2015 fis alpine world ski championships final report
DESCRIPTION
ÂTRANSCRIPT
A full stadium of fans and perfect
spectating weather set the stage for a
successful Championships.
ON BEHALF OF THE ORGANIZING COMMITTEE and all 2,200 volunteers of the 2015 FIS Alpine World Ski Championships, I want express our sincere appreciation and thanks to everyone that participated in any form or fashion in the 2015 Championships.
The athletic performances were truly inspiring, the energy and enthusiasm of the fans that packed the Red Tail Stadium,
lined the race courses each day and celebrated the athletic achievements each night at Championships Plaza was
incredible, while the broadcast and media coverage of the competitions and our community was unprecedented.
When we were awarded the 2015 World Championships five years ago, we set the theme of Dream It. Live It. Share
It. We are proud to have been able to complete all three of these tasks with the help of our many partners and friends.
We were truly blessed to have been able to serve as host of the 2015 FIS Alpine World Ski Championships. Best of
luck to St. Moritz 2017 and Are 2019 for their planning and preparation, and best wishes to all future FIS Alpine World
Championships organizers.
Thank you for Dreaming, Living and Sharing the 2015 World Championships with us.
Sincerely,
Ceil Folz
President, 2015 World Championships Organizing Committee
Photos by Logan Robertson.
2015 BY THE NUMBERS
INCREDIBLE VOLUNTEER CORPS
• Over 2,200 Volunteers
• 175,000 Volunteer Hours
FULL HOUSE
• Lodging Occupancy Close to 95% on Weekends
• Average Stay = 4.3 Days• 29,604 Estimated Room Nights Generated
UNMATCHED TELEVISION COVERAGE & PRODUCTION
• Over 800 Million Viewers Worldwide
• 27 Nations Broadcasting Live
• 70 Hours of Live International Coverage
• More Than 25 Hours of Domestic Coverage
IMPRESSIVE DIGITAL/SOCIAL MEDIA/PR PRESENCE
• #vail2015 Trended as Top Ten Topic on Twitter
• 40.1 Million Impressions Since February 1
• Nearly 70 Billion PR Impressions
• Over 38,000 App Downloads
GREAT ATHLETIC PERFORMANCES
• 500 Athletes
• 68 Nations
• 10 Nations Win Medals
UNPRECEDENTED ATTENDANCE
• 220,958 Estimated Race & Ceremonies Spectators
• 25,000 for Men’s Downhill
• 25,000 for Women’s Slalom Medals
ACCOMODATIONSLODGING FOR THE OFFICIAL ENTOURAGE of the 2015 World
Championships was facilitated through a combination of 43 properties throughout
the Vail Valley, including 17 hotels, 16 condominiums and 10 private homes. This total
room block amounted to 1,283 rooms booked and 20,480 individual room nights.
In addition, 13 fan clubs were accommodated, with the 160 members accounting
for 438 room nights during the course of the Championships. From a volunteer
perspective, 150 Race volunteers were provided free lodging via the Homestay
Program in 85 private residences throughout the community.
The Vail Valley’s lodging occupancy rates approached 95% on both weekends of
the Championships, while mid-week numbers were on par with normal February rates
for Vail, although lodging revenue was up over 2014. Beaver Creek experienced a 10%
increase in lodging occupancy during the Championships.
Team Houses were instrumental in adding to the international flavor of the
Championships. Photo by Logan Robertson.
ACCREDITATIONTHE ACCREDITATION SYSTEM implemented by the LOC for the 2015 World Championships
was the Ardian Group Event Management System or AGEMS. AGEMS served as a pre-event
registration and data collection interface, hosting 15 accreditation applications forms.
AGEMS also acted as a nine zone multi-venue credentialing system that facilitated access control for
participants in 12 customer groups (FIS, Guest, LOC, Media, Public Safety, Team, TV/Radio, VIP) so that
individuals and/or entire organizations could perform their jobs properly.
The LOC established a unique accreditation matrix, based on each customer group’s working
requirements, to support access control at approximately 100 different locations across three venues.
This enhanced the working experience while limiting the access to as few individuals as possible.
The 2015 Welcome Center, located in the Westin Riverfront Resort and Spa in Avon, acted as
an accreditation center, ticket office, and information center all-in-one. The Welcome Center issued
accreditation devices, hospitality and social event tickets, lift access, parking passes, VIP gifts, and
spectator guides.
A total of 9,130 accreditations were issued for the 2015 Championships, while a total of 33 different
supplemental devices provided access to specific restricted zones and areas throughout the event.
ACCREDITATION BREAKDOWNFIS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
Guest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 348
LOC Committees . . . . . 168
LOC Volunteer . . . . . . 2,267
LOC VVF . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
LOC Workforce . . . . . .1,598
Public Safety . . . . . . . . 980
Team . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,164
Alpine Director . . . . . . . . 37
Athlete . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 685
Doctor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Forerunner . . . . . . . . . . . 13
General Secretary . . . . . . 21
Head Coach . . . . . . . . . 123
President . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Supplier . . . . . . . . . . . . . 300
Team Guest . . . . . . . . . . 287
Team Official . . . . . . . . . 578
Team Press Attache . . . . 30
Broadcast . . . . . . . . . . . 790
EBU . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Media . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 430
Journalist . . . . . . . . . . . 141
Photographer . . . . . . . . 112
Non-Rights Holding
Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Non-Rights Holding
Television . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
PR/Sponsors/
Press Attaches . . . . . . . . 26
Host Broadcaster A . . . 224
Host Broadcaster B . . . 139
Rights-Holding A . . . . . 424
VIP Donor . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
VIP Sponsorship . . . . . . 125
Did Not Attend . . . . . . . 101
Accreditation Checkpoints throughout the venues allowed for optimal crowd dispersion and
security controls. The Welcome Center (bottom-left) is where the journey began.
