Ospelt and Lehmann hold open discussions with the media to start the 2026/27 season

On the eve of the 2026/27 Audi FIS Ski World Cup opener in Sölden (AUT), FIS President Alexander Ospelt and Secretary General Urs Lehmann updated the media on the season ahead, the reform of FIS finances, and the final countdown to the FIS Alpine World Ski Championships.

Though Ospelt has attended events at Sölden on many occasions, this weekend marks his first season opener as FIS President. “I’ve had some time to really get into all the disciplines and work with all of them. I’m really relieved we’re at the start of the season now, on the snow, and the athletes should now be our focus,” said Ospelt.

Ospelt and Lehmann described a working relationship built around a shared goal. “Of course, we have different approaches, but we respect each other very much. I think what’s really necessary right now is that everybody feels we’re working in the best interests of FIS, with the very same goal.”

“This is about the mission, working for the sport as a team,” added Lehmann. “It’s not about ourselves, this is about doing something for the sport and for the athletes.”

Putting FIS finances on a sustainable footing

Ospelt and Lehmann were asked to elaborate on the state of FIS finances and, more importantly, the plans to steer the organization towards a financially sustainable future.

Ospelt set out four measures: reducing operating costs, finding a solution on production costs with the support of larger National Ski Associations, growing partnerships, and exploring strategic partnerships for additional income. FIS is also working on a common framework above the bilateral international media rights agreements. “What we are working on is a layer above all these bilateral agreements, a multilateral understanding where we say: this will be our direction,” said Ospelt.

Looking further ahead

FIS is exploring a new major championship within the four-year cycle, alongside two World Championships and the Olympic Winter Games. One concept, proposed from Scandinavia, would bring Para, Nordic and Alpine athletes together at one event. Initial analysis is positive, and a final decision rests with the FIS Council.

“We have to look at what other international federations are doing and there has been a trend in the last couple of years of adding more events, more assets, and when it’s been done right, they were able to add value,”  said Lehmann, a gold medallist in the Downhill at the FIS Alpine World Ski Championships in 1993.

“The idea is really to bring more value to the athletes and to the system,” said Ospelt. “We analyze the situation and then we do what we think is in the best interest of FIS, the athletes and its member federations.”

Ospelt, who sits on the Program Committee for the French Alps 2030 Olympic Winter Games, said he hopes Ester Ledecká (CZE) will be able to compete in both Alpine Skiing and Snowboard, after she had to choose between the Downhill and the Parallel Giant Slalom at Milano Cortina 2026.

“She is a super athlete in two disciplines, and of course this will attract a big audience,” he said. “I will do my best to make sure she can start in both disciplines.”

Crans-Montana 2027 preparations enter final phase

The media event featured a presentation by Crans-Montana 2027 COO Daniel Bollinger. With 101 days to go, preparations for the FIS Alpine World Ski Championships have received a green light from FIS following the final inspection.

Held under the motto “Beyond Time,” Bollinger explained how the Championships will follow an established race program, with Week 1 kicking off with the Team Parallel and the Opening Ceremony that evening, followed by the speed races (Super-G and Downhill). Week 2 will feature the Team Combined and technical disciplines (Giant Slalom and Slalom).

Spectator demand has been strong, with more than 74,000 tickets sold already, around 65% of capacity, and the Men’s Downhill is already sold out.

“Our goal is to have 11 sold-out races,” said Bollinger, of an event where the finish-area grandstands, built with the support of the Swiss Army and Civil Protection, hold around 7,500 spectators, and fans can choose between ticketed zones at the finish and free-access Fan Zones with public screens.

“We want to offer the fans a comprehensive entertainment program so they really want to come and not just watch the races, but stay with us for as long as possible and enjoy their time in Switzerland,” added Bollinger, on a program that each evening will feature concerts in the Medal Plaza, leading into medal ceremonies at 18:30 CET.

For media representatives, information and documents are available via this link: https://www.cransmontana2027.ch/en/media