About FIS
What we do
Overseeing the sport
Recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), FIS manages the Olympic disciplines of Alpine Skiing, Cross-Country Skiing, Ski Jumping, Nordic Combined and Freestyle Skiing and Snowboarding, including setting the international competition rules. FIS is also recognized by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) and manages Para Alpine Skiing, Para Cross-Country and Para Snowboard.
Through its 141 member nations, more than 7,000 FIS competitions are staged annually.
The federation oversees World Cup competitions and biannual World Championships.
FIS has a clear anti-doping policy and a rigorous framework for testing.
Widening the reach of snow sports
FIS does extensive work in ‘smaller’ ski nations around the world to promote snow sports and advise on the development of training and event infrastructure and an athlete pipeline.
The federation also has initiatives to promote snow activities to the young.
Supporting athletes
FIS looks out for the interests of over 39,000 licensed and active athletes, offering support with career development, wellbeing and athletes’ rights.
The FIS ‘Safe Sport’ initiative sets clear boundaries to ensure that athletes’ physical and psychological health is respected, with independent and confidential helplines to report harassment or abuse.
The Marc Hodler Foundation – a charitable initiative under the umbrella of FIS – provides support to athletes who have sustained serious injury.
Opening up snow sports to all
In recent years great strides have been made to include Para athletes in the FIS family, with the federation taking over the full governance and management of Para Alpine Skiing, Para Cross-Country Skiing and Para Snowboarding.
FIS is also a member of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) and represents 73% of the medals on the Paralympic Winter Games Program.
Promoting sustainability
Climate action is a long-term, year-in, year-out priority for FIS.
As a signatory to the UN Sports for Climate Action Framework, the federation has pledged to halve its carbon footprint by 2030.
A sustainability strategy (Impact Programme) has been developed to provide an overview of initiatives and projects that are already underway, or in the planning stage also to help all event organizers cut their emissions.
In addition, FIS decided to support a project that helps indigenous communities to prevent deforestation and fight climate change, the FIS Rainforest Initiative. This significant project, based in Peruvian rainforest, is helping to avoid deforestation which is the cause of up to 20% of global emissions.
Besides climate change, the other two areas FIS has decided to work on are nature and biodiversity protection and the circular economy.
FIS Facts & Figures
Formed: 1924 during the first Winter Olympic Games in Chamonix, France.
Headquarters: Oberhofen am Thunersee, Switzerland.
Annual Income: 47 million Swiss Francs
Responsible for: Recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) as the official governing body for disciplines of Alpine Skiing, Cross-Country-Skiing, Ski Jumping, Nordic Combined, Freestyle Skiing and Snowboard. FIS is also recognized by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) and manages Para Alpine, Para Cross-Country and Para Snowboard.
Member Nations: FIS is comprised of 141 member National Ski Associations.
Number of World Championships: 6 biannually (Alpine, Nordic, Freestyle Skiing/Snowboarding, Telemark, Grass Skiing, Speed Skiing)
Number of World Cups Events: Approximately 330 annually
Total number of FIS sanctioned competitions: Over 7’000 annually
Number of licensed and active athletes: +39'000
Gender ratio licensed and active athletes: 64.8% Men, 35.2% Women
As well as competitive snow sports, FIS undertakes specific initiatives to promote snow activities, conserve the natural environment, fight against doping in sport and ensure Safeguarding of athletes in winter sports.
You can find useful statistics for all disciplines here: