The world championships began with the big air competition at the Palau Sant Jordi arena in Barcelona.[4] A ramp 102 feet (31 m) long was constructed on the location and an estimated 17,000 fans attended the finals of the event on January 15.[5] The remaining events all took place in La Molina beginning on January 17. La Molina is two hours north of Barcelona in the Pyrenees and is the oldest ski resort in Spain.[5]
Similar to the 2010 Winter Olympics, the La Molina venue suffered from excessive warmth which threatened the events for the World Championships. Much of the surrounding slopes were barren of snow as most of the remaining snow was piled on the courses and venues for the event.
17 countries won medals at these championships, a new record. The Czech Republic and New Zealand won their first medals at the World Snowboarding Championships, while Belgium won its first ever gold medal.[citation needed]
A record of 370 participants from 44 nations competed.[3] Canada has sent the biggest team with 47 entries and 31 athletes,[19] while Montenegro only sent a delegation of one.
