Sylvana Mestre: A Successful Alpine Skiing Season

"This season has only motivated me more to work harder in the upcoming season and try to bring to the athletes new enthusiasm for the next season."

The Alpine Skiing Season 2011/2012 has come to an end.

It has been a challenging season in terms of weather and snow conditions, but despite these situations we have witnessed some incredible performances from the athletes on an elite level and a growing base of new young athletes in our IPCAS level races.

The professionalism and commitment of the athletes is the driving force for the high level we have today on all Alpine Skiing circuits.

As you all know, the season started in New Zealand where our athletes raced alongside the International Ski Federation (FIS) athletes, making the NZ Winter Games a success!

Since the month of August 2011 we had very exciting World Cup events in Arta Terme (Italy), La Molina (Spain), Winter Park (USA) and Panorama (Canada), and a challenging Europa Cup Circuit with events in Pitztal, Kuethai and Abtenau (Austria), Sestriere (Italy), Downhill events for the first time in Tignes (France), Spindleruv Mlyn (Czech Republic) and Auron (France).

The fight for the World Cup globes and the Europa Cup trophies went on till the very last race on both circuits, which was really exciting!

I want to take this opportunity to thank all organizers for believing in our sport and for delivering such good events.

I also want to take this opportunity to thank the coaches. I remember the moments spent working altogether on the Downhill slope in Tignes: your support and work there was outstanding.

I would like to especially recognize all the volunteers from the different parts of the world where our races took place. In the name of all the IPC Alpine Skiing family , thank you!

And last, but not least, I would like to thank the Sport Technical Committee members. Without their professionalism and commitment this success would not have been possible.

This season has only motivated me more to work harder in the upcoming season and try to bring to the athletes new enthusiasm for the next season.

I wish you all a good summer training!