FIS extends its reach into Asia with Alpine development camp in Beijing

Mar 21, 2025·Inside FIS

Telemach Children Speed Camp 2025

Over the last two months, the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) has delivered successful development camps to its members. The Asian Championships was preceded by an Alpine camp in Beijing, while in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the art of speed training was introduced to the next generation of budding skiers.

Between 19 and 25 February, experts travelled to China to provide FIS’s third development camp on the continent. 32 athletes from nine nations, along with multiple coaches, gathered at the National Alpine Skiing Centre in Yanqing, Beijing.

Participants not only learned from skilled specialists but also trained at a venue that was used in the 2022 Winter Olympics.

While the windy weather halted planned activities on the slopes on a handful of occasions, FIS coaches Matteo and Alan provided valuable lessons on snow and dry land, including a dive into racing techniques for Giant Slalom (GS) and Slalom (SL).

Other than winds disrupting a few lessons, the weather and conditions were otherwise perfect, allowing for safe training and racing facilities for athletes who were completely committed to every session at their disposal.

“The camp represented a super valuable experience for both racers and coaches to improve the level of Alpine skiing in Asia,” said coordinator Marco Malsiner.

A few days later, on 28 and 29 February, the 33rd Asian Alpine Ski Championships (Licensed) 2025 were held at the same venue.

11 Asian Ski Federations participated, making for a very successful and competitive event in both GS and SL. 44 athletes took to the slope for those races, with the prize presentation ceremonies taking place on the mountain.

“Both activities were a great success and ensured a continuity of activities delivered by FIS in Asia,” said FIS Director of Development Program, Dimitrije Lazarovski.

FIS is planning more activities in other disciplines to ensure a more inclusive approach, providing the existing platform to Para Athletes to join.– Dimitrije Lazarovski, FIS Development Program Director

Between March 3rd and 6th, FIS provided the necessary resources to bring a speed-specific development camp to Bosnia and Herzegovina to start the new month.

Aimed at age categories U14, U16, and U18, the event in Bjelašnica was focused on bringing the art of speed to the next generation of athletes. In doing so, a star-studded line-up was on hand to deliver different sessions across the three days, including two-time World Champion and Olympic medallist Elisabeth Görgl (AUT).

As a young skier, I was inspired by older athletes and excited to be able to ski on the same slope as them… now the roles are reversed, and I have the opportunity to teach the young ones.– Elisabeth Görgl (AUT)

Director of Telemach Children Speed Camp, Edin Durić, added: “We are proud to offer talented young skiers the opportunity to learn from the world’s best ski stars and coaches.

“I believe that the experience from this event will be a lasting motivation for them on their path to sporting success.”

Almost 70 participants from seven Ski Associations, including 50 athletes alone, were at the heart of a successful showing in Europe. The young skiers' engagement and enthusiasm bode well for the future of this discipline.

“We sincerely hope to continue this collaboration in the future with one simple goal: teaching young skiers to go fast,” concludes FIS Membership Manager Jelena Dojcinovic.