A winter wonder celebrates its 10th anniversary on December 3 and 4, 2011: The FIS Cross-Country Ski Worldcup in D?sseldorf is an established competition on the circuit of the world?s top skiers, but it remains one of the most unique events in the world of cross-country skiing. A crowded city center gets transformed into a ski run, while one of Germany?s biggest Christmas Markets is going on steps away. Add live music performances, the constant bustle of the ?longest bar in the world? -- 260 bars and restaurants in under a mile and all around the ski run -- and you have one of the most colorful and diverse settings for a ski competition in the world.
Moreover, D?sseldorf ? located at the heart of an area of 53 connected cities and a population of 18 million ? is not exactly known for great snow and skiing conditions, but the sophisticated delivery of more than 150,000 cubic feet of artificial snow (all natural and without the use of chemicals) from nearby indoor ski slope Neuss gives this event incredibly reliable snow conditions for the tournament. No wonder it is one of the world?s largest winter sports events in the world, drawing 200,000 attendees, and a must for the world?s top skiers.
Many of the visitors extend their stay to enjoy the city?s Christmas market, one of the largest in Germany, as well as the excellent shopping, and the many world-class attractions the city offers. In addition, the Worldcup features its own entertainment program with live music performances and other treats. For this year?s anniversary, the organizers have prepared even more entertainment options and surprises under the title ?Worldcup Circus.?
Last year?s Worldcup winner was Italian skier Arianna Folllis and her team partner Magda Genuin, with the Norwegian and Canadian teams winning second and third respectively. It was the second victory for the Italian?s women?s ski sprint team, after winning the cup in 2009. Prior to the Italian team, Marit Bj?rgen from Norway won the Woldcup six years in a row.
The FIS Ski Worldcup D?sseldorf is organized by the West German Ski Association, the operators of the Jever Indoor Ski Slope Neuss (allrounder mountain resort), and the event agency sportAgentur D?sseldorf. The event is free of charge for visitors.
The city?s tourism office offers special hotel and visitor packages starting at ? 55 per night per person. For more information on hotel packages, visit http://www.duesseldorf-tourismus.de/en/hotel-package-fis-cross-country-world-cup/
For more information on the FIS Ski Worldcup D?sseldorf, visit http://www.worldcup-duesseldorf.de.
D?sseldorf, only a short distance from many major destinations, makes possible easy travel to the Rhine-Ruhr area, Cologne, Belgium, and the Netherlands, as well as many opportunities for short and long-term stays.
D?sseldorf International Airport (DUS), Germany?s third largest, offers several non-stop flights from US & Canadian cities (Atlanta, Chicago, Ft. Myers, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Newark, San Francisco, Toronto, Vancouver), as well as convenient connections to many European cities and beyond. For more information on DUS, visit http://www.fly2dus.com.
D?sseldorf Tourism & Marketing GmbH is the visitors and convention bureau of the city of D?sseldorf. Its services include tourism and city marketing, conference and meeting marketing, hotel reservation services, fairs and convention services, city event ticket sales and advance ticket reservations. For more information, visit http://www.visitduesseldorf.de.
Contact:????
D?sseldorf Marketing & Tourism GmbH
Benrather Str. 9
40213 D?sseldorf, Germany
Phone: +49.211.17202.863
http://www.visitduesseldorf.de
US PR Contact:
Rainer Perry
934 8th Avenue, 2b
New York, NY 10019
phone: 212.957.6653
fax: 646.419.4070
email: perry.r(at)duesseldorf-tourismus(dot)de
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