The opening ceremony of the World Para Alpine Skiing Championships took place this evening at the Snow Stadium finish area. For the first time in history, this prestigious event is being held on Mariborsko Pohorje. Alongside athletes and other participants, distinguished guests attended the ceremony, including a high-ranking representative of the International Ski Federation (FIS).
The evening ceremony began with the anthems of FIS and the Republic of Slovenia, followed by a parade of participants. Speeches were delivered by the Mayor of Maribor, Aleksander Saša Arsenovič, the President of the Organizing Committee, Ranko Šmigoc, and FIS Secretary General Michel Vion, who officially declared the championship open. The event was also attended by Competition Director Marko Rataj and General Secretary Srečko Vilar, both experienced organizers of the Golden Fox competition, who are overseeing this high-profile event at Mariborsko Pohorje.
Following the formal proceedings, guests, athletes, and organizers enjoyed a relaxed gathering in the VIP area, fostering connections in the spirit of sportsmanship. The organization of tonight’s event, part of the World Para Alpine Skiing Championships, was supported by Marprom and Šport Maribor, companies within the JHMB Group, along with Public Holding Maribor.
With today’s opening ceremony, the championship has officially begun, bringing together the world’s best para alpine skiers—competitors from as many as 33 countries. Over the coming days, the event will showcase an exciting competition schedule in giant slalom and slalom, delivering unforgettable moments on the snowy slopes of Mariborsko Pohorje, where the biggest names in the sport will compete.
Among the standout male competitors are Arthur Bauchet (France) – a four-time Paralympic champion from Beijing 2022 and multiple world champion in the standing category; Jesper Pedersen (Norway) – a dominant force in the sitting category, boasting multiple gold medals from Beijing 2022 and PyeongChang 2018, as well as world championship titles; and Giacomo Bertagnolli (Italy) – one of the best visually impaired skiers, who won two gold medals in Beijing and has multiple world championship victories.
Among the top female competitors are Anna-Lena Forster (Germany) – an outstanding sit-skier and multiple Paralympic and world champion; Ebba Årsjö (Sweden) – a two-time Paralympic champion and multiple world champion in the standing category; and Momoka Muraoka (Japan) – a leading sit-skier and multiple Paralympic and world champion. Many other stars of the sport will also be competing.
A unique story at this championship is written by the Aigner family from Austria, with three siblings competing—Johannes, his twin sister Barbara, and their older sister Veronika. Their team has dominated the visually impaired category for years. Another remarkable competitor is Daqing Zhu from China, a multi-talented athlete who competes in both skiing and athletics, having won medals in both disciplines.
The Maribor championships offer an incredible opportunity to witness top-level para alpine skiing and follow athletes whose dedication and talent inspire the world.
