OLYMPIC VALLEY, Calif. — An international ski competition in Tahoe this weekend is expected to draw in tens of thousands of people.
Palisades Tahoe has been preparing for this big event for months.
An estimated 20,000 people are expected to pour into the area for the event, which starts on Friday, as the event brings in athletes from all over the world. It's one of four U.S. stops on the Audi FIS Ski World Cup Tour.
"This is as close to the action as you can get. The best skiers in the world are going right here at palisades Tahoe," said Patrick Lacey, PR manager of Palisades Tahoe.
With better weather this year than last, at least 20,000 people are expected to descend on the Olympic Valley Ski Resort. The three days of events include the men’s slalom races, opportunities to meet athletes and concerts, which will be headlined Ludacris.
The competition draws in spectators from near and far.
"I’m really excited for all the skiers to come right here from all over the world; it’s such an exciting event," said Lily Haines, of Truckee.
U.S. Ski team athlete Jett Seymour is getting ready to hit the course this weekend.
“Just searching for speed, trying to have fun, enjoy the crowd, soak up any energy you can get, just enjoy the whole experience,” said Seymour.
Palisades Tahoe has been preparing the course since January where the slalom and giant slolam races will be held.
After a deadly avalanche last month, safety is on some minds.
"Safety is a number one priority here at Palisades Tahoe. For sure, we have a whole safety team that’s going to be here," said Lacey.
The Placer County Sheriff's Office is working on safety plans as well, holding meetings for the last six months about security for the event.
“We’re prepared to handle any types of major incidents, and we’re going to have probably 60 to 70 personnel up there during both days,” said Lt. Ty Conners.
Lt. Conners said the FBI and Homeland Security will be helping out with the event as well and the CHP will help with traffic control.
“There’s going to be a lot of traffic up there, a lot of moving parts a lot of delays, and we’re trying to mitigate that as much as we can but overall we want people to enjoy a world class event in Placer County,” said Conners.
The first run of the giant slalom starts Saturday at 10 a.m. and tickets are still available.
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