Saalbach-Hinterglemm

300 police officers are on duty every day at the World Ski Championships

The second terror alert level is currently in force in Austria. Heavily armed police officers are on duty at the World Cup.(Bild: Tröster Andreas)

In uniform through the party zone! There are 300 police officers at the World Ski Championships in Saalbach-Hinterglemm every day. So far, everything has been calm. The officers emphasize: "There are no hooligans here!"

After so many years at major events, you quickly recognize who could potentially pose a threat." Control inspector Michael Doleschal and his colleagues from the police standby unit made their rounds through the fan zone in the center of Hinterglemm on Thursday - and always had an eye on the situation.

The officers didn't have too much to do for the time being. "It's peaceful, there are lots of schoolchildren and older people there," said Doleschal with satisfaction. Almost 300 police officers are on duty in Saalbach-Hinterglemm every day. "It's also a lot about information, we are literally in demand as a friend and helper," says Doleschal. Want an example? "During my last night shift, someone wanted to know where they could get something to eat."

The second-highest terror alert level has been in force in Austria since October. Heavily armed police officers are therefore also omnipresent in Saalbach-Hinterglemm at the moment. All officers are operating from two control centers.

Only drunk ski fans cause problems
Control inspector Michael Doleschal emphasizes: "If there are any problems, then only in connection with alcohol." Because: "It's really something completely different here than at a soccer match. There are no hostile fan camps and no hooligans at the Ski World Championships."