2015 FIS World Alpine Ski Championships Awarded To Vail/Beaver Creek

Vail and Beaver Creek resorts in the Colorado Rockies were selected by the International Ski Federation (FIS) Council to host the 2015 World Alpine Ski Championships. These sister resorts have previously hosted the 1989 and 1999 FIS World Championships which, next to the Winter Olympics (and held between them), is the sports pinnacle event.

Vail and, later, Beaver Creek, have been hosting international ski racing events and World Cups since the circuit began in 1967. The Birds of Prey World Cup at Beaver Creek is a stop on the men’s World Cup tour and it is the only men’s event held in the U.S. The course was built in 1997 in preparation for the 1999 World Championships. The first men’s World Cup took place in December 1997 and speed and technical events are held annually at Beaver Creek in December.

Resort officials said they plan to upgrade the Birds of Prey venue, increasing the finish area for the men’s events, building a new Red Tail Camp Restaurant, and building a new women’s speed course which will rival the men’s course in  calibre. This run also will serve the combined events and the nation’s team event during the 2015 Championships.

Women’s technical events, including the giant slalom and slalom, will be held at Vail, which will have a new stadium located in the heart of Vail Village. Opening and closing ceremonies also will take place in Vail.