Gone are the movie stars and their entourages.
This week is about the world’s best freestyle skiers and the enthusiasts who will endure freezing temperatures to cheer them on.
“It really is something we truly embrace,” said Deer Valley Resort President Bob Wheaton in a press conference Monday. “I can tell you everybody right here looks forward to all the athletes coming.”
Deer Valley has formed a special partnership with Park City Mountain Resort to act as dual hosts for the 14th FIS Freestyle World Ski Championships. Not since 2003 has the event been hosted in Park City and the number of participating athletes has nearly doubled.
“We’re very excited and proud that we’re hosting the 2011 Freestyle World Championships,” said USSA President Bill Marolt in the same conference. “Our two great resort partners, Deer Valley Resort and Park City Mountain Resort, I know, and I’m confident will do a fabulous job at organizing and hosting and making sure everyone has a great opportunity to compete and enjoy the competitions.”
Fans ready to withstand single-digit temperatures will stay busy with competition starting today and continuing through Saturday evening.
All events are free and open to the public and fans will be able to catch a glimpse of two new additions to the event: ski halfpipe and ski slopestyle.
The two resorts are within two miles of one another and complimentary parking is available at both Deer Valley (five lots below Snow Park Lodge) and PCMR (base parking permitted off Empire Avenue). Guests will also be able to park at the China Bridge parking structure on Main Street and use Park City’s free public transportation.
Tonight’s opening ceremonies on Lower Main Street will be headlined by Julian Marley, son of famed recording artist Bob Marley. Fireworks following the opening ceremonies are scheduled to start around 10 p.m. Wednesday.
Food and beverage concession stands will be located at both competition venues. Spectators are allowed to bring food and drink into both venues.
Deer Valley suggests spectators arrive 45 minutes prior to starting times to secure parking and allow for a comfortable walk and to the venues. The Eagle superpipe at PCMR is about a five-minute walk from the First Time run parking lot and the slopestyle area is located above the Legacy Lodge at PCMR.
For questions about ADA access at Deer Valley, call (435) 645-6510. PCMR will provide ADA access with its base patrol.
U.S. Freestyle program director Todd Schirman sent out a big thanks to those who have worked tirelessly on preparing both venues for the athletes and spectators.
“I’d like to thank the volunteers and all the course builders because I know how much work went into this course,” Schirman said. “Just an amazing job.”