World championships in ski resorts

Have any of you been to a resort whilst competitions are taking place? I found out yesterday that i'll be in Kitzbuhel the same time as the mens downhill and i'm trying to work out whether this is a good or bad thing. Are the pistes in resorts generally busier or quieter than normal when major competitions are taking place? Guessing the town may be busier...

JamesC wrote:Have any of you been to a resort whilst competitions are taking place? I found out yesterday that i'll be in Kitzbuhel the same time as the mens downhill and i'm trying to work out whether this is a good or bad thing. Are the pistes in resorts generally busier or quieter than normal when major competitions are taking place? Guessing the town may be busier...

Although it will be a fantastic experience being in Kitzbuhel at the time of the downhill be prepared for the resort to be packed as it is a very popular event, as for piste there will pistes open but I guess
the area around the Hanankhan will have limited skiing.
Still there is plenty of skiing in the Kitz area so it may be an opportunity to experience other areas till the crowds go and the area reopens, I have never been to a resort on race day so my comments are speculation more than fact but enjoy the experience.

Most skiers will tell you its a good thing to be in resort when theres a championship on. Personally speaking I would be annoyed, all those people around during my holiday. Part of going when I go is ot avoid the crowds and have as much of the slopes available as possible. I'm sure theres a great buzz in town when its on, but its not what I'd go for.

I think the point of this James is to plan your'e holiday a tad better we know normally in January there are races in Wengen, Kitzbuhel and Chamonix so they might be areas to avoid. :D

Morning James,

I was in Val D'Isere two seasons ago when the mens circus hit town. This was the season before Val hosted the World Championships and was being hailed as somewhat of a dummy run.

As far as the pistes were concerned, I thought they were very similar to usual in terms of use. Obviously some runs were closed (notably La Face) and some lifts for competition use, but it did not impact our skiing fun.

The town itself was considerably busier, and I would feel sorry for anyone who was transferring in on the day as traffic to the resort was very heavy, but some of that may have been due to President Sarkozy and his security entourage. The bars were still charging their usual exorbitant prices, and the better restaurants did need to be booked in advance.

Generally, I thought there was really good atmosphere around, although it was not quite what I would have expected. I would not be put off going to a resort simply because it is hosting an event. However, it would always be worth checking just how much impact there will be on the pistes and for how long, just in case it is going to mess up your Skiing.

Hope that helps.

Thanks for answering.

I don't think the town being packed will bother me, the atmosphere should be great. As for the skiing, as long as there are enough pistes to ski i'll be happy...i just hope they don't shut off the Hanankhan lift as its the closest to my hotel!

We were planning on going on the 9th Jan but changed to the 16th for a better hotel, didn't even think about checking for competitions - maybe a lesson learned.

Either way, whatever happens at the resort, the holiday will be great and i can't wait! And i'll be able to see how quick exactly these skiers go down these slopes, its difficult tell on the TV.

Most years I am in Niederau for the week of the Hahnemkahm, and have been across to Kitts many times. A good day to go is on the Thursday, when the downhill practise run is held. If you are not staying in Kitts, it is better to go in from a different resort, and ski over. For instance, if you are staying in Soll, or any other Skiwelt place, you can elect to buy a pass that covers Kitts.

Some of the best action is high up on the course. I have ben right by the start gate, and you can see straight down the mountain into Kitts.

The atmosphere is good, especially in the ring at the bottom.

In Niederau, we have the added bonus that the week before that, we usually get some of the national teams hold race training days. Last year the Austrian ladies team were there. If you ever catch me in the pub, having had a tad too much, there is a story to tell.......

We've actually chosen to go to Schladming this year to coincide with their World Cup week but then we are into Ski racing.