A variety of languages will be heard on the ski slopes of Sun Valley April 5-9 as the best Masters skiers from all over the globe converge for the FIS World Masters Criterium. The World Masters Criterium, also call the World Masters Championship or the Masters World Cup, is the most important event of the masters circuit, and is hosted alternately by Canada and the United States at high profile ski destinations every other year. Governed by the Fédération Internationale de Ski, the Masters circuit, which is open to athletes aged 30 and older, began in August in Valle Nevado, Chile, and continued throughout the fall with races in Portillo, Chile. During the winter, events were held in Austria, Switzerland, Italy, Germany, Czechoslovakia, and France before crossing the Atlantic to finish the season in Sun Valley.
Ski racers scheduled to arrive in Sun Valley in April will represent 16 nations from as far away as Australia and New Zealand. There are over 250 foreign athletes registered, with the largest representation from Italy and Austria, as well as 145 U.S. athletes.
The Sun Valley-Ketchum Chamber & Visitors Bureau has been sponsoring and supporting sports events such as this to assist in marketing efforts and to promote visitation and overnight stays. This event is expected to bring in an estimated $400,000 to the community through lodging, dining, and shopping revenue.
"We are looking forward to showcasing our area to skiers from around the world," said Kelly Odell, marketing coordinator for the Chamber. "It is especially helpful for local businesses to bring in so many visitors during the beginning of the shoulder season."
For more information, contact the Sun Valley Ski Club at 622-3003, or log on to www.sunvalleyski.com.
