Ski WC 2003

The Alpine World Ski Championships 2003 were a great success for all of the partners involved, and an event that has made its longer-term mark on the Upper Engadin. All of the races were carried out according to program, exactly as planned and with no need for any rescheduling whatsoever – this for the first time in 33 years!        
         
An amazing number of 170,000 spectators enjoyed thrilling competition devoid of any serious accidents – and this to generally splendid sunshine. The exciting racing activity that was relayed via exceptional pictures on television and in the print media made for record viewer numbers and exposure around the world, and guaranteed massive positive publicity for St. Moritz, Pontresina and the Engadin.

The investments in the amount of some 1 billion Swiss Francs that had been made ahead of the FIS World Ski Championships 2003 on the mountain, in the valley and the resort itself noticeably increased the quality of the offer in and around St. Moritz. Thanks to the World Ski Championships, the holiday destination of St. Moritz/Engadin is in top touristic form today – and the world knows it.

The secret stars of this major event were however the 1200 Voluntaris. Their cheerful and dedicated efforts were welcomed with much goodwill and comprehension. They created an ambience of hospitality, tolerance and fairness that decidedly contributed to the human quality of the event, of which visitors are sure keep the best of memories. Incidentally, the Voluntari Organization continues to exist, and will again take up its activity in connection with later events within the Upper Engadin.

The varied side program made the World Championships a powerful event and an attractive total experience, magnifying its appeal on site and in its communication.