Building bridges across the FIS Family: FIS Summit opens a new chapter for collaboration and transparency

More than just a gathering of stakeholders, the 2026 FIS Summit marked a new approach to dialogue across international snow sports. Held alongside the FIS Technical Committee Autumn Meetings in Geneva, the Summit brought together all National Ski Associations (NSAs) in the same room for the first time, reflecting a clear objective set out by newly elected FIS President Alexander Ospelt: building bridges across the entire FIS Family. 

Addressing all member federations simultaneously for the first time since his election in June, Ospelt explained the rationale behind the Summit's revamped format. 

“We should all sit in the same room, discuss together, learn from each other and show solidarity for each other,” he said. “Since the elections, I sat with as many of you as possible. The FIS Family Reception taking place just after the Summit is intended to be another platform for discussions.” 

The theme of building bridges resonated throughout the day, whether through open discussions on governance and finance, new initiatives to support athletes and developing nations, closer cooperation between disciplines, or innovative partnerships linking sport and science. 

FIS Secretary General Urs Lehmann described the scale of transformation currently facing global snow sports and reinforced FIS' role as a facilitator within the snow sports ecosystem, he stressed that success would depend on balancing the interests of all stakeholders.

Transparency at the heart of financial discussions 

One of the most anticipated sessions of the day saw Jean-Philippe Rochat, FIS Treasurer, and Martti Uusitalo, member of the FIS Finance Committee and of the FIS Council’s Finance Review Working Group join Ospelt and Lehmann on stage to present a detailed assessment of FIS' financial situation. 

Not only did the report provide member associations and other stakeholders with the current financial situation of FIS, but also with the key factors that have contributed to the developments of recent years, as well as with the measures planned to stabilize the federation’s financial position — essentially, to significantly reduce costs and to generate additional revenues. 

Throughout the session, NSAs welcomed the level of transparency provided, with several delegates expressing appreciation for the open discussion around the challenges ahead.

“FIS is at a critical moment that requires immediate and decisive action,” summarized FIS President Alexander Ospelt. “The objectives are clear: to restore financial discipline, rebuild financial sustainability, and protect the long-term future of FIS and of the global snow sports ecosystem.” 

Building better sports structures 

The Summit also showcased several initiatives designed to strengthen cooperation across disciplines and nations. 

Sandra Spitz, FIS Sport & Event Director, presented updates on upcoming FIS World Championships and Para Snow Sports World Championships, while highlighting ongoing work to ensure successful delivery across all host venues. 

A notable example of bridge-building at the sporting level came from the presentation of the common waxing project for the 2027 FIS Nordic World Ski Championships in Falun. 

Presented by Cross-Country Race Director Michal Lamplot, the initiative aims to provide participating athletes with equal access to competitive ski preparation while reducing costs through shared resources and expertise. Special consideration will be given to developing nations, with education and active participation forming core elements of the project. 

The Summit also introduced Janne Leskinen in his new role as FIS Alpine Director. Created as part of a broader organizational evolution, the position is intended to strengthen coordination across Alpine skiing and align sporting and commercial objectives. 

Describing one of his key missions, Leskinen emphasized the importance of bridging different parts of the sport.

United around athlete health 

Building bridges also means finding common ground where all stakeholders share the same priorities. 

This was the message from Michael Lasshofer and the FIS Athlete Health Unit, which presented a new Training and Safety Code of Conduct now available through the FIS Athlete Health Corner. 

Developed with input from numerous stakeholders across the sport, the code establishes ten fundamental principles designed to support safer training environments. 

While performance objectives can sometimes create competing interests, Lasshofer noted that athlete health remains a unifying priority. 

“When it comes to the long-term approach about athlete health, we can all come together.”

Connecting the FIS Family digitally 

Further strengthening collaboration, Jeremy Thum, FIS Digital & Innovation Director, unveiled progress on a new NSA digital platform designed to bring member federations closer together. 

The project includes a dedicated NSA community platform, collaborative tools, and an AI-powered “Ask FIS” assistant capable of providing answers based on official FIS information and documentation. 

A live demonstration showcased the potential of the platform to improve communication, knowledge sharing, and transparency across the global FIS network. 

Integrating Freeride into the Snow Sports ecosystem 

Following Freeride's inclusion in the Olympic program, FWT Head of Sport Alice Ronchetti outlined the roadmap for integrating the discipline sustainably within both FIS and NSA structures. 

Over the coming years, new sporting, licensing and governance frameworks will support the sport's growth from grassroots to elite level, while ensuring national federations play an increasingly active role in event oversight and athlete development. 

The objective is clear: build lasting bridges between Freeride and the wider snow sports community while respecting the discipline's unique identity. 

Where sport meets science 

The Summit concluded with a powerful example of bridge-building beyond sport itself. 

FIS Sustainability Director Susanna Sieff and World Meteorological Organization representative Daniel Kull highlighted the growing impact of the FIS-WMO partnership, the first agreement of its kind between an international sports federation and the WMO. 

Together, the organizations are developing tools and knowledge resources to help snow sports stakeholders better understand weather and climate risks, from day-to-day event operations to long-term venue planning. 

As climate challenges increasingly affect winter sport, the partnership aims to ensure decision-makers across the FIS Family have access to the right information at the right time. 

The message was clear: the future of snow sports will require stronger connections between sport, science and sustainability.

Looking ahead together 

Closing the Summit, President Ospelt returned to the central theme that had connected every session throughout the day. 

From financial transparency and athlete welfare to digital innovation, sport development and scientific collaboration, the 2026 FIS Summit set out a vision for a more connected and collaborative future. In Geneva, the FIS Family did not simply review challenges and opportunities. It took another step toward addressing them together.