FIS Summit 2025: coaching, communication and collaboration at the core

After reflecting on the achievements of the past season in his opening speech at the FIS Summit, FIS President Johan Eliasch insisted with this simple yet powerful message that a collaborative spirit should always prevail within the global snow sports community. And the FIS Summit is just a very concrete example of that. 

The third edition of what has become a cornerstone of the FIS Autumn Meetings took place yesterday in Zürich, gathering representatives from 58 National Ski Associations (NSAs) with one or two votes. The event once again proved to be a valuable platform for dialogue, learning, and collaboration, reinforcing FIS’s commitment to supporting its members through shared knowledge and open exchange. 

The day also marked a special moment for the federation, as Urs Lehmann addressed the group for the first time in his new role as FIS CEO, officially stepping into the position with a message of continuity and ambition. 

Coaching at the core 

The first session focused on the fundamentals of training and coaching, with guest speakers Janne Leskinen (CEO, Finnish Ski Association) and Walter Reusser (CEO Sport, Swiss-Ski) joining event moderator Bruno Sassi, FIS Communications Director. The two seasoned executives shared their perspectives on the evolving role of coaching in modern snow sports. 

Key themes included: 

• Training the trainers: FIS initiatives like speed clinics in Zermatt and Olympic Solidarity programs were highlighted as key tools for NSA collaboration. 

• Sustainable coaching: emphasizing soft skills and life lessons beyond sport. 

• Technology and data: navigating new tools for performance analysis. 

• Media coaching: preparing athletes for the spotlight, with a pilot FIS media training project planned for the next Junior World Ski Championships. 

The session also addressed challenges such as the need to recognize coaching as a reliable professional career and the importance of networking and political support for sport development at all levels. 

Evolving communications in a changing landscape 

The second session explored how communications have transformed over the past two decades, especially in the context of high-profile events. 

Guest speakers from the Milano-Cortina 2026 Organizing Committee, Valentina Comoretto (Head of Press Operations) and Chiara Luison (Head of Broadcast Services), joined remotely to present the complexities of managing media operations across a decentralized Olympic and Paralympic venue landscape spanning over 22,000 km². 

Giulia Candiago, FIS External Relations Manager, also shared her experience from the FIS Alpine Women’s World Cup and the 2024/25 World Championships in Saalbach, offering insights into the realities of media coordination at elite events.

Interactive group discussions tackled real-world scenarios, from unexpected athlete success at the Olympics to crisis communication during environmental protests, and the evolving role of mixed zones and press conferences. 

The Summit concluded with a panel led by Dimitrije Lazarovski, FIS Development Programs Director and the driving force behind the FIS Summit concept. His closing remarks emphasized the importance of continued dialogue, shared learning, and innovation as the snow sports community prepares for a historic Olympic and Paralympic season ahead.