The International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) is the governing body for international skiing and snowboarding, founded in 1924 during the first Olympic Games in Chamonix, France.
Recognised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), FIS manages the Olympic disciplines of Alpine Skiing, Cross-Country Skiing, Ski Jumping, Nordic Combined, Freestyle Skiing and Snowboarding, including setting the international competition rules.
Through its 135 member nations, more than 7’000 FIS ski and snowboard competitions are staged annually. Specific initiatives are undertaken by FIS to promote snow activities as a healthy leisure recreation, notably for the young.
FIS Facts & Figures
- Formed: 1924 during the first Winter Olympic Games in Chamonix, France.
- Headquarters: Oberhofen, Switzerland.
- Annual Income: 47 million Swiss Francs
- Responsible for: Recognised 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.
- Member Nations: FIS is comprised of 135 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: Appoximately 330 annually
- Total number of FIS sanctioned competitions: Over 7’000 annually
- Number of licensed and active athletes: 30’764
- Gender ratio licensed and active athletes: 63% Men, 37% 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.
- FIS campaign to boost the number of snow sports participants, Bring Children to the Snow, currently supports 1’056 Organisers in 53 countries and sees each year over 1’000 events and actions to bring children to snow sports.
You can find useful statistics for all disciplines here: