ISU Junior Grand Prix Merano

Dear friends, with a great pleasure the Italian Figure Skating Association F.I.S.G. welcome you cordially to the ISU Junior Grand Prix of Figure Skating held for the first time in the charming little town Merano - South Tyrol / Italy.

The countryside of the Merano area is blessed, in a most particular way, with all the marvellous contrasts which this part of the world is known for: the valleys meander at an altitude of a mere three hundred meters above sea-level backed by mountain peaks of over three thousand meters. Glaciers and rocky outcrops shaped by whirling snow storms tower above a sub-tropical garden paradise: an entire continent seems to be concentrated in this small corner of land: Scandinavia and the Riviera, wide ice fields shadowing a perfumed flower garden. These include the fascinating combination of South Tyrolean traditions and Mediterranean flair.

Merano, www.meran.eu , is really a magic place and there are so many things about Merano that visitors should discover for themselves. The fascinating town of about thirty-five thousand inhabitants is full of the hustle and bustle of modern every-day life yet remains rightly proud of its rich an glorious past. Since the 19th century it became one of the most important and favourite health resorts of central Europe of the Hapsburgs and the Austrian, Prussian, Russian, French and English aristocracy.

Today the town has regained its earlier charm as a spa and health resort. The elegant architecture, the elaborate gardens and the luxurious parks are a reminder of that important history, which makes Merano a unique town in the Alps.