FIS Council: airbags are mandatory for Downhill and Super-G athletes as of 2024/25

Nov 08, 2024·Inside FIS

The FIS Council convened for an online session this Friday and confirmed that the use of airbags will be mandatory for all athletes competing in the speed disciplines of Alpine Skiing as of this 2024/25 season.

Exceptions can be granted by the National Ski Association in the event that the airbag does not fit an athlete, such that the airbag restricts movement in an unsafe manner.

“For FIS, athlete safety comes first and is non-negotiable,” says FIS Secretary General Michel Vion. This has been at the top of our agenda, and it is why we established the Athlete Health Unit in 2023, for example.”

“The adoption of airbags is part of a broader approach that involves all the factors that can minimize the risk of serious injuries: from the knowledge around weather conditions and track set-up to equipment such as cut-resistant undergarment and smart bindings. We will embrace any measure that is proven to help protect athletes’ health and welfare.”– Michel Vion, FIS Secretary General

Proposals, reports approved

During the meeting, the Council also acknowledged the progress reports presented by all the assigned hosts of FIS World Championships from 2025 to 2029 and approved a slate of technical proposals presented by committees as well as the Jury Members for all upcoming major events.

The members of the Council agreed to schedule another meeting to take place over the course of the coming weeks, the exact date of which will be confirmed in due course.