Photos by Matt Andrews.
BROADCASTONE OF THE TRUE SUCCESS STORIES of the 2015 World Championships
was the unmatched production and coverage provided by Eurovision Production
Coordination, the European Broadcasting Union and the domestic partnership
between the NBC Sports Group and the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association.
The two weeks of the 2015 Championships resulted in a worldwide viewership of
over 800 million people, with record audiences in Austria, Switzerland, Germany, Great
Britain, Scandinavia and the United States.
On the domestic television front, the partnership between the U.S. Ski &
Snowboard Association and the NBC Sports Group involved the combination of NBC
Sports, NBC Sports Network and Universal Sports providing a total of 25 hours of live
coverage during the two weeks of the Championships.
EPC provided 70 hours of live coverage, broadcast to 27 nations, including live
production of all races, official training runs, qualification competitions and Opening
and Closing Ceremonies. A total of 15 international broadcast entities were on-site,
while the NBC Sports Group provided a record 25 hours of domestic coverage through
their various platforms and networks.
In addition, the host broadcaster provided a World Feed Plus service that featured
an additional 200 hours of live production, including all official inspections, multiple
interviews and the best slow motion of each racer during competition.
During the Championships, there were 11 on-site rights holders, three TV studios,
22 commentator positions, seven
announcer positions, 14 live TV
mixed zone boxes and eight live
radio mixed zone positions.
A three-level International
Broadcast Center was
constructed a short walk from the
Red Tail Stadium in Beaver Creek
to house all Host and Rights-
Holding Broadcast operations
during the Championships. The
30,000 square-foot structure was home to approximately 500 Broadcast personnel.
The host broadcast production featured HDTV coverage with 5.1 Dolby Surround
Sound, with a total of over 200 camera positions, 90 of those on the Women’s course
and 80 on the Men’s course. Vail featured 27 camera positions for the Nations Team
Event, while Championships Plaza at Solaris played host to eight positions for the
medals presentation.
Scenes from broadcast partners and the International Broadcast Center.
Photos by Logan Robertson.
CEREMONIESTHE CEREMONIES COMMITTEE was responsible for planning and delivering
the Opening Ceremony, Closing Ceremony, Official Medals Presentations, Sport
Production and Pre and Post Race and Ceremonies Entertainment.
The Opening Ceremony featured a theme of Dream It. Live It. Share It., representing the
overall mantra for the Championships. The key components of the program included the FIS
protocol, live music and dance, video and graphics, the introduction of a group of former
Olympic and World Championships “Legends”, technological integration and fireworks. The
Opening Ceremony was well attended with an estimated crowd of over 10,000 people.
The Closing Ceremony took place at the Red Tail Stadium in Beaver Creek
following the conclusion of the second run of Men’s Slalom. The key components of
the program included the FIS Protocol, live music, passing of the FIS flag to St. Moritz,
large U.S. and Swiss flags and daytime fireworks.
The nightly official medals presentations were hosted at Championships Plaza at
Solaris in Vail Village and followed immediately by a free concert. The key components
of the medals presentations included the FIS protocol, the Colorado Children’s Chorale
singing the national anthem of the winning nation live and the free concert. The LOC
also hosted four bib presentations/draws in conjunction the medals presentations.
In addition to the free nightly concerts, the LOC also produced a trio of ticketed
performances at the Vilar Performing Arts Center in Beaver Creek. Performers included
internationally renowned opera sensation Anna Netrebko, modern dance artists Momix
and singer Jane Lynch.
Opening Ceremonies followed the “Dream It, Live It, Share It” theme with
appearances by athletes, skiing legends, event officials and live entertainment
artists. Photos by Logan Robertson.
Vail hosted the daily award ceremonies,
welcoming an animated and packed crowd.
ENVIRONMENTTHE LOC PAID SPECIAL ATTENTION to overall waste management
working with the Vail Resorts’ Green Event Checklist to collect and remove waste
from all the venues. Broadcast and VIP hospitality utilised reusable flatware while
compostable products were used for the general public concessions to reduce land
fill waste, with volunteers stationed at the recycling bins to ensure proper disposal. In
addition Vail Village had several recycling containers available for visitors to use at the medal ceremonies and concerts.
MTD Pure Water was used to provide both clean and grey water solutions for the venues. This solution allowed flush
toilets to be provided in some areas and also considerably reduced the amount of bottled water needed for the venues.
The LOC worked with Cat Power for temporary power needs at all venues to supplement the shore power with full
redundant backups for technical and operational power. The local utility companies oversaw natural gas and propane needs.
Buses were the main form of transportation to the Red Tail Stadium accommodating 3,000 people per hour. Many
people also used skis to reach the finish area. In addition, there were walking trails groomed to allow visitors to reach the
mid-mountain stadium complete with free snowshoes provided.
