World Alpine Ski Championships A Great Advertisement For National Forests

BEAVER CREEK, Colo. (CBS4) - Tens of thousands of people have packed in to watch the World Alpine Ski Championships -- even celebrities have showed up like Tiger Woods. But the event is also bringing out some top officials from the nation's capital.

It's very likely the event wouldn't have been able to even be at Beaver Creek if it wasn't for the U.S. Forest Service.

"With this event it's just a great opportunity for the American public to have a better appreciation of all the great recreational opportunities that are available on a national forest," U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell said.

A few years ago the Forest Service approved an entire new trail at Beaver Creek. Now known as Raptor, it's hosting all of the women's speed races.

"That's the sort of thing that we're always doing to work with our partnership with the ski areas so that they were able to host this event and be able to actually bring the world here to Colorado," Tidwell said.

RELATED STORIES: 2015 Alpine World Ski Championships

Tidwell has been in charge of national forests since 2009, but the World Championships aren't his first major skiing event. Tidwell oversaw the forests that hosted the 2002 Olympics in Salt Lake City.

"This is a big deal," Tidwell said. "When it comes to alpine skiing, this seems to be just as large when I look at the crowds that we're having here today."

PHOTO GALLERY: 2015 Alpine World Ski Championships

Every day forest rangers are on the slopes interacting with skiers and fans.

"You look at the setting we have today, these incredible skies. But this is a great opportunity for us to be able to strengthen our connections with our communities … but also with the American public so that they know what's available for them," Tidwell said.

Beaver Creek is located in the White River National Forest along with 10 other ski areas. It's the most visited national forest in the country.