As the international teams start arriving at the Youth Olympic Village and the Torch Relay continues its journey around Austria, the excitement in the Tyrolean capital, Innsbruck, is steadily mounting in preparation for the start of the inaugural Winter Youth Olympic Games in just two days time.  With so much heavy snow falling over the last few days, the route of the torch has had to be shortened on occasions.  But it’s back on schedule again today.  If you’re already out in the Tyrol, the party’s starting in Seefeld tonight, as the torch arrives here this evening for just one night.     

Outside the host city, Innsbruck, Seefeld is one of the main sporting destinations for the Games, together with Kühtai and Igls. The Biathlon, Cross-country, Ski Jumping and Nordic combined events will take place in Seefeld. The Freestyle Skiing Halfpipe, the Ski Cross, the Snowboard Halfpipe, and the Snowboard Slopestyle competition are being staged in the K-Park (Austria’s biggest cross-park) in Kühtai. All the Alpine Skiing events (including the Downhill, the Super G and the Slalom) will be raced in the Patscherkofel ski area above Igls.   

It’s still not too late to join in the celebrations. The Innsbruck Tourist Board is also offering a special ‘YOG 2012’ package, comprising 3 nights’ accommodation in a local B&B from €499pp, including tickets for three Olympic events, a one-day ski pass and night sledging. Or an Olympia SkiWorld Innsbruck package – a 4-night stay with half board and 3-day ski pass – from €357pp. See www.innsbruck-pauschalen.com for more details or tel: +43 512 56 20 00. Alternatively, there is still some limited accommodation available in Igls, Innsbruck, Kühtai and Seefeld directly via the resorts’ tourist offices or through www.booking.com.

For more information about the games, see FamilySkiNews.com’s report written last October: First Ever Winter Youth Olympic Games and check back for regular reports over the next few days.