FIS Council

FIS is considering major changes to alpine racing, including more frequent World Championships, a long-term World Cup calendar, standardized wild cards and a neutral pathway for Russian and Belarusian athletes.

Alexander Ospelt was elected FIS president by a single vote at the 57th FIS Congress in Belgrade, defeating incumbent Johan Eliasch 65-64. In his first press conference, Ospelt outlined plans to strengthen Alpine skiing through improved television presentation, greater athlete visibility, increased prize money, and expanded opportunities for smaller nations.

Cash reserves have declined, but the audited financial statements show a more complex picture. FIS remains solvent, continues to distribute millions to national ski associations and athletes, and received clean audit opinions.

Ahead of the FIS presidential election, Ski Racing Media compares Johan Eliasch and Alexander Ospelt on governance, commercial growth, media rights, athlete development, prize money and the future direction of international snow sports.

Alexander Ospelt says FIS does not need a new direction. The presidential candidate discusses governance, transparency, athlete support, National Ski Associations, commercial rights and why he believes greater unity is needed across the federation.

FIS equity declined sharply from its 2023 peak, but the audited financial statements tell a more nuanced story. More than CHF 53 million was distributed to National Ski Associations, prize money increased, athlete opportunities expanded and Olympic participation grew from 78 to 88 nations. This analysis examines where the money went and what it may mean for the future of skiing and snowboarding.

Johan Eliasch says the work at FIS is far from finished. In an exclusive interview with Ski Racing Media, the FIS president discusses media rights centralization, global growth, athlete involvement, technology, and why he is seeking another term leading international snow sports.

FIS has confirmed five candidates for president and 24 for Council seats ahead of the 2026 Congress in Belgrade, where elections will take place.

The FIS Council, meeting in Zurich this week, approved a new eligibility policy for men’s and women’s competitions while emphasizing athlete safety and continued discussions on prize money. The policy, based on the presence or absence of the SRY gene, restricts women’s competition to SRY-negative athletes. Council members also reaffirmed that protecting athlete welfare is their top priority and will revisit prize money decisions at their October meeting.

The International Ski Federation (FIS) has rejected a €400 million offer from private equity giant CVC Capital Partners. The decision, made amidst significant internal and external pushback, has sparked debate about the future of snow sports and the FIS's commercial strategy.

The FIS Council announced that airbags will become mandatory this season for all athletes competing in Alpine speed events at the World Cup level. Meeting online on Friday, the Council confirmed that the rule will take effect in the 2024/25 season. However, each National Ski Association can grant exceptions if an airbag restricts an athlete’s movement, causing potential safety risks.

Johan Eliasch, president of the International Ski Federation (FIS), has officially announced his candidacy for the presidency of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Since taking charge of FIS in June 2021, Eliasch has led the organization through a period of transformation. On July 24, 2024, he earned a place as a member of the IOC. In a letter to IOC members, Eliasch outlined his vision for the future of the organization and addressed the challenges ahead.

About a year ago, the color scheme of ski helmets became a hot topic in the ski racing world. FIS President Johan Eliasch was unhappy with the "Red Bull helmets" Marco Odermatt and others wore. He felt the design looked too much like the sponsor's product. Despite the debate, the regulations remained unchanged, and the FIS did not restrict the color and design of helmets. New regulations will provide more advertising space on helmets starting in July 2024. Previously, athletes had 50 square centimeters for advertising on the front of the helmet. Now, they have an additional 50 square centimeters for a second logo on the front or sides of the helmet.

Athletes, coaches, and leadership within the alpine ski racing community discuss the fairness and communication process surrounding the new FIS Wild Card addition to the 2024/25 Rules for the FIS Alpine Ski World Cup. There are differing opinions. World Cup athlete Daniel Yule tells Swiss media that he was not consulted about the rule, contradicting other media reports.

A new rule allows Marchel Hirscher to open doors to the World Cup when returning to ski racing after five years of retirement. FIS added a Wild Card option in the July 2024 revision of the FIS Alpine Ski World Cup rules, which will ease the passage back to the World Cup for former world-class racers and guarantee a starting position right after the top 30.

U.S. Ski & Snowboard and the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee announced their full support for Dexter Paine in his candidacy for the International Ski & Snowboard Federation (FIS) Council. 

The International Olympic Committee Executive Board provisionally approved the Team Combined on June 20th, pending successful test events.

Press release and photo provided by FIS Open response from FIS President Johan Eliasch to