FACILITIESTHE 2015 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS featured a combination of existing on-mountain and community
infrastructure, along with a significant amount of permanent and temporary construction projects, primarily due to the mid-
mountain location of the Red Tail Stadium and related venue needs.
Permanent construction projects included building the new Raptor Women’s Race Course, which was completed over
the course of the summers of 2012 and 2013, and the construction of the new Talons Restaurant during the summer of
2013, which served as the primary Media Center for the World Championships.
In addition, Vail Resorts replaced the old Centennial Express quad lift, the primary access to Beaver Creek Mountain
from Beaver Creek Village, with a new combination chairlift and gondola during the summer of 2014. The new chair
increased the uphill capacity from the village to 3,400 people per hour, enhancing the old capacity by 35%.
Temporary Beaver Creek facilities featured the International Broadcast Center (30,000 square feet on three levels), located
just north of the Red Tail Stadium complex, the 3,500-seat tribune and adjoining “Flight Deck”, Gold/Platinum Hospitality
structure and scaffold deck (20,000 square feet on two levels), Silver Hospitality tent (10,000 square foot one level clear span
tent structure), video board scaffold structures, Broadcast Mixed Zone scaffolding, photo platform, TV camera platforms and
a pair of tents on the Talons Restaurant deck for post-race press conferences and athlete hospitality.
Vail’s temporary facilities included the 1,400 seat Golden Peak Stadium tribune, temporary finish tower, video board
structures, photo platform and Broadcast Mixed scaffolding. Additional temporary construction in Vail Village involved the
build out and related infrastructure at Championships Plaza, the host venue for the Opening Ceremony, nightly medals
presentations and free concerts.
Photos by Zach Mahone, Logan Robertson and Matt Andrews.
Silver, Gold and Platinum VIP hospitalities
border skier’s left area of Red Tail Stadium
FESTIVALTHE GOAL OF THE FESTIVAL COMMITTEE was to create an “All American”
experience for all spectators, while also establishing
a strategic pathway of entertainment flow that
would guide guests throughout each day.
Daily on-venue events included buskers, Trail
2015 spectator walking experience, the 2015
Cheerleaders, Cam the Dancing Fan, the live golden
eagle, stadium hand-outs, stadium pre and post-
race live show and celebrity national anthem artists.
Off-venue daily events included the International
Experience Tent in Beaver Creek Village, Aprés
Avon and the Sierra Nevada Winter Beer Camp
in Vail Village. Open all day, the International
Experience Tent featured breakfast and served as
the main sponsor activation point in Beaver Creek
Village, with a “Country of the Day” animation, youth
activities, pin trading and buskers, along with a
large video screen with the race footage.
Aprés Avon served as the spectator transition
point for guests moving from Beaver Creek to
Vail for the nightly activities, while the Winter Beer
Camp provided spectator transition from awards
to the free concerts in addition to serving as a
point of concessions.
A number of National Ski Associations, notably
USA, Austria, Germany and Switzerland, created
their own national houses for the duration of the
Championships, which served as the meeting point
for their sponsors, guests and friends.
Some of the familiar faces from our entertainment
line-up pictured; including Craig Wayne Boyd,
Phillip Phillips and mascots: Pete & Earl.
Photos by Logan Robertson and Jodi Wegner.
FINANCIALTHE LOC ESTIMATES that the final expense budget for the event will be approximately $59.9 million. We are
pleased to report that our various revenue sources will be able to cover that budget, while also generating a small surplus.
Revenues International Sponsors/Rights Fees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $34,823,663
VIP Donors/Fundraising . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $7,633,920
Government Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $6,025,500
Fees/Tickets/Misc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $4,871,589
Trades . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $4,340,522
National/Community Sponsorship . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $3,847,500
TOTAL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $61,542,694
Expenses Structures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $11,144,617
Television . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $8,623,223
Race . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $7,100,961
Administration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $5,318,814
Trades . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $4,340,522
Hospitality . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $4,122,676
Labor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $3,372,704
Ceremonies/Festivals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $3,018,917
Revenue Costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2,772,895
Lodging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2,764,466
Utilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2,434,135
Marketing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,469,449
Volunteers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,394,533
Transportation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $876,169
Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $362,636
TOTAL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $59,116,718
19%
7%12%
9%
15%
7%
6%
5%
5%
5%4%
57%
12%
10%
8%
7%6%
2%2%
1% 1%
HOSPITALITYRED TAIL STADIUM PLAYED HOST to the two VIP hospitality structures
for the 2015 Beaver Creek competitions. For the Nations Team Event in Vail, Platinum
hospitality was located at the Larkspur Restaurant, while Gold hospitality was
headquartered at the Lodge at Vail.
Beaver Creek’s Gold/Platinum hospitality structure was located in a two-level hard-
sided temporary structure on skier’s left of the finish corral, with an interior staircase to
traverse from the first floor to the second. The structure was situated on a scaffolding
structure that sat 65 feet off the ground and featured a total of 20,000 square feet of
space, 10,000 square feet on each level.
The Silver hospitality tent was located just uphill from Gold/Platinum, comprised
of a one-level free span tent that offered 10,000 square feet of space. Both hospitality
structures also featured a sizeable exterior deck that enabled guests to have a great
view of the finish area and lower race course.
