1991: UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCE
A strong message to the world of sport, an infusion of energy for local tourism

When memories turn to 1991 Nordic Ski World Championships, hosted for the first time in Val di Fiemme, the risk is to talk commonplaces.
The word "success" only gives a poor description of the event, as shown by the official documents issued by FIS (International Ski Federation).

The intention to spread the popularity of cross-country skiing and of other Nordic ski activities world-wide was the leitmotiv for a multitude of people - professionals, sportsmen and women, politicians, fans, and above all a lot, a huge lot of volunteers.
The trump card of Val di Fiemme 1991 was indeed the voluntary work of locals, who devoted their spare time in order to offer the world a glimpse in the lure of their valley.
On the sporting side results were extraordinary, with races always kissed by the sun.
All structures, built in a record-breaking time, were absolutely adequate for an event of that kind.
1991 Nordic Ski World Championships also contributed to give a substantial boost to tourism and to further enhance the resources of Val di Fiemme, a resort well renowned for its hospitality and for its enchanting views.
A quick look at figures gives the extent of the media involvement: 959 accredited journalists and 300 among photographers and cameramen - an army of professionals who exported the name of Val di Fiemme as well as the appeal of Nordic skiing to all world corners.
Since then, these sports have been gaining the favour of an ever increasing number of enthusiasts, above all in Italy.
Thirty-one international broadcasters followed the competitions, for a total international broadcasting time of over 37 hours to which 28.5 hours of live broadcasting must be added, along with dozens and dozens of special reports.
Some more important figures: in Italy TV coverage exceeded 513 millions, while the number of ascertained visitors totalled 180,739.
Given these assumptions, Val di Fiemme is preparing to host the World Championships in 2003 with a renewed spirit.
Aware of the non-stop improvements in communications due to the constant launching of new systems and technologies, it will send the world another strong message of sport and tourism.

FIEMME 1991 RESULTS

A total of 364 competitors.
The Championships crown goes to Norway, with 10 wins.

Although everybody's attention has already switched to 2003 and to the World Cup races preceding the World Championships, the memories of organisers and fans often turn back to 1991, to the unforgettable experience of Val di Fiemme Nordic Ski World Championships.
Participants that year were 364 altogether, representative of 27 countries.
Predictably, the lion's share went to Northern European teams.
Norway conquered 10 medals of which five gold, three silver and two bronze medals, followed by the ex Soviet Union and Sweden with eight medals each - four gold, two silver and two bronze medals the first, two gold, five silver and one bronze medals the latter.
Italy broke the top three with a silver medal won in the 4x5 relay by Bice Vanzetta, Manuela Di Centa, Gabriella Paruzzi and Stefania Belmondo, and four bronze medals conquered by Stefania Belmondo (15 km classic), Manuela Di Centa (5 km classic, 30 km classic) and Maurilio De Zolt (50 km freestyle).