High temperatures complicate the Snowboard World Championship in La Molina

Alp (CNA) .- The high temperatures and the lack of snow will hinder the 9th FIS Snowboard World Competition on the 14th to the 22nd of January in the Catalan ski resort of La Molina. However, the organisers confirmed on Thursday that the championship would not be seriously affected thanks to the usage of artificially produced snow. Spring weather is expected for the first four days of the event with temperatures of between 7 and 12 degrees. However from the fifth day of the international competition, Tuesday 18th of January, temperatures will begin to drop.

Organisers have been faced with severe difficulties while preparing the 9th FIS World Snowboard. An example of this: at 8am on Thursday morning at the neighbouring resort of La Masella, there was no ice to be seen at any dimensions, not even at 1600 meter at the Pla de Masella (4.7 º C) or the Tosa d’Alp with 2535 meter high (2.8 º C).

Temperatures climbed to up to 12 ° C in all the ski resorts in the Eastern Pyrenees (Núria Vallter, La Molina and Masella) and with these high temperatures the production of artificial snow is practically impossible. However, the technical managers of the International Ski Federation (FIS) oversaw the work of preparing the tracks and are said to be 'satisfied'.

There seems to be sufficient snow in two areas, that of Alabaus (1,825 feet), where competitions known as 'half pipe', 'snowboard cross' and ‘parallels’ will take place and that of the Stadium (1,800 meters), where the spectacular 'slopestyle’ will take place.

Special Security Device

Catalan Police have launched a special safety device designed to ensure a successful 9th World Championship Snowboarding 2011 in La Molina. The device, which is part of a Security and Safety Master Plan is organised in cooperation with the Catalan Police, the Fire and Rescue Department, the General Directorate of Civil Protection,  the Catalan Traffic Service, the town councils of Alp, Bagà, Tosses and Barcelona, the Emergency Medical Service, the championship organisers and other security forces. The main objectives of the plan are to ensure a peaceful and orderly organisation of the whole championship, not only the events and the equipment but also road safety by ensuring there is adequate management.

To ensure effective management and the coordination of different police forces and other operators involved in the device, the Autonomous Police Corps have installed a Security & Emergency Coordination Centre (CECOR) in Molina. This will allow them to manage the different units that are part of the special operation, especially the ones that are in different areas of the Western Pyrenees like the Mountain Unit, the Traffic Division, the Canine Unit, the Mobile Brigade or air services.