The 40th Alpine World Ski Championhips opens today in Val d'Isere with what promises to be a spectacular opening ceremony at 6.45pm this evening.
Preparations for the event, which goes on until 15th Feb, have been underway for five years. Held every 2 years, the World Championships is a major fixture in the ski world, second only to the Winter Olympics - and this is the first time it has been hosted in France since Chamonix had the honour in 1962.
The opening show, named Pistes Royales, includes all kinds of street entertainers, artists and musicians, and has been orchestrated by Transe Express, the company responsible for the celebrations for Year 2000 in Paris. Included in the parade are 150 children from Val d'Isere and surrounding villages, who will be carrying the flags for the participating nations.
During the 12 days of racing there are 11 races scheduled on Val d'Isere's two famous mountains - the Solaise will host the ladies speed events, and the Bellevarde the Men's races. Due to the geographical formation these two mountain faces are opposite each other and in the heart of the resort. The first race tomorrow (Feb 3rd) is the Ladies Super G. Around 350 world class athletes will be competing over the 12 days.
Every night a variety of evening entertainment is on the schedule with all kinds of live music - folklore choirs, jazz bands, rock concerts, and even a set by DJ David Guetta on Friday 6th Feb. All events, both day and evening, are free. Each day's victors will be awarded their medals at 6.30pm in a medal ceremony taking place in the "Place des Medailles"!
For more information on the event and to download a full programme go to vwww.valdisere.com
