FIS Development Seminar 2026: Six priorities outlined to support the growth of snow sports globally

At the end of the 2025/2026 season, FIS brought together 90 representatives from 55 National Ski Associations (NSAs) for the 2026 Development Seminar.

Held under the theme “What We Build Today Matters”, the event was a collaborative consultation to identify priorities, challenges, opportunities, and discuss what the future holds for FIS Development over the next four to eight years.

With the help of ten facilitated working groups across a workshop session, attendees were able to discuss what is working well within their respective organizations while providing valuable insights on any challenges faced.

There were also insightful presentations, the first of which from Stefano Arnhold (BRA), who discussed best practice and long-term strategic planning. The second was delivered by Benjamin Stoll, FIS Digital & Innovation Director, who explained why social and digital media can be viewed as a development opportunity.

“One of the strongest outcomes of the seminar was the remarkable level of alignment among NSAs despite different geographical, economic, and sporting contexts,” said Dimitrije Lazarovski, FIS Director for Development Programs.

The overwhelming message was to move beyond isolated activities and instead work towards building sustainable systems and long-term development ecosystems.

Education was also highlighted as one of the biggest prioritize for those in attendance, while some opened up on challenges that go beyond the athlete performance, ranging from staffing and volunteer shortages to financial sustainability and inclusion.

There is also a clear need for a revised version of the Development Hub, ensuring NSAs have access to key information like resources, contacts, and funding year-round.

With this in mind, and taking on board other feedback received at the seminar, six priority areas have been identified that will inform the strategic direction of FIS Development. These are as follows:

• Priority 1 – Education: Develop a comprehensive education ecosystem supporting coaches, officials, and judges

• Priority 2 – NSA Capacity Building: Strengthen support in governance, strategic planning, organizational management, marketing, sponsorship, and communications

• Priority 3 – Connector Platform: Strengthen the FIS Development Hub and extend key content to the FIS website to broaden its reach and accessibility; centralize access to resources, contacts, programs, funding, and best practices to enable more continuous, year-round engagement

• Priority 4 – Regional Development Cooperation: Create opportunities for shared learning, joint projects, regional development networks, and resource sharing

• Priority 5 – Long-term Athlete Development: Support clear athlete pathways through talent identification, youth development, coach support, and competition structures

• Priority 6 – Sustainable Funding and Partnerships: Continue developing a mechanism that improves access to development resources and external support opportunities

By acting on these strategic priorities, and continuing to collaborate with members, FIS will continue to positively support the future of snow sports development across the globe.

“We greatly appreciate the openness, expertise, and collaborative spirit demonstrated throughout the seminar,” Dimitrije added.

“[Feedback from representatives] provided valuable guidance and reaffirmed our shared commitment to strengthening the global snow sports community through cooperation, innovation, and sustainable development.”