Early on in the planning process, the LOC made the decision that with few
exceptions, access to both hospitality structures was via daily tickets, rather than
accreditation. Depending on their level of involvement or donation, guests were limited
to the number of daily tickets they received, as well as the number of tickets that could
be used on one particular day.
Platinum hospitality was designed to offer a personalized experience, with
daily reservations required and reserved tables on the upper level. Daily reserved
seating fluctuated between 315-430 people, with breakfast, lunch, light snacks and
beverages provided.
Gold hospitality was designed to offer a comfortable experience, with no reserved
seating, but the same quality of food and beverage provided to Platinum guests. While
the primary seating area for Gold guests was located on the first floor, they were also
able to sit upstairs if the Platinum level was not fully subscribed, making for a potential
seating capacity of 400-600 people.
Silver hospitality was designed as a less formal experience, with no reserved
seating and a grill and outdoor ice bar. Depending on the day, the capacity of Silver
ranged from 800-950 people.
The LOC hired an independent caterer to coordinate the various hospitality
functions during the two weeks of the Championships. The caterer reported that during
the two weeks, nearly 25,000 meals had been served in 11 days (hospitality was
not open if there was not a medal race scheduled). In addition, the overall operation
required 51 private catering staff and 48 volunteers.
Hospitality zones provided ideal vistas of the race finish and a second-to-none
guest experience. Photos by Logan Robertson.
LEGACYTHE 2015 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS will leave behind
numerous event-specific venues and services that will continue
to provide valuable amenities for Vail and Beaver Creek’s annual
recreational skiers and snowboarders.
The new
Raptor Women’s
race course,
constructed
during the
summers of
2012 and 2013,
provides an
additional 17
acres of skiable
terrain to Beaver
Creek Mountain,
along with 30 acres of new snowmaking capability for the resort.
Built during the summer of 2013 with the World Championships in
mind, the new Talons Restaurant served as the primary Media Center
for all Beaver Creek competitions. In addition to providing a greatly
enhanced work environment for the media, Talons features a total of
18,000 square feet on two levels, compared to the 3,600 square feet
of space that was available in 1999.
Vail Resorts replaced the Centennial Express lift in Beaver Creek
with a combination chairlift/gondola configuration during the summer
of 2014 in anticipation of the World Championships. The new combo
lift features an uphill capacity of 3,400 people per hour, representing
a 35% increase over the old Centennial Express Lift.
Cell phone coverage had been sporadic at best for not only media
covering the annual World Cup races in Beaver Creek, but the general
public as well. As a result of the Championships, Vail Resorts entered
into an agreement with American Tower to install a mountain-wide
system of non-carrier specific cell phone towers. As a result, Beaver
Creek now features robust on-mountain voice and data coverage,
facilitated by four major carriers, all broadcasting 3G & 4G/LTE.
Three years in the making of Red Tail Stadium, consisting
of more than 250,000 square feet of scaffolding/building
equipment and 31,000 hours annually of course construction
and maintenance. Photos by John Dakin.
MARKETING/ PUBLIC RELATIONSTHE COMMUNICATIONS PLAN for the 2015 World Championships featured a four-pronged approach that
included Traditional Media, Digital Media, the 2015 App and
Publicity and Promotion.
Traditional Media encompassed Press Releases,
Newsletters and Press Conferences. A total of 184 releases
were sent, dating back to 2010 and the awarding of the 2015
bid to Vail and Beaver Creek. These releases generated a
total of 42,808 clips and over 69 billion impressions. There
were also a total of 51 newsletters sent to various groups,
including FIS professionals and staff, fan clubs, ski clubs and
USSA-specific.
The initial 2015 website was launched in 2010 in order to
secure the official URL and begin building SEO strength. The
site was re-launched in August of 2013 and served as the official website through the Championships. The second site
had a phased strategy to reflect the information that was currently known and what visitors would be using the site for in
long and short-lead booking windows. The final significant site updates were performed in late January of 2015.
From December 15, 2014 through February 28, 2015, the www.vailbeavercreek2015.com site received a total of
1,097,482 visitors and 2,884,067 page views. Around 52 stories were published during the three week period on the
official website, with 32 video clips uploaded.
From a social media perspective, the 2015 Facebook page concluded the Championships with nearly 60,000 fans
and 36.8 million impressions. In all, the 2015 Championships posted a total of 40.1 million social media impressions
throughout all platforms. These digital numbers do not take into account the impressions from the FIS website, which
helped to engage a more widespread, global audience.
In other social media outlets, the 2015 World Championships recorded 12,500 Instagram subscribers, 7,572 Twitter
followers and 2.5 million impressions and 500 YouTube subscribers with 130,944 views and 131,000 impressions.
The 2015 App was the key communications tool leading up to and during the event, providing planning
information, onsite information, live timing, transportation and snow report integrations, along with maps and schedules
for the Championships. A total of 38,632 people downloaded the app, recording a total of 523,233 session and 1.7
million impressions.
Social media engaged a global audience and inspired the next generation of ski racing fans; this
complemented traditional efforts which targeted the core demographic.
