FIS announced in South Africa this morning that the 2013 World Alpine Ski Championships will not be here in the U.S. at Beaver Creek, but rather in Austria.

“While it is certainly disappointing to have not been able to bring home the 2013 Championships,” explained Ceil Folz, president of the Vail Valley Foundation, “we knew from the outset that Schladming was a strong front runner with great momentum.  We congratulate them on their victory and we will now regroup and focus on creating our campaign for the 2015 Championships.”

However, in the final round of voting, Schladming garnered the absolute majority, recording nine votes to Beaver Creek/Vail’s total of eight.  For Schladming, the third time was indeed the charm as the Austrian resort waged unsuccessful bids for the 2009 and 2001 World Championships.

"Congratulations to Schladming on its selection. Our U.S. Ski Team athletes look forward competing in Austria, where we have a great history of success," said U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association President and CEO Bill Marolt. "Together with Beaver Creek/Vail, our focus will now turn to 2015 when we hope that the FIS will choose to come to America to showcase the sport in its largest global marketplace for the first time in 16 years. We're enthusiastic about working with our strong partner, the Vail Valley Foundation, to welcome the world in 2015, just a year after what we anticipate will be a stunning Olympics in Sochi."

“We want to thank everyone throughout the Vail Valley community that supported us in this bid process,” concluded John Garnsey, president of Vail Resorts. “This is not the end, but the continuation of a new and exciting journey for all of us.”