Deer Valley to host 2011 FIS World Championships

Deer Valley will set itself apart in 2011 when it is host to the FIS Freestyle World Championships.

That's because it's the second time the resort will host a world championship event, something no other venue can boast.

"Deer Valley is just one of those special places," said U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association President and CEO Bill Marolt.

Marolt said the difference is a little extra attention to detail and finding a way to institutionalize the Olympic spirit.

"They've taken their commitment to the Olympic Games and ingrained that into their philosophy and embedded it into the culture of the resort," he said. "The difference is what makes any event special — a great venue, great site, great resort and they work hard to make it special. . . . Everything on the hill is great, and they do a lot of other things that add to it."

The competition sites are "superbly prepared," but it's the human touch that puts the resort in a class of its own.

"The venue is truly world class," said mogul skier Shannon Bahrke, who won a silver medal at the 2002 Winter Games. "I think it's the volunteers. . . . They just care so much. You don't see that very often."

Many of the volunteers work the events year after year, and some even go back to before the Winter Olympics.

"It's one of those stops that just put a little bit extra into the event, and it means everyone really looks forward to coming to Deer Valley," Marolt said. "The athletes are at home there, and in many cases, they are literally at home because they live in Park City now. . . . Their families, friends come to the events, and you just take pride in competing in front of that home crowd."