FIS extends snow sports growth into Asia

FIS has taken a major step towards further development of snow sports in Asia by signing two Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs): with the Hong Kong and the Shanghai Pudong Ski Associations.  

New indoor facilities, in Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Shanghai, respectively, have been opened and certified by FIS for international standards.  

This marks a significant step forward for winter sports across the continent, providing budding athletes with access to snow during the summer months and enabling Asian nations to train on approved courses.  

“Asia, and China in particular, play an important role in FIS operations. All federations have expressed strong interest and committed to supporting FIS Development initiatives all over the continent, with a focus on Alpine Skiing, Snowboard, and potentially Cross-Country,” said FIS Director for Development Programs, Dimitrije Lazarovski.

The Ski Association of Hong Kong (SAHK) signed the same MoU with Bonski, who operates some of the largest indoor ski facilities in China, particularly the new Huafa Snow World in Shenzhen, which is now the largest in the world.  

As a result, SAHK will be able to operate activities such as FIS training, competitions, educational programs, and safety programs, all over mainland China.  

Eager to support the development of winter sports in Asia, they plan to organize the very first Asian Indoor Alpine Championships, Indoor Masters Ski & Snowboard Championships, and Asian Super G Championships in the near future.

“This signed MoU signifies the long-awaited development growth commitments from both sides and will cultivate athlete development and elevate competitive standards in China, Asia, and beyond,” Mr. Edmond Yue, Chairman of the SAHK, told FIS.

In Shanghai, officials joined forces to sign the five-year MoU that focuses on key areas of collaboration through the agreed term.  

These include making Olympic and Paralympic winter sports popular across the city through joint events, grassroots programs, and school initiatives. There is also set to be a focus on inclusive, diverse pathways that widen participation and drive sustainable growth.  

FIS will provide end-to-end technical support at the L+SNOW indoor ski dome, which will involve certifying pathways for international competitions, standardizing ski-rescue services, and providing real-time data management for slope operations.

All of this will contribute to Shanghai Pudong Snow Sports Association (SPSSA) being able to host approved events with full logistical, marketing, and operational support to ensure a world-class end product.

“Together for a shared future” was the message that underpinned the Beijing Winter Olympics three years ago, with the aim of engaging 300 million people in snow sports. 

Since then, 346 million people have participated in these disciplines across China.  

“It is proof that these principles are creating a sustainable legacy,” FIS Council Member and Chair of the Asian Ski Association, Aki Murasato, expressed.