The Future of the International Ski & Snowboard Federation, FIS

28th October 2026

FIS President Alexander Ospelt and Secretary General Urs Lehmann look at the season ahead, the reform of FIS finances, and the final countdown to the 2027 FIS Alpine World Ski Championships. NEW

As the World Cup season started last weekend with GS races in Soelden, Austria, it marks Ospelt’s first season in charge as FIS President.

“I’ve had some time to really get into all the disciplines and work with all of them. I’m really relieved we’re at the start of the season now, on the snow, and the athletes should now be our focus,” said Ospelt.

Ospelt and Lehmann described a working relationship built around a shared goal.

“Of course, we have different approaches, but we respect each other very much.

“I think what’s really necessary right now is that everybody feels we’re working in the best interests of FIS, with the very same goal.”

Gurgl World Cup. Image © PlanetSKI

“This is about the mission, working for the sport as a team,” added Lehmann.

“It’s not about ourselves, this is about doing something for the sport and for the athletes.”

“We have different approaches, but we respect each other very much.

“I think what’s really necessary right now is that everybody feels we’re working in the best interests of FIS.”

Ospelt and Lehmann elaborated on the state of FIS finances and, more importantly, the plans to steer the organisation towards a financially sustainable future.

Ospelt set out four measures:

Reducing operating costs
Finding a solution on production costs with the support of larger National Ski Associations
Growing partnerships
Exploring strategic partnerships for additional income.

FIS is also working on a common framework above the bilateral international media rights agreements.

“What we are working on is a layer above all these bilateral agreements, a multilateral understanding where we say: this will be our direction,” said Ospelt.

FIS is exploring a new major championship within the four-year cycle, alongside two World Championships and the Olympic Winter Games.

One concept, proposed from Scandinavia, would bring Para, Nordic and Alpine athletes together at one event.

Initial analysis is positive, and a final decision rests with the FIS Council.

“We have to look at what other international federations are doing and there has been a trend in the last couple of years of adding more events, more assets, and when it’s been done right, they were able to add value,” said Lehmann.

He was a gold medalist in the Downhill at the FIS Alpine World Ski Championships in 1993.

“The idea is really to bring more value to the athletes and to the system,” said Ospelt.

“We analyse the situation and then we do what we think is in the best interest of FIS, the athletes and its member federations.”

On PlanetSKI we have looked forward to the 2027 FIS Alpine Ski World Championships to be held in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, next February:

Crans-Montana sees increase in UK skiers as it targets British market

2027 Alpine Ski World Championships, Crans-Montana. Image © PlanetSKI

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