MEDIA OPERATIONSTHE LOC RECEIVED A TOTAL OF 553 APPLICATIONS for accreditation, of which
430 were approved to be issued. At the conclusion of the Championships, it was determined that 329
media accreditations were actually picked up and activated. This number included 141 Journalists,
112 Photographers, 11 Non-Rights Holding Radio, 39 Non-Rights Holding Television and 26 Public
Relations/Press Attache personnel.
The 2015 World Championships media corps represented
a total of 17 different nations, with the United States claiming
the most individual accreditations at 195. Host Broadcaster
and Rights-Holding Broadcast accreditation was handled by
Eurovision Production Coordination.
The new Talons Restaurant, a mid-mountain facility
built in 2013 by Vail Resorts in anticipation of the 2015
Championships, served as the primary Media Center for the
event. While the mid-mountain location presented some
obvious challenges, Talons also had the advantage of being 50
meters from the Mixed Zone.
The building has two levels – the upper level was used as a workspace for approximately 250
journalists and photographers; the lower level featured the Media Operations offices, photo lockers, ski
storage and the food service operation that was available for Media and other personnel with the proper
access to the building. The facility was not open to the public during the event.
Two sub-centers were also available for journalists during the Championships. The Westin Media
Center in Avon was established to encourage and enhance the ability to spread out and also work
beyond the scheduled hours at Talons, given its location.
The Westin Media Center featured seating for approximately 150 individuals.
The Manor Vail Media Center was used for the Nations Team Event (February 10) and Qualification
Races (February 12 and 14), and featured workspace for approximately 150 people. This sub-center saw
its biggest use on the NTE day, when approximately 75 journalists and photographers utilized the space.
Francis Bompard of Agence Zoom in France was contracted to be the Photo Manager for the 2015
World Championships, a role he also held for the 2014 Sochi Olympics.
A designated section of the Talons Media Center was reserved for photographers and seating
was assigned in coordination with the expanded bandwith orders placed by the major agencies
(Agence France-Presse, Getty, USA Today, Associated Press, GEPA). Each of the major agencies and
photographers covering the event were also given access to lockers (60 total) that were positioned on the
lower level of the Talons Media Center as well as a ski rack inside the building for overnight ski storage.
The setup at Talons hosting members of the global MEDIA corps (top), press conference room
(middle), photo tower at Awards Ceremony in Vail (bottom). Photos by Logan Robertson.
MEDICAL SERVICESTHE VAIL BEAVER CREEK 2015 MEDICAL GUIDE was reviewed by both the FIS Medical Committee and the Community
Partners Group and integrated into all event-related medical services. The appointed FIS Medical Supervisor liaised closely with the LOC
medical services organization in advance of, and during, the Championships.
A comprehensive rescue service was put in place to deal with all incidents, with two helicopter staging areas designated at Red Tail
Stadium, with helicopters on standby for transport to Denver or other major trauma centers. However, long-line rescue is not permissible in
this environment.
First Aid facilities (AED) were placed around the stadiums, as well as a medical concierge desk at the Guest Services tent at both the
Red Tail and Golden Peak Stadium. Several urgent care locations were also located near both venues.
During the two weeks of the Championships, each competition venue was staffed on a daily basis by members of the Race-Specific
Patrol, Emergency Medical Services, Mountain Ski Patrol, Event Physicians and Spectator Medical personnel. On any given day,
approximately 60 Medical Team members were on site for the competitions.
Anti-Doping Control was provided by a team from the US Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) that worked effectively and professionally, with
six urine and two blood tests conducted following each race. The doping controls took place in a trailer that was conveniently located
adjacent to the Talons Restaurant and the post-race press conference facility.
A total of 66 doping controls were performed on athletes from 18 nations, with 22 blood samples. The average time for a control from
check-in to check-out of the doping control station was 21 minutes with the longest taking 75 minutes and the shortest six minutes.
ORGANIZATIONIN JANUARY OF 2011, the 2015 World Championships Organizing Committee was established. The LOC structure included an
Executive Committee (11 members), the Coordination Committee (four members) and the Advisory Committee (14 members), along with 21
area-specific Operational Committees.
Each Operational Committee was then charged with putting together their specialized committees, which averaged approximately 10-
12 members per committee. In addition to the LOC, 20 fulltime employees of the Vail Valley Foundation assumed key 2015 roles within the
framework of the organization. None of the LOC committee members were paid for their involvement.
In the final ramp up to the Championships, the Vail Valley Foundation hired an additional 20 contract employees to assist with
various aspects of the event. All roles were 2015-specific and all positions were phased out within four months of the conclusion of the
Championships. These 2015-specific contractors were Foundation employees and some worked on other VVF events as well in the year
prior to the World Championships.
With the dissolution of the LOC and the departure of the 20 event-specific VVF staff following the conclusion of the Championships, a
handful of Vail Valley Foundation staff are assisting in coordinating the event wrap-up, including the Transfer of Knowledge and the Final Report.
Mountain Ski Patrol team member in full action (top); Organizing Committee members pictured (middle, bottom).
Photos by Logan Robertson.
RACE/SPORT MANAGEMENTAS WITH THE VAIL VALLEY’S ANNUAL WORLD CUP EVENTS, on-hill race preparation and coordination were
largely coordinated by the Vail and Beaver Creek Race Departments,
while team services were orchestrated by the LOC. The 2015
World Championships were fortunate to have long-standing and
experienced Vail Resorts personnel on both Men’s and Women’s
race courses in Beaver Creek and the Golden Peak Nations Team
course in Vail, which provided for a smooth operational process and
exceptional racing conditions.
