FIS Summit: ever more power and information to developing NSAs

When FIS President Johan Eliasch opened the afternoon session of the second FIS Summit, on Tuesday, his words clearly set the tone: “Each nation matters equally. We want to hear your voice.” 

That is exactly what representatives of 56 developing National Ski Associations (NSAs) did as they gathered in Zurich: let their voices be heard to express every challenge they face and question they have, all while receiving hours’ worth of knowledge and insight from FIS experts. 

Looking ahead to the next several months, FIS Race Directors and Discipline Coordinators from each Olympic and Paralympic discipline presented the qualification system for the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games, always with a clear focus on the particularities for developing NSAs.

A newcomer to the FIS family, the Freeride World Tour, introduced itself outlining the "mountain" of the discipline: each step in a freeride skier’s journey, along with the specific qualification criteria applied at each stage. 

The program included thorough updates sustainability, development, education, and media strategy, as well as a key highlight: the exchange of best practices for development activities.  

Tomas Slavik, Camp Leader of the Czech Ski and Snowboard Federation, reported on the success of Nordic Combined development initiatives in Czechia. He highlighted how the FIS Youth Cup, Children’s Cup, and various coaching seminars have tangibly benefited from FIS Development Program support: a testimony that resonated with the attending developing NSAs, inspiring them to apply for more development opportunities and collaborate not only with FIS but also with other nations. 

That, in fact, was the one common thread across all topics and initiatives: the importance of relationships and collaboration between member associations, encapsulated by the FIS Membership Hub. 

The second edition of the FIS Summit confirmed the importance of this yearly appointment for the developing NSAs. “There is a world of value in sharing experiences and knowledge, and it is FIS’ priority to facilitate this exchange” summarizes FIS Director of Development Programmes Dimitrije Lazarovski. “This is what the Summit is about.”