There are many good reasons to visit us in the Mostviertel. One of them is the Ice Stock World Championship, taking place from 20 February to 3 March in Amstetten and Winklarn. We answer everything you need to know – and what guests can look forward to in terms of food and drink – in our World Championship briefing, with 7 questions:
Who is interested in ice stock sport?
Ice stock sport still battles a slightly dusty image, yet it is massively underestimated at the same time. As a recreational sport, it ranks among the most popular sports in Austria, right after football, tennis and skiing. With over 100,000 club members across the country, the numbers speak for themselves. The organisers are expecting 25,000 spectators on site and 20,000 party guests at the World Championship.
Which countries are taking part in the Ice Stock World Championship in the Mostviertel, and who are the favourites?
Namibia, Kenya, Guatemala, Brazil, Australia – no, this isn't a list of marathon nations. Competitors from 26 different countries and all 5 continents are making their way to the Mostviertel for two weeks of Ice Stock World Championship action. The three winter sports nations Germany, Switzerland and Austria are among the top favourites. Austria's reigning world champion in the distance event, Markus Weichinger, is certainly counting on his chances.
Where and when do the competitions take place?
The team and target events will be held at the ice arena in Amstetten. The distance events are scheduled at the Gernot-Lechner-Stocksporthalle in Winklarn, which stretches over 150 metres in length. During the first week of competition, junior athletes will go head-to-head at the Ice Stock European Championship; from the second week onwards, the World Championship takes centre stage. All information on start times, venues and tickets can be found here: www.icestock2018.at.
Where and when does the real action happen during the World Championship?
Away from the sporting competitions, the Winter-Wiese is the place to be during the Ice Stock World Championship. Think meadow vibes, Mostviertel-style. The enormous festival tent hosts live acts and parties on almost every evening throughout the championship. Alongside the Spider Murphy Gang and the Paldauer, cabaret artists such as Alex Kristan and Walter Kammerhofer will entertain the crowds. A traditional costume clubbing night is also on the programme. The coronation celebration on 22 February and the World Championship opening ceremony on 26 February are expected to draw a packed house full of prominent guests. All information about the Winter-Wiese at www.winter-wiese.at.
The Winter-Wiese sounds great – but where's the authentic Mostviertel flavour?
The organisers of the Ice Stock World Championship have placed a firm focus on regional produce when it comes to food and drink. We think that's brilliant – and we're proud to be an official sponsor of the championship. Alongside Mostviertel fruit juices, cider and Mostviertler Most from the Mostbaronen, the spirits on offer come straight from our distillery. Guests can look forward to natural fruit brandies, O.Gin, O.Rum and Mostello. And what could be a better fit for a World Championship than our world-class O.Vodka?
What do I do if I can't be there in person?
For the first time at an Ice Stock World Championship, the sporting events will be broadcast as a live stream. At www.icestock2018.at/livestream, anyone interested can follow along live from wherever they are. And unlike the Olympics in PyeongChang, at perfectly reasonable viewing hours. Multiple camera angles and on-screen graphics make the Ice Stock World Championship a thrilling sporting highlight even for newcomers. If you're missing that Winter-Wiese feeling at home, you can of course order our spirits from our shop and raise a glass of Mostviertel while watching the live stream.
What's next for ice stock sport in the Mostviertel after the World Championship?
The Ice Stock World Championship in the Mostviertel is a landmark moment for the sport. According to the organising committee, an Olympic committee will be visiting the Mostviertel these very days and will then decide whether the sport might even become an Olympic discipline in the future. So it's quite possible that the 'who's who' of ice stock sport will already be gathering in Beijing in 2022.
All information about the Ice Stock World Championship in Amstetten and Winklarn, as well as the Winter-Wiese, can be found here:
www.icesstock2018.at
www.winter-wiese.at