Team wax cabins were located within 1-2 kilometers of team/
service accommodations, with additional cabins available for
purchase for $1,000. The consensus was that if possible, a large
wax cabin complex should be constructed out of modular containers,
rather than the convenience of cabins located in well ventilated
garages and meeting rooms.
Training was managed by Ski & Snowboard Club Vail, with locations
on both Vail and Beaver Creek Mountains. A club representative was
responsible for taking advanced training bookings, while also being
present at each Team Captains Meeting for daily bookings.
Ski Testing was conducted at Eagle’s Nest in Vail, with 4-5 lanes
and rapid rotation on people-mover cats. The testing involved three
2-hour sessions each day from January 29 to February 9. Weather
services were provided by the Colorado Avalanche Information
Center, while sport radio control for on-course communications was
provided by Telecomm Sportservices AG.
Team meals were facilitated in a combination of hotels,
restaurants, private homes with youth and professional chefs and
on-mountain in Beaver Creek. A separate budget was created for all
team meals of $65 per person per day for a total of 16 days. Teams
were assigned based on the closest meal location to their lodging,
with an average of 1,000 people served per day.
Photos by Logan Robertson.
Cross-functional security professionals and volunteers helped the
Championships to happen without any hiccups. Photos by Logan Robertson.
SECURITYTHE 2015 SECURITY AND SAFETY COMMITTEE was formed with
representation from local and state agencies having jurisdiction for three primary 2015
AWSC venues. Those agencies included Fire, Emergency Medical Services, Law
Enforcement, Private Security, Public Health and Emergency Management.
Thirteen working groups were formed with strong functional knowledge in the areas
of venues, logistics, intelligence/counter terrorism, critical infrastructure protection,
explosive device detection & management, credentialing, tactical/counter surveillance,
dignitary protection, planning, traffic operations, interagency communications,
information, and legal.
The regional response plan for the 2015 Championships was based on the Incident
Command System and a unified command model, comprised of the Major from the
Colorado State Patrol, the Sheriff of Eagle County, the Police Chief of Vail and the CEO
of the Eagle County Paramedics Service. Branches for Fire, Law, EMS and Public
Works were staffed with first responders from 30 federal, state and local agencies.
The Event Command Post (ECP) was in operation from 0700 to approximately
2100, or until all official World Championships events had concluded each day. The
ECP was staffed by the following functions on each shift: unified command, operations
section chief, law, fire and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) branch chiefs for each
discipline, plus planning and logistics personnel. There were representatives from the
Colorado National Guard (military), State Office of Emergency Management, State
Department of Transportation, Colorado Information Analysis Center (intelligence) and
two public safety radio communicators.
Traffic control was handled by the Colorado State Patrol (State Police), with
assistance from local law enforcement officers and the Colorado Department of
Transportation. In the large parking lots, Spectator Service volunteers actually parked
the vehicles to ensure that the maximum numbers of cars could be parked in each lot
in an organized manner.
A “See Something/Say Something” Campaign was invaluable in training the
community to call law enforcement when sighting a suspicious activity or unattended
bag. An alert community can directly thwart potential security threats and over 2,000
volunteers and citizens were trained in this program. Bag checks for prohibited
items were conducted by paid security staff prior to all spectators entering World
Championships venues.
Photos by Logan Robertson.
SOCIALIN ADDITION TO ALL OF THE FESTIVAL EVENTS, the LOC also
hosted five special social events for designated participants during the two weeks of
the Championships. These included the FIS Gala (February 5), Donor Party (February
8), Media and Broadcast Party (February 9), Legends Banquet (February 11) and the
Volunteer Appreciation Party (February 17).
Additional smaller social events hosted during the Championships included a Club
2015 Donor Party, an Opening Ceremony After Party, a dinner for FIS, USOC, USSA
and LOC and a Broadcast Thank You Party.
SPONSOR SERVICESTRIDEM SPORTS SERVED AS THE MARKETING AGENCY for
rights holder EBU, selling all international sponsoring packages, including Audi as the
main sponsor of the Championships. Other international sponsors included Helvetia,
Deichmann, Liqui Moly, Raiffeisen, Longines, J. Lindeberg.
In 2012, the LOC contracted for the right to sell domestic sponsorship rights from
Tridem/EBU, with the LOC responsible for selling managing the National Sponsor,
Official Supplier and Community Sponsorship programs. Five National Sponsors and
25 Official Supplier partners signed up for packages to be an exclusive partner with
their business category associated with the Championships. Vail Resorts, The Town of
Vail and Beaver Creek were also key partners.
The LOC also obtained the rights for merchandising from EBU in 2012, at the
same time the LOC and Tridem/EBU contracted for the domestic sponsorship rights.
The LOC subsequently outsourced these merchandising rights to a specialised retail
company, O’Bos Enterprises. The merchandising was widely available in multiple
retail stores in Vail and Beaver Creek in the years leading up to and during the
Championships. It could also be purchased online.
The range of products was very well suited to the local market, with casual clothing
and accessories, and it was seen extensively in the years before the Championships,
allowing it to have a strong promotional impact.
