GRASS SKIING. With the wonderful backdrop of 25 degrees and sunshine, the Ski Club of Goldingen may look back on successful FIS Grass Skiing World Championships 2011. The final competitions were held on Sunday 4th October, followed by the official closing ceremony where the FIS flag was handed over to the organizers of the next Grass Skiing World Championship in Japan.

Grass Skiing World Championships Goldingen 2011, photo © Skiclub Goldingen

Beginning on 31st August, the Grass Skiing World Championships were held together with the Junior World Championships. A total of 18 competitions in the events of giant slalom, super-G, slalom and super combined were carried out over five days. Given excellent weather conditions, the athletes, officials and local fans could enjoy a wide range of competitions and social events.

The official ceremonies as well as the competitions, race organization and team areas were all centrally located in the heart of Goldingen. Within short walking distances, the area was efficiently used to serve guests, teams and other participants. A party tent located 500 meters from the competition site served the spectators with traditional Swiss music and live shows every night, as well hosting the official banquet on Friday night.

16 nations participated in the Championships, whilst seven of them managed to claim medals. Switzerland could not have had better Championships on home ground, taking a total of 5 medals of which three were gold. The Czech Republic followed in 2nd place, grabbing 7 medals including two gold, four silver and one bronze. Completing the medals table were Italy (5), Austria (6), Slovakia (3), Japan (3) and Germany (1).

Ski Club Goldingen was well prepared for the World Championships. The OC president Franz Gübeli was supported by over 100 helpers beside the committee consisting of 30 people. In two years, Japan will have the honor to welcome the Grass Skiing athletes for the Championships, and the President of the 2013 team was present to exchange knowledge and get input from the 2011 organizers.

For more photos and impressions from the Championships, please visit www.grasski-wm.ch

Contributed by Sofie Torlei Olsen
FIS news
07/09/2011