FIS Development Programs

The FIS Development Program (FDP) supports National Ski Associations (NSAs) by providing structured development opportunities that help grow participation and improve performance across all FIS Olympic and Paralympic disciplines.

Through targeted services, expertise, and international training opportunities, FIS delivers development activities that enhance knowledge and competencies, providing access to quality, structured training environments that support athlete progression to higher levels.

The FDP is designed to complement, not replace, national development initiatives. By offering high‑quality development environments and shared learning opportunities, the program supports NSAs in strengthening their pathways and long‑term capability.

Support focuses on athlete progression through camps, clinics, coaches’ seminars, pathway development, and regional collaboration.

The current FDP is structured around three pillars:

1. Development Training Camps

2. Development Training Clinics

3. Development Coaches' Seminars

Development Training Camps

The FIS Development Training Camps are a key initiative supporting athlete and coach development worldwide. Each season, FIS delivers a structured programme of training opportunities led by experienced FIS Coaches, providing access to specialised facilities and high‑level technical expertise on and off the snow.

In addition to camps organised directly by FIS, training days hosted by FIS World Championships candidates and organisers are integrated into the annual calendar, increasing the number and diversity of development opportunities. Camps held at future World Championship venues also allow athletes to train in elite environments and gain familiarity with upcoming competition slopes.

Development Training Clinics

The Development Training Clinics are activities organised in conjunction with partners, and will often have a specific development focus.

Development Coaches' Seminars

The Development Coaches Seminars aim to promote learning and experience sharing among coaches through targeted activities. Delivered alongside FIS Development Camps or as stand‑alone, tailor‑made seminars, they provide practical insights and collaborative learning opportunities.

Registration for FIS Development Programs

Invitations to the respective FIS Development Camps, Clinics and Coaches’ Seminars are sent to NSAs around three months in advance of the activity. Registration takes place through the FIS Development Hub, available to FIS Members only.

For Hub access support, please contact development@fis-ski.com.

History of the FIS Development Programs

FIS Development has a long and structured history. The FIS Aid & Promotion Program for Developing Ski Nations was established following the 1996 FIS Congress in Christchurch (NZL). At that Congress, the responsibility for selecting FIS World Championship organisers was delegated to the FIS Council, with each candidate paying a registration fee that would be used to support the development of skiing and snowboarding worldwide.

As a result, the Aid & Promotion Program was launched in the 1997/98 season, marking the start of a coordinated approach to supporting developing ski nations.

Fifteen years later, at the 2012 FIS Congress in Kangwonland (KOR), the FIS Council decided to merge the Aid & Promotion Program with the existing FIS Solidarity Support initiative. A Council working group was appointed to oversee the integration, and the combined program was re‑named the FIS Development Program (FDP).

This consolidation laid the foundation for the modern development framework used by FIS today.

Starting from the season 2023/24, the FDP activities were further modernized, with the so called ‘free training days’ being merged with other FDP activities. The historically available training camps were restructured, and new activities were introduced, including, for the first time, opportunities for FIS Associated members.