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The backbone of a seamless transport concept
Shuttle services have long been a beloved yet indispensable part of major events. No World Championship can do without them – especially now that sustainability has become a key criterion for hosting large-scale events. This is particularly true for Glemmtal, a valley with a unique charm. The only road through the valley was supplemented by two bypass tunnels before the Ski World Championships in 1991. This infrastructure made the efficient operation of shuttle services possible – and made it much easier for guests to leave their own vehicles behind. The shuttle service is a key project in the narrow Glemmtal, which offers short distances but also some logistical challenges.
Deep in the valley, at the former base station of the 12er NORD lift, the shuttles are coordinated. Carlos, a student from neighboring Germany, is the man in charge. Fifty vehicles from the official automotive partner Audi and its partner VW must be deployed efficiently. Media shuttle, FIS shuttle, artist shuttle, team shuttle, and staff shuttle – all must be perfectly synchronized. Carlos took on the role at short notice after his originally designated colleague had to cancel. He has been based in his small office since January 13. "Much of the groundwork was already done," he reflects on the exciting weeks, "but the main task was to create a needs-based plan and set rough schedules." Last-minute changes are common – due to events or special assignments. "Every day," Carlos says, "we have to coordinate the next day's operations."
Forty-eight drivers are at the wheel of the 15 e-Audis and 35 Volkswagen Multivans (including 15 hybrid vehicles and 20 running on HVO biodiesel for sustainability reasons). Four of the volunteers are women. One of them is Lea. She applied spontaneously with a friend for one of the 1,200 volunteer positions. While her friend is working as a slope patroller, the student spends her semester break chauffeuring celebrities, journalists, and staff members. "Everyone is super friendly and in a great mood," she says, enjoying the relaxed atmosphere. Her colleague Claudia, who traveled 1,200 kilometers from East Frisia, shares her enthusiasm. "This is so much fun!" she beams behind the wheel of her VW bus before quickly driving another colleague to the media center.
The challenges of shuttle services? Complex! It usually takes a few days for the logistics of a major event to run smoothly. "Things always turn out differently than planned," laughs Carlos. After four days of racing, he now says, "We're settling into a routine, and things are running really well." Together with the heavily frequented World Championship bus shuttles, Lea, Claudia, and their colleagues ensure smooth transportation.
And then there's one particularly special assignment: Eleven times during the World Championships, there's a chance to land the most exciting shuttle job – driving the "Champion’s Car." This custom gold and black-wrapped Audi S6 Avant e-tron safely transports newly crowned champions from A to B. Good vibes are guaranteed in the passenger seat – making it an unforgettable experience for the driver as well. Claudia has already had the privilege of one of these rides – earning herself the internal shuttle nickname "Frau Odermatt." The request came directly from the passengers: no one but Claudia should drive the new Super-G World Champion. There’s no greater compliment for the dedicated shuttle volunteers!