Upgrades in connectivity allowed for a seamless exchange of information,
including continual mobile updates through the official 2015 app
(downloaded by ~75% of event attendees) Photos by Logan Robertson.
TECHNOLOGYSAFARI TELECOM WAS SELECTED BY THE LOC as the dedicated
telecom/internet solutions provider for the 2015 Championships. Their service included
the complimentary public-facing Wi-Fi in Red Tail Stadium (1mbs up/1mbs down).
In the months prior to the start of the World Championships, an extensive cellular
network upgrade was completed on Vail and Beaver Creek Mountains, including
robust cellular coverage in the Red Tail Stadium, Talons Media Center and International
Broadcast Center.
Known as the “American Tower Project”, the system featured “agnostic” coverage,
provided by Verizon, T-Mobile, Sprint and AT&T. All carriers were broadcasting on 3G
and 4G/LTE, with a strong signal and data performance for media, broadcasters and
spectators in the Red Tail Stadium.
From an internet perspective, CenturyLink installed a Mobile Central Office (MCO)
in the IBC. Via privately owned dark fiber, the MCO was interconnected with Century/
Link data and voice networks on the valley floor, which allowed the provider to deliver
all primary data and voice requirements for the Championships through the MCO.
Data included a burstable 1GigE internet circuit and multiple OC192 circuits for the
worldwide delivery of the television feeds.
Free basic internet WiFi service (a minimum of 3mbs up/3mbs down) was provided
to the media in the Talons Media Center, with expanded bandwidth available via
the rate card. Enhanced services included 5mbs up/5mbs down ($1,500), 10mbs
up/10mbs down ($2,000) and 20 mbs up/20mbs down ($2,500).
The Westin Media Center was able to provide 7mbs up/7mbs down at no charge
through the existing hotel WiFi system, while the Manor Vail Media Center featured free
WiFi through their internal system at 5mbs up/5mbs down.
The LOC identified five locations on the Men’s and Women’s courses to provide
wireless hot spots for the on-course photographers, with each position having a restricted
SSID and password for photo use only to reduce traffic and potential transmission
slow-downs. The American Tower Project also dramatically helped the on-course
photographers as well as there was top-to-bottom LTE coverage on both race courses. A
total of 10 miles of internet cabling was installed in the Red Tail Stadium finish arena.
In addition, the LOC hardwired 20 positions for the main photo agencies on the
photo platform in the finish area. The system provided free 3mbs up/3mbs down
V-lan service for the swift transmission of images. Free WiFi was also available to
photographers on the Golden Peak course in Vail and Championships Plaza at Solaris
in Vail Village.
TRANSPORTATIONTHE TRANSPORTATION PLANNING for the 2015 Alpine World Ski
Championships was developed and managed by members of the Municipal Services
Committee, which was comprised of at least one managing member of the numerous
transit groups within the Vail Valley, including Town of Avon, Eagle Country Transit
(ECO), Beaver Creek Village Transportation and Vail Transit, in addition to members
of other groups representing the Beaver Creek Resort Company, Vail Resorts, Beaver
Creek Metro District and others.
The LOC also hired the Epic International /Epic Sports Marketing group to help
manage and run the daily operation of the Audi VIP Car Service. Under the direction
of the Transportation Manager, Epic provided oversight for all Birds of Prey World Cup
operations related to VIP car service in December of 2014, prior to transitioning in to
managing the large scale VIP car service needed during the World Championships.
There were a total of approximately 200 volunteer drivers during the event that
drove the mixed fleet of cars that numbered nearly 90 vehicles. Audi supplied a total of
48 vehicles, which were paid for by the LOC. The fleet of Audi’s was comprised almost
entirely of Q7’s, which is Audi’s largest vehicle, offering a third row of seating. We also
had use of several All Road’s and an A8.
The overall car fleet also included 25 rental cars that were donated to the LOC and
used during the event, along with 17 12-passenger vans from Colorado Mountain
Express. The Transportation Committee estimated that the VIP car service facilitated
approximately 4,300 trips during the course of the Championships.
During the annual Birds of Prey World Cup events at Beaver Creek, race-specific
public bus routes are handled entirely through the local transit groups of Beaver
Creek Village Transportation, Vail Transit and Eagle County Transit. For the World
Championships, however, the LOC added more bus routes and needed additional
buses for the increased ridership expected on the existing routes. All routes throughout
the Vail Valley, with the exception to Eagle County’s regularly scheduled service, were
free to the public. The bus service experienced the biggest numbers during the first
week of the Championships, with the Race Finish Route transporting approximately
68,000 guests, while the parking lot shuttles carried approximately 100,000 guests
and the Vail/Beaver Creek Express carried over 9,000 guests.
During the course of the two weeks of the event, the Race Finish Route carried a
total of almost 115,000 guests, while the parking lot shuttles carried around 175,000
and the Vail/BC Express carried over 16,000. In addition, ECO reported carrying just
under 10,000 total media/press members on the Westin Media Shuttle.
Photos by Zach Mahone and Shannon Muench.
VIP DONOR SERVICESIN ADDITION to the traditional revenue sources, the LOC was
fortunate enough to also have a unique revenue opportunity due to
the nonprofit status of the Vail Valley Foundation, with the 2015 VIP
Donor Program delivering $7.5 million to the budget from 500 families
that subscribed to one of six donor levels.
