The Alpine World Ski Championships 2023: A Prestigious Event Seeking Its Next Venue

Apr 22
07:06

2024

Lisa Jeeves

Lisa Jeeves

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The Alpine World Ski Championships, a highlight in the winter sports calendar, is in the process of selecting its 2023 host. This event not only showcases top athletic prowess but also highlights the host city's cultural and logistical capabilities. Currently, three French ski resorts are contenders for this prestigious event, each backed by the French Ski Federation (FFS). The decision, set for 2016 following evaluations during the 2015/2016 World Cup events, will mark a significant milestone for the chosen location.

Potential Hosts: France's Finest Resorts

The Contenders

The three French resorts in the running to host the 2023 Championships are:

  1. Val-d'Isère - Previously hosted in 2009,The Alpine World Ski Championships 2023: A Prestigious Event Seeking Its Next Venue Articles known for its challenging slopes and vibrant village atmosphere.
  2. Chamonix - Hosted the Championships in 1937 and 1962, it boasts a rich Olympic history and stunning scenery.
  3. Courchevel-Méribel - Known for its extensive ski area and modern facilities, it's a joint bid that highlights the cooperative spirit of the region.

These resorts were selected by the FFS to showcase France's capability to host winter sports events on a global scale. Each resort will host an FIS Alpine Skiing World Cup event in the winter season of 2015/2016, serving as a rehearsal to demonstrate their readiness and facilities.

Historical Context

France has a storied history with the Alpine World Ski Championships, having hosted the event four times. The locations and years of these events were:

  • Chamonix (1937, 1962)
  • Grenoble (1968)
  • Val-d'Isère (2009)

Each previous hosting opportunity has brought its unique flair and organizational challenges, contributing to the rich legacy of the Championships in France.

Upcoming Championships and Their Locations

Before the 2023 event, the Championships are scheduled to be held in:

  • 2017: St. Moritz, Switzerland
  • 2019: Åre, Sweden
  • 2021: Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy (expected, as it was the sole bidder from Italy)

These locations highlight the European dominance in hosting the Alpine World Ski Championships, with each venue bringing a blend of traditional and modern skiing facilities.

Traveling to the Potential 2023 Venues

Accessibility of the Resorts

All three French candidates are conveniently accessible from Geneva International Airport, a major hub that connects to several UK cities including London, Manchester, and Newcastle. Airlines such as easyJet and British Airways offer competitive fares, often as low as £100 return.

Transfer Options

  • Geneva to Val-d'Isère: Approximately 2 hours by car.
  • Geneva to Courchevel/Méribel: Roughly 2 hours by car.
  • Geneva to Chamonix: About 1 hour and 15 minutes by car.

For those preferring not to drive, options like the Snow Train from Paris, which takes about 8 hours, are available, with Shuttle Direct providing convenient transfers from train stations to the resorts.

Driving Conditions

Driving to these alpine resorts is facilitated by France's excellent autoroute system. However, travelers are advised to equip their vehicles with snow chains during winter months to navigate the final mountainous stretches safely.

Conclusion

The selection of the host for the 2023 Alpine World Ski Championships is more than just a sporting decision; it's a showcase of cultural heritage, logistical prowess, and the ability to promote winter sports on a global stage. As these three French resorts prepare to demonstrate their capabilities, the world watches in anticipation of where the next Championships will unfold. For more information on the Alpine World Ski Championships, visit the International Ski Federation website.