FIS rounds off 2024/25 season with quartet of development activities

As the 2024/2025 season came to a close, FIS looked to celebrate some of the top performers from across the campaign. In a first for the organization, 10 boys and girls from the U16 category were invited to celebrate impressive outings across the term.  

In collaboration with Apex2100, ‘TOP GUN’ week – held between 28 April and 04 May -- was launched with a view of bringing together the very best athletes, winners, and podium achievers from 10 National Ski Associations (NSAs).  

This event not only celebrated their unwavering commitment to being the best, but equally provided an opportunity for young athletes to exchange knowledge, build camaraderie and network with some of the best in their age category.  

“We really enjoyed sharing a week of spring training with these great athletes and their coaches from around the world,” Apex’s Alpine Performance Director, Sasha Rearick, told FIS.   

“The opportunity to learn from each other is exactly what Apex2100 strives to do as we get better every day.”  

That sentiment was echoed by attendee Anur Mehic, who hails from Bosnia and Herzegovina.  

The young skier found himself on the podium multiple times and was honored to receive recognition for his form on the snow.  

“Selection for the FIS ‘TOP GUN’ week was an honor and a great reward for the results I achieved this past season,” he said.

Development camps held in Europe 

May saw two distinct development camps held across Europe, each with a unique purpose. One looked to evolve coaching methodologies, the other supported Para Snowboard athletes with hands-on training.  

In Italy, seven FIS experts welcomed 22 coaches to a Cross-Country education event, which took place across five days. Dubbed a ‘knowledge marathon’, participants developed their skills in training methodology, skiing technique, and communication.  

A mix of practical and theory lessons aimed to provide them with crucial knowledge were engaged in very actively by all participants between 11—16 May.  

“Even if I’ve been a coach for a long time, it was a great opportunity to learn a lot,” said camp coordinator Alberto Rigoni.  

“I continue to be amazed at how you can always maintain such relevant and interesting topics,” added Argentine coach Lorena Lovisolo.  

In Austria, between 27 April and 03 May, athletes attended a Para Snowboard training camp in the Stubai alps. FIS provided a banked slalom training environment, similar to that of a race course, for development and continental cup athletes.  

Five days of lessons on the snow, video analysis, timed training, and race simulations made for an excellent opportunity for attendees to improve and learn different techniques to help further their career.  

Twenty-one athletes and seven coaches from 11 NSAs were present, with an overwhelmingly positive feeling come the end of the week from all involved.  

“It was my first experience at a FIS camp and I really enjoyed it,” said British participant Nathan Carr.  

“It was a straightforward plan for the week which also provided reasonable flexibility which helps with various disabilities and ability levels.”

Presence in Dubai

Continuing to build on global expansion, FIS extended its reach in the Middle East last month, forging an alliance with the Dubai Police to further integrate winter sports into the region’s athletic landscape.  

It joined several sport organizations in supporting the signing of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) to “strengthen strategic partnerships in the academic, professional training, and sports sectors.” 

Each agreement will endeavor to foster mutual collaboration around best practices in training methodologies, enhancing the development and certification of trainers. Equally, it will promote fitness, sports medicine, and specialized training programs.