Interview: FIS President looks ahead to the Olympic season

With the 100-day countdown now reached, the sports world is setting its sights on the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. The 2025/26 FIS World Cup season, across all disciplines, will build toward the pinnacle of winter sports — in Italy.

Shortly after the first race of the season — the men’s and women’s Giant Slalom opening of the Audi FIS World Cup in Sölden — FIS President Johan Eliasch sat down to share some of his thoughts on the Olympic season and the upcoming International Olympic Committee (IOC) decision regarding the future of the Olympic program after 2026.

As the new season begins, excitement is already building for Milano Cortina 2026. What makes this season particularly special for the FIS family?

Johan Eliasch: This season marks the start of an extraordinary journey. Every World Cup event, every performance, and every story we will witness over the coming months will build toward the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 – a true celebration of winter sport, in some of its most iconic settings and for the whole world to see. For our athletes, teams, and fans, this season is not only about competing for Crystal Globes, but also about shining on this unique stage. It’s a moment when the entire winter sports community comes together, united by passion, excellence, and anticipation. I really can’t wait for it.

The IOC has recently announced that decisions related to the future of the Olympic program will be made after Milano Cortina 2026. How has FIS responded to this?

Deciding on the Olympic program is an incredibly complex and consequential matter and, as such, it must be dealt with care. Any decision must be grounded on as much concrete information as possible. This is why we respect the IOC’s decision to take more time and gather comprehensive data on aspects like participation, global reach, and cost efficiency.

With that said, I’m mindful of the fact that this postponement creates uncertainty for athletes, teams, and fans who dedicate their lives to disciplines that have been under more intense scrutiny, such as Nordic Combined and Snowboard Parallel Giant Slalom (PGS).

We are talking about two disciplines that have been on a constant path of growth, with deep roots and strong communities. We will continue to stand behind these disciplines and the athletes who represent them with such passion – not just in words, but through action, investment, and advocacy.

Frankly, this extended timeline is an opportunity: over the coming months, we will continue to demonstrate the strength and appeal of these events – not only through sporting excellence, but also through innovation, visibility, and global engagement.

We have seen that perseverance and unity define our sports. With the Olympic season ahead, this is the moment to show the world what makes Nordic Combined and Snowboard PGS so unique and inspiring.

What is FIS doing specifically to support these disciplines during this period?

We are taking active steps on multiple levels. One of our key priorities has been to enhance digital engagement and storytelling around our disciplines. Through FIS TV and our social media channels, we bring fans closer than ever to the athletes and their journeys. A great example is the Nordic Combined documentary “The Overlooked. The Untold Stories of Nordic Combined Heroes”, which we released last season. It is an intimate, behind-the-scenes look at the athletes’ dedication, their challenges, and above all, their dreams. It shines a light on the extraordinary effort of our women in Nordic Combined, who continue to fight for recognition within the Olympic Movement. Their passion and perseverance are deeply inspiring, and we are proud to share their stories with the world.

At the same time, we are strengthening the structure and visibility of all our disciplines through major organizational improvements. We have successfully finalized the centralization of international broadcast and media rights, ensuring more consistent and professional coverage across all events.

These efforts are all part of our broader vision: to ensure that every discipline under the FIS umbrella continues to grow, innovate, and inspire new generations of fans and participants around the world.

Finally, what excites you most about the upcoming season overall?

What excites me most is seeing the energy of our athletes as they prepare for this Olympic season – the determination, the innovation, the love for snow sports. Across all our disciplines, the level of talent and commitment is remarkable.

This season is about celebrating everything that makes our sport special – tradition, evolution, and the human stories that connect us all. I look forward to seeing our FIS family come together in what promises to be an unforgettable journey.