Para Snow Sports Classification: Part 6 – Highlighting the classifiers: skills, passion & challenges

Learn about all aspects of the classification process across Para Alpine, Para Cross-Country and Para Snowboard in a dedicated series of six articles published ahead of the 2025-2026 season, culminating in the Paralympic Winter Games in Milano-Cortina. 

Classifiers and athletes lie at the very heart of classification which itself is fundamental to Para Snow Sports. 

In parts four and five of the series, FIS focused on the human impact of classification and the complexity of navigating such a complex process for the athletes, coaches and officials. 

Now we turn the spotlight on the classifiers themselves on whom Para Snow Sports hinge. 

Without them, classification and the entire structure of Para Snow Sports would cease to exist. 

“Classification is the cornerstone of Paralympic sport,” said James Redpath, GB Snowsport’s Head of Paralympic Programmes. “Without it we don’t have Paralympic sport. That’s basically it.” 

The pathway to becoming a classifier  

Classifiers are technical officials who are trained and certified by FIS to evaluate athletes, determine eligibility and assign them a sport class. 

All FIS Para Snow Sports—Para Alpine Skiing, Para Cross-Country Skiing, and Para Snowboard—require medical classifiers. 

Medical classifiers hold a medical or physiotherapy qualification and have expertise to assess how an athlete’s impairment affects their ability to compete. They must also demonstrate a detailed understanding of the sport’s rules, competition procedures, classification regulations, and equipment specifications. 

Para Cross-Country Skiing has both Medical and Technical Classifiers, with the former having the same qualifications and experience like Para Alpine and Para Snowboard classifiers. Technical classifiers may be former athletes, coaches, or sports scientists, and bring practical expertise to complement the assessment. 

In order to train as a Classifier, a four-stage pathway must be completed starting with an online course followed by attendance at a seminar.  

Candidates must then attend at least two classification opportunities where they work alongside a licensed classifier panel and are observed before becoming certified. They are required to remain active and demonstrate their expertise to maintain their ability to practise. 

FIS Para Snow Sports Classification Coordinator Gülcin Seyhan believes that on top of competencies and qualifications, good interpersonal skills and empathy are key. 

“In my personal opinion, the good classifier is the one who is able to be transparent, who explains the procedure well, especially when it’s very technical,” she said.

“That perception can also put quiet pressure on classifiers, who care deeply about doing things right.” Her words are echoed by Aurélie Bütikofer, who qualified as an International Classifier following the Covid pandemic after one season as a physio with the Swiss Para Alpine team. 

Bütikofer describes her biggest challenge as being consistent and fair and finding the right words when the athlete is deemed ineligible. 

While recognizing the capacity for disappointment, Bütikofer points to being bound to follow the rules. 

However, she implores the athletes not to view the Classifiers in a negative light, saying: “We’re not the bad guys, we’re really here to help so don’t be afraid of us. It’s not our goal to not let you compete.  

“We just want to help you and all we need is honesty and that you give the best for us to see so it’s also fair for the other athletes who are competing.”

Dia Pernot’s path to becoming a Classifier started when she was employed as a physician with the Netherlands Paralympic team which saw her attend Atlanta 1996 and Sydney 2000. 

It piqued her interest and in 1996 she did a Para Nordic classification course in Sweden before becoming an International Classifier in 2002.  

Pernot believes Classification is an ongoing process which requires research to make it as fair as possible. 

She also feels that a lot more can be done to educate and inform athletes and coaches. 

“Some athletes really understand the way of classification but (for) a lot of them – especially if they don’t understand the language – I think it’s really important to get athletes, coaches and personnel more educated about classification.” 

While she has no illusions about the challenges, Pernot is effusive about seeing  athletes work towards their potential on the snow. 

“I like the sport of course and I like to be involved with the athletes,” she said.

Seyhan was encouraged to take a Classification course while she was studying to be a physio at university before going on to work for the International Paralympic Committee. 

At FIS she combines her medical background and knowledge of rules and procedures with her understanding of being a classifier. 

She oversees the recruitment of Classifiers who are unpaid and whose passion drive them to undertake the role on a voluntary basis. 

There is an ongoing commitment to the athletes and ensuring they compete in a fair environment.  

This zeal for the cause resonates with Seyhan who concluded: “I really like working with the athletes. The moment I graduated I started working with the athletes, that was my focal point. It’s a nice community and it’s impressive to see that.” 

As classification evolves, so does FIS’ commitment to the cause. Through until 2028, the organization is investing in long-term research to help improve accuracy and fairness. 

You can read all about that in Para Snow Sports classification: Part One.   

For more on how it works, read all about the process in Para Snow Sports classification: Part Two.   

Part Three broke down impairment types, the Minimum Impairment Criteria (MIC) and sport classes. Read about that here. 

Part Four focused on the athlete’s perspective. Through one-to-one interviews, FIS learned about their experiences through the process. 

In Part Five we presented the process of classification with its complexities and challenges.