In honor of the FIS Alpine World Ski Championships 2013 in Schladming, voestalpine, the global steelmaking, processing and technology group, and ÖSV have erected an extraordinary steel construction. voestalpine skygate is the name of this architecturally outstanding symbol. The structure is an arch that the athletes have to pass under before they cross over the finish line. No less than 130 tons of steel were used to produce the 35 meter high arch. 890 meters of steel pipes support the construction, allowing the 35 meter arch, which is anchored on only one side of the slope, to arch out over the races’ final slope. The dimensions of the structure are impressive. Even an Airbus A340 could pass under the new landmark.
As an international company with Austrian roots, it is a special honor to cooperate in the FIS Alpine World Ski Championships 2013, a major event. This architecturally exceptional symbol will be a landmark for Schladming – before, during and long after the World Championships, a symbol that impressively demonstrates the strength and beauty of steel.
The design is based on the classic ancient triumphal arches.
Everyone who skis down the Planai slope with its 52 percent incline will pass under the triumphal arch. "We are very proud to cooperate on this project with one of Austria's most innovative companies.
For the athletes at the FIS Alpine World Ski Championships, voestalpine skygate is the gateway to the finish line in the stadium. And especially for the World Ski Championships, special lights were installed along the steel arch to provide a spectacular effect – a highly varied and animated light show. 45,000 LEDs put a well-deserved spotlight on voestalpine skygate and on steel, a material with practically limitless applications.
The voestalpine Group
The voestalpine Group is a globally active steel, processing, and technology Group, which produces, processes, and further develops high-quality steel products. The Group is represented by 360 production and sales companies in more than 60 countries on five continents and has been listed on the Vienna Stock Exchange since 1995. With its highest quality flat steel products, the Group is one of Europe’s leading partners to the automotive, white goods, and energy industries as well as of the oil and gas industries worldwide. Furthermore, the voestalpine Group is the world market leader in turnout technology, tool steel, and special sections. In the business year 2011/12, the voestalpine Group generated revenue of more than EUR 12 billion and an operating result (EBIT) of EUR 704 million; the Group has around 46,500 employees worldwide.