Participation, programs, and progress: FIS development look back on a year of growth across ski and snowboard disciplines
May 26, 2026·Inside FIS:format(webp):focal(5005x4132:5006x4133))
As the curtain closes on another enthralling season of snow sports across all disciplines, so too does the current Winter Olympic and Paralympic cycle (2022-2026). Whether it was on the slopes of Milano Cortina or at the various World Cup stops, it has been a year of records broken, breakout stars, veteran farewells, and so much more.
For the FIS development team, however, the real measure of success comes in how the organization prepares the next generation of ski and snowboard hopefuls for the future. Through support programs and development camps, the last four years have been the clearest demonstration of this to date.
2,378 athletes and coaches attended almost 20,000 individual development days on snow during that time period, a significant 141% increase in participants between 2022 and 2026. FIS also recorded a 208% increase in program-specific activities, putting on 97 between within that time frame.
“Over the past four years, FIS Development has delivered significant progress in strengthening global snow sports and expanding opportunities for National Ski Associations (NSAs), athletes, and coaches across all disciplines,” FIS Development Programs Director, Dimitrije Lazarovski, said.
“Through a clear strategic vision focused on inclusion, sustainability, and long-term capacity building, the program has evolved into one of the key drivers of global winter sport growth.”
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Key numbers behind the 2025/2026 season
The 2025/26 campaign has been one to remember on snow.
37 program-specific activities were either delivered or supported by FIS across Europe, South America, and Asia, attended by almost 800 athletes and coaches.
Looking to grow winter sports in Asia specifically has resulted in securing over 800 ski days all over the continent with signed guarantees.
In line with a commitment to increase female participation across all disciplines, of all athletes attending Snowboard, Freeski, and Freestyle camps over the course of the year, 52% were female.
Where development camps are concerned, FIS delivered 5,755 individual days on the slopes, seeing a 45% year-on-year increase of Alpine events as well as a 14% year-on-year increase in participants attending Cross-Country camps.
It has been a season of growth on the slopes but just as much off it, with new initiatives introduced that will see cooperation improve with regional federations and safety will be enhanced with the support of FIS Education.
All in all, the success of the season is reflected in the enjoyment and lessons athletes and coaches alike have taken from attending camps, seminars, or day events.
“I think it [attending a FIS camp] benefited me,” Alpine skiing prodigy Anur Mehić told FIS. “The most important thing for me was meeting a lot of new people [and making] new friends – it was amazing that they brought us all together.
“I think it is very important for our sport, to constantly be with someone [who is in the same position] and make friends.
“I love to hear from different people, different opinions. It helped to gain more knowledge and meet new people.”
FIS Membership programs deliver on snow
Last season, FIS reworked membership programs to create the FIS Start Program and the FIS Plus Program. The former provides essential equipment and materials for training and promotional activities, while the latter supports NSAs with funding for initiatives.
Since then, they have seen 100 pairs of roller skis donated, 35 LISKI sport and promotion packages provided, first-time inclusions of associate members, 22 Plus projects supported, and more.
Azerbaijan and Saudi Arabia were welcomed as full members, while Benin, Bhutan, and Indonesia joined as associate members.
At a recent development seminar in Portorož, FIS welcomed feedback and open discussion with all members as, together, the work continues to sustain the momentum demonstrated over the last four-year cycle.
“The discussions confirmed strong alignment across NSAs regarding the key challenges facing the global snow sports community – including funding limitations, access to infrastructure, coaching education, athlete retention, equipment accessibility, and knowledge sharing,” Dimitrije added.
“At the same time, the workshop highlighted a shared commitment to moving toward a more connected and sustainable development system built on cooperation, education, partnerships, and long-term planning.
“By strengthening collaboration with NSAs and investing in people, education, and sustainable structures, FIS will continue to build a stronger, more connected, and more competitive snow sports community for the future.”