Nothing works without accreditation

For many participants of the Ski World Championships, Christoph Schuhmacher is the first face they see. He heads the accreditation process in Saalbach Hinterglemm, ensuring that everyone receives the necessary access passes.

Everyone involved in the event—whether a racer, team member, journalist, volunteer, or official—wears an accreditation badge around their neck. The printed numbers determine where the holder is allowed to go. “We have issued around 7,000 accreditations,” says Christoph, who hails from the Salzkammergut region and leads a team of ten.

A Stressful Job with Many Discussions

A stressful task? Absolutely. “Especially at the beginning, you need strong nerves,” he says with a laugh. His team works daily from 8 AM to 5 PM and frequently deals with guests requesting additional access rights. “It’s just part of the job,” Christoph says calmly. But the rules are clear: “You can’t please everyone.”

Friendliness Is Key

What sets the accreditation team apart? Above all, friendliness. After all, the first impression is often the most lasting. Christoph knows this well—he has been organizing accreditation in Nordic skiing for 15 years, first as a staff member and later as a team leader. In the alpine sector, this is his first time taking on this role.

Coordinating a Well-Practiced Team

As a key member of the Local Organizing Committee (LOC), he coordinates six volunteers and four employees from the company Feratel, who handle the access data. What he finds particularly exciting is how a World Championship differs significantly from a World Cup race: “Completely different criteria apply here.” His goal is to find a “golden middle ground” to ensure a smooth experience for everyone involved.

Sustainability in Accreditation

Challenges always arise—but so far, his team has handled them all. The on-site production of accreditations is also an interesting aspect: For sustainability reasons, they are no longer laminated but printed on special paper. For certain groups—such as athletes, volunteers, and mountain staff—the accreditation even includes an integrated ski pass. Theoretically, this allows them to use the slopes of Saalbach-Hinterglemm, Leogang, and Fieberbrunn on their days off.

I am proud of my team

- says Christoph positively

Proud of the Team and Their Unity

The task is demanding—after all, they have to issue about two-thirds more accreditations than on a regular race day. But their efforts are appreciated. Often, Christoph and his team are not only the first but also the last faces participants see—when they say their goodbyes and head home. Usually, with the expectation of meeting again at the next event.