS Council Member Alfons Hörmann. "Our goal was to promote the national rebirth of Alpine Skiing in Germany. GAP 2011 was an important step on this road. The "Festival in the Snow," underlined Hörmann, "was not only a poster slogan, but an objective which came to be filled with life".
Managing director Peter Fischer announced the official spectator numbers: "Our total budget for tickets was exceeded by ten per cent and additionally there were 50'000 visitors at the Championship Park. This proves that Garmisch-Partenkirchen and the region are worthy organizers of FIS World Championships."
Fischer added: "The feared traffic chaos was avoided; most visitors used the free of charge transport. There were few logistical problems and no problems with the traffic." Fischer also drew also a very personal balance: "For me the World Ski Championships in Garmisch-Partenkirchen are a dream fulfilled. I am personally very satisfied and very thankful to my whole team and would particularly like to express sincere thanks to the 1300 volunteers."
Facts and Figures
• 130'000 spectators at the races
• 50'000 visitors in the Championships Park
• 2'195 accredited media representatives
• 1‘300 volunteers
• 469 athletes
• 67 nations
• About 3 % more worldwide TV viewers (provisional figures)
