With an impressive record in both the FIS World Cups and the last Olympic Winter Games 2006 in Turin, the national ski team in Austria has proved to be a strong contender for Olympic Games 2010. Of the 23 Olympic medals won by Austria in the Turin Olympics, 22 of them were obtained by the national ski team in the country. In preparation for the 2010 Olympics in Whistler, the team has been using Sun Peaks Alpine Resort as its domain of training. Learn more about the national team of Austria ski here and discover what you are doing at Sun Peaks.

The Team
The national ski team in Austria has followed an impression on the world with his recent performance at the FIS World Cup 2009. Both male and female athletes have gained positions overall three-for alpine skiing, ski jumping and snowboarding. The team also has a number of elite athletes in the downhill and Nordic events combined. Learn about some of the athletes from Austria to see our Olympic Games in 2010 and discover why is the outlook for key podium:

• Benjamin Raich – As an Olympic veteran, Raich knows what it takes for a seat on the Olympic podium. The 31-year-old skier has an impressive record multiple race wins in the World Cup slalom, giant slalom and combined (2001, 2005, 2006 and 2007). Also claiming two bronze Olympic medals in the Salt Lake City in 2002.
• Michael Walchhofer – Another Austrian athlete with Olympic experience, is well known Walchhofer sprint downhill. The 34 years old, has a number of world titles and the first since relegation in 2005, 2006 and 2009 World Cups. Walchhofer was also silver medalist in downhill the 2006 Winter Olympics.
• Marlies Schild – Despite being 5 knee surgeries, Schild has made a big impression in the community Ski World. This skier specializing in slalom and giant slalom and has participated in the World Cup Alpine skiing four times with a silver medal in the 2003 Cup. In the Winter Olympics in Turin 2006, Schild said a silver medal in women, combined and a bronze medal in the women's slalom event.

Training in Sun Peaks
For nearly five years, the Austrian National Ski Team has been training hard at it's training center in America North at Sun Peaks Resort. More than 100 runners, coaches, trainers and officials of the Austrian Men and Women's Downhill and technical teams have used the mountain, for the World Cup and Olympic training in Slalom, Giant Slalom, Super G and downhill events.

Sun Peaks has proven to be an excellent place for athletes. The team has had exclusive use of the Nancy Greene International Race of each year for a month before the racing season. La Raza Centro includes three courses equipped with snowmaking facilities, timing and safety equipment. Sun Peaks will remain a training center for the Austrians until 2010 with the next Olympics in Vancouver and Whistler.

Devon O’Malley is a staff writer for AlluraDirect, a vacation rental website featuring Sun Peaks accommodations direct from the Owner and instantly bookable by secure credit card payment. Experience a mountain resort that is praised by some of the world’s top alpine athletes and visit Sun Peaks today!

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