The venue for BUSC (British
Universities Championships) has dramatically changed
from Saas Fee to Saalbach in Austria.
Natives understands that the decision
was made to move the Championships after it became
apparent that hoteliers and apartment owners in Saas
Fee reduced the original allocations offered to the
official operator, Wasteland Ski.
With over 2000 students already signed
up for the event and only 700 beds being offered,
BUSC and Wasteland decided there was no option but
to source a new venue.
It will be disappointing news for
Switzerland Tourism, who have been successful in recent
years in attracting a younger clientele to the country.
BUSC would have followed closely on the heels of the
British Snowboard Championships held in Switzerland
the last two years.
It is however a coup for Austria,
who also wrested the Snowboard Championships (to be
held in Mayrhofen the week before BUSC). A spokesman
for BUSC told Natives, 'In many ways, Saalbach will
be a much better option. The Swiss had obviously
gone off the ideas of so many students, despite their
contract. Saalbach is much more geared up for
a lively après-ski scene.'
Questions will remain as to how and
why Saas Fee can legally renege on their contracts
and Natives understands that the lawyers are already
at work. Could it be that the good snow this
season boosted 'regular' bookings to the resort for
an otherwise low-season date? Did Saas Fee simply
decide to go for the money rather than honour their
commitment? Natives will keep you up to date
on all new developments on this story.