These donor programs ranged from $215 to $200,000, with
benefits also tied to the level of donation, including Platinum, Gold
or Silver hospitality access, Audi VIP car service, invitations to social
events, exclusive apparel, skis and opportunities to ski with former
Olympians and World Champions.
VOLUNTEERSOVER 2,200 VOLUNTEERS generously gave of their time
and talents to help produce the 2015 Championships, working in 31
different areas of the event. With a required commitment of 60 hours
during the course of the Championships, the 15er volunteer Corps
logged a total of 175,000 hours, with most working an average of
eight hours a day for an average of 10 days.
In addition to an up close and personal experience with the
Championships, the volunteers were rewarded for their efforts with
the J. Lindeberg event uniform, meals during shifts, a post-event
letter of recognition from the Colorado State Legislature and a
post-event Appreciation Party. Lodging was provided to 150 out of
town Race volunteers via 85 local community hosts via the 2015
Homestay Program.
Photos by Logan Robertson.
YOUTHTHE 2015 YOUTH COMMITTEE worked with the Vail Valley community, Eagle
County Schools and other youth-serving agencies to develop programs, curriculum
and lesson plans that tied the Championships to local children’s lives.
The Committee also developed opportunities for all children in Colorado to
participate in the World Championships. These programs included Youth Activation,
the 2015 Lesson Plan Resource Guide, the Colorado Children’s Chorale, the Dream It
Team and an Internship Program.
All youth activation activities were developed to create opportunities for children in
Colorado to participate in the World Championships, both in school and out of school, as
well as to provide a fun place for kids and families to go during the races. The program
enabled a total of 4,500 students to attend the World Championships competitions
throughout the two weeks of the event, while also coordinating athlete visits to schools,
facilitating the 2015 Kids Fun Zone, coordinating Behind the Scenes experiences for 17
students and working with 22 schools on the Adopt a Country initiative.
Teachers across the state of Colorado submitted lesson plans in order to provide
educators with the opportunity to integrate the World Ski Championships theme into
their instructional activities. Lessons ranged from elementary, middle and high schools
levels, and covered a variety of academic disciplines applied to their daily academics.
A total of 29 lesson plans were submitted and utilized throughout the state, as well as
other states via the online portal that generated 1,545 views.
The Colorado Children’s Chorale was contracted to sing all national anthems at
awards ceremonies, learning over 14 national anthems, while traveling throughout
Eagle County for 18 additional performances in various schools. The choir of 36
children also performed at Opening and Closing Ceremonies.
The 2015 Dream It Team was made up of current podium racers from Ski and
Snowboard Club Vail, with team members serving as ambassadors for 2015 through
a team blog and special event appearances. Created in 2013, the 43 members of the
Dream It Team made five appearances during the two weeks of the Championships.
Finally, the internships created an opportunity for students to experience what it
took to plan for a world-class event. The students had the opportunity to work as a
team, learn new career trades and receive professional development. A total of nine
interns were placed with members of the LOC prior to the event, serving throughout
the Championships.
Nearly 9,000 members of the local youth participated in programs leading up
to the Championships and 1,000’s more attended the events, adding to the
excitement and energy levels. Photos by Logan Robertson.
2015 FIS ALPINE WORLD SKI CHAMPIONSHIPS
MEDALISTSMen’s Downhill, February 7
Patrick Kueng, SUI
Travis Ganong, USA
Beat Feuz, SUI
Men’s Super-G, February 5
Hannes Reichelt, AUT
Dustin Cook, CAN
Adrien Theaux, FRA
Men’s Alpine Combined, February 8
Marcel Hirscher, AUT
Kjetil Jansrud, NOR
Ted Ligety, USA
Men’s Giant Slalom, February 13
Ted Ligety, USA
Marcel Hirscher, AUT
Alexis Pinturault, FRA
Men’s Slalom, February 15
Jean Baptiste Grange, FRA
Fritz Dopfer, GER
Felix Neureuther, GER
Photos by Logan Robertson.
2015 FIS ALPINE WORLD SKI CHAMPIONSHIPS
MEDALISTSLadies’ Downhill, February 6
Tina Maze, SLO
Anna Fenninger, AUT
Lara Gut, SUI
Ladies’ Super-G, February 3
Anna Fenninger, AUT
Tina Maze, SLO
Lindsey Vonn, USA
Ladies’ Alpine Combined, February 9
Tina Maze, SLO
Nicole Hosp, AUT
Michaela Kirchgasser, AUT
Ladies’ Giant Slalom, February 12
Anna Fenninger, AUT
Viktoria Rebensburg, GER
Jessica Lindell-Vikarby, SWE
Ladies’ Slalom, February 14
Mikaela Shiffrin, USA
Frida Hansdotter, SWE
Sarka Strachova, CZE
Photos by Logan Robertson.
2015 FIS ALPINE WORLD SKI CHAMPIONSHIPS
MEDALISTSNations Team Event, February 10
Austria
Canada
Sweden
Photos by Logan Robertson.
P.O. Box 309
Vail, Colorado 81658
970.777.2015 phone
888.883.8245 toll free
970.949.9265 fax
VVF.ORG