FIS mourns the passing of Christian Knauth

FIS is deeply saddened by the passing of Christian Knauth, former FIS Marketing and Communication Director and Honorary Member of the FIS Public Relations and Mass Media Committee, who passed away on Saturday, 17 October 2026. 

A native of Austria, Knauth dedicated many years of his professional life to FIS, serving as Marketing and Communication Director under former FIS President Gian Franco Kasper, with whom he shared a close working relationship and friendship. 

Snow sports remained an important part of his life long after his time in the FIS administration. A true fan of the sport, he remained closely connected to the skiing community and was still attending FIS competitions, including the Audi FIS Ski World Cup races.  

Knauth was married to former German Alpine skier Pamela Knauth-Behr, herself a distinguished member of the skiing community.

FIS extends its heartfelt condolences to Pamela Knauth-Behr, Christian’s family, friends and all those who had the privilege of knowing and working with him. His longstanding dedication to FIS and his genuine love of snow sports will be fondly remembered.