FIS Seminar 2026 kicks off Portorož Spring Meetings

The FIS Spring Meetings got underway in the Grand Hotel Bernardin in Portorož (SLO) on Monday May 5. The main business of the day was the FIS Seminar 2026 with 87 participants and 55 National Ski Associations (NSAs) in attendance.

This year's seminar, led by the Development Department and focused on FIS Development Programs, had the theme "What We Build Today Matters".

FIS President Johan Eliasch introduced proceedings with FIS Director for Development Programs Dimitrije Lazarovski presenting the agenda. The first item saw FIS Sustainability Director Susanna Sieff reflect on last year’s Spring Meetings in Vilamoura (POR) where talks on ‘Nature and Biodiversity’ took place.

“What came out of those discussions was not abstract; it was practical, grounded and very actionable,” she recalled. “What is especially important for me to highlight today is that this work did not remain within that room. So you now have the same opportunity today.

“For us, the outcomes of Vilamoura have directly contributed to shaping and strengthening several ongoing initiatives within FIS. The focus on biodiversity and local sensitivity has informed the work behind SLOPE, the big Erasmus project we are putting in place, and Winter Wild Traces with the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, which is now developing a more structured approach to understanding and reducing wildlife disturbance. Many of the operational ideas are now being tested, refined, and exchanged through initiatives such as the Sustainability Webinar Series and the Combined for Change Tour.”

Success stories and the future of FIS

Brazil had more reason than most to celebrate the season just gone after enjoying historic Winter Olympics and Paralympics. Stefano Arnhold, Chair of the Advisory Board of their ski federation, the Confederação Brasileira De Desportos Na Neve (CBDN), was able to point to these successes in delivering the ‘Best Practice Session’, and explain the long-term strategic planning that made them possible.

Coined in 2013, the plan covered the period from 2014-26 with one of the objectives to have at least one male Para Cross-Country athlete in the Sprint at the 2026 Paralympics. Cristian Westemaier Ribera surpassed that goal by claiming Sprint Sitting silver at Milano Cortina 2026.

Lucas Pinheiro Braathen, winner of Brazil's first Winter Olympic gold in the Giant Slalom was not a product of CBDN’s strategy and development plan. But Arnhold stated the Norwegian-born star was convinced to come out of retirement and join Brazil due to its strong governance and long-term development strategy.

Next up was a presentation by outgoing FIS Digital & Innovation Director Benjamin Stoll on Social and Digital Media as a Development Opportunity. On the back of record digital engagement in the 2025/26 World Cup season, Stoll was able to convey what sort of content - for instance, athlete-centered storytelling and short-form video - is most likely to generate interaction.

“It’s not about waiting for a big budget,” he insists, “It’s about being intentional and creative. People identify with people, and not only with athletes. It’s about creating connection and having fun.”

Stoll also explained how everything in terms of reach and engagement is easily measurable, and that this is a huge positive when it comes to selling packages to potential commercial partners.

After a short coffee break, the room was transformed into a Development Workshop facilitated by the FIS Development Department.

Participants were invited to discuss best practices from across the FIS network and share success stories. They were also encouraged to provide ideas and identify gaps, priorities and future needs in order to play an active role in putting together the FIS Development Strategy.

"Overall, the FIS Seminar 2026 was a real success," said Lazarovski. "Not only in terms of strong attendance, but even more so because of the high level of engagement we saw throughout the program. This was particularly evident during the Development Workshop, which generated meaningful and insightful outcomes for our Development Department.

"It was also very reassuring to see that nearly half of the immediate suggestions put forward by participants are already being actively worked on, confirming that the key needs were clearly and correctly identified.”

To close the seminar, Integrity Director Sarah Fussek gave a preview of next year’s seminar that will focus on Mental Health in snow sports. This will be centered on the athletes, first and foremost, but also touch on all other stakeholders from leaders of sports organizations to staff working behind the scenes.