site.btaAustrian Alpine Skiing Legend to Open Bansko's Winter Season

Austrian alpine skiing legend Michael Walchhofer will open the new winter season in Bansko, the Bulgarian Ski Federation announced on Monday. The start of the winter campaign in the Bulgarian resort will be on December 14.

In his career, Walchhofer won a downhill world title in 2003, a total of four world championship medals, as well as a silver medal from the 2006 Turin Olympics. In World Cup starts, he had 49 podium finishes, including 19 wins.

For Walchhofer, this will be his second season opener in Bansko after the one in 2011. The opening day will also be attended by five-time Crystal Globe winner Marc Girardelli. The two stars will lead two opposing teams in a game that guarantees attractive prizes for the skiers who sign up.