Ski Championships Boost Economy Blending Culture,
News Release
Girdwood, Alaska – March 22, 2004
Ski Championships Boost Economy Blending Culture, Activities And World-Class Racing
Massive snow-capped peaks against crystal-blue skies are nature’s perfect backdrop for the Chevrolet 2004 U.S. Alpine Championships at Alyeska Resort in Girdwood, Alaska. Snow conditions are pristine and racers and visitors alike are getting a first-hand glimpse of what residents eagerly anticipate annually – the glory of winter.
When unseasonably warm temperatures forced the cancellation of the event one year ago, it was an economic disappointment for this small town of slightly more than 2,000 residents, 40 miles south of Anchorage, Alaska. This year is a different story. With the best snow and weather conditions in years, Girdwood is pulling out all the stops for this prestigious U.S. national event and it is paying off in economic impact and lasting positive impressions.
Opening Ceremonies March 19, 2004, kicked off the event with a bang. Fireworks, a parade of athletes, dog sled runs, Alaska Native dancing by Miracle Drummers & Dancers, and the rhythmic sounds of Pamyua, the 2003 Native American Music Awards recipient for “Record of the Year,” exuded a warm Alaska welcome.
The Championships is expected to attract an estimated 10,000 locals and out-of-area visitors to Girdwood March 18-23, 2004. The 307-room Alyeska Prince Hotel is filled to capacity; restaurants are teeming; snow machine and dog sled tours are busy; lines at the local shops and mini-markets are standard fare; and the bears and bison at Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center have had lots of visitors. More than 600 athletes and coaches make up the athletic portion of the six-day event, providing an estimated economic impact of more than $500,000 to the Municipality of Anchorage, which stretches from Girdwood to Eklutna.
Chris von Imhof, CEO of Alyeska Resort, said, “We are thrilled to have so many visitors from around the world enjoying the winter wonderland surrounding the Glacier Valley. The weather has been fantastic and the snow conditions perfect, making it easy for all to enjoy our spectacular scenery and unique winter activities. We are proud to host the 2004 U.S. Alpine Championships and look forward to more world-class events at Alyeska Resort.”
The economic impact of this event reaches far beyond the ski resort town of Girdwood, positively impacting businesses throughout Anchorage and other parts of the state. Take, for example, Jeff Weinman, national alpine competition manager of the United States Ski Association (U.S.S.A). Jeff arrived March 15, 2004, to prepare for the races. He will stay in Girdwood for nine days and then be joined by his wife for a well-deserved, post-event vacation. According to Weinman, “We have never been to Alaska and this is a great opportunity to see some of the state. We plan to spend a week seeing the best of Alaska from the SeaLife Center in Seward and a boat tour out of Homer, to the many sights and experiences in Anchorage.”
Weinman is not alone. A global trend is tracking up to 60 percent of attendees at national events and conferences participating in pre- or post-event vacations with family members. Unique locations, such as Alaska, benefit greatly by hosting events and meetings such as these, especially in winter.
The Anchorage economy enjoyed a tremendous boost in 2001 while hosting the Special Olympics World Winter Games. The event brought approximately 10,000 people to the Municipality of Anchorage, with an estimated economic impact of nearly $5.5 million over 10 days. Anchorage’s winter event facilities are world-class, and the area continues to broaden its reputation as a premier venue for national and international events. The World Mountain Running Trophy was held in the area in September 2003 and future events on the horizon include the U.S. National Snowshoe Championships at Kincaid Park in March 2005, and the National Veterans Wheelchair Games in 2006.
Economic rewards are not the only benefit from hosting events and conferences. The increased media coverage broadens global awareness of Anchorage as a year-round destination, which acts as a lure for future visitors.
Bruce Bustamante, president of the Anchorage Convention and Visitors Bureau, said, “the increased visibility from special events such as the U.S.S.A. Championships continues to make Anchorage a sought-after location for national and international meetings and events. We are finding that many of our summer visitors return to Anchorage to enjoy the natural beauty of winter and events, such as the start of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race and Anchorage Fur Rendezvous. Anchorage is the winter playground not only for locals but for repeat visitors, as well.”
Nance Larsen, Vice President, Marketing & Communications
(907) 257-2310
nlarsen@anchorage.net
Explore www.anchorage.net
Gary Scott
Marketing Communications Manager, Alyeska Resort
907-754-2211
gscott@alyeskaresort.com
Explore www.skianchorage.net
