FIS and FESA Launch the Alpine Performance Series: Speed Excellence

Jul 23, 2026·Inside FIS

AUDI FIS SKI World Cup Courchevel 2026 @ FIS / Action Press / Ruedi Flueck

Building on the success of the pilot FIS/FESA Speed Clinic and Speed Academy program, held in Sölden in spring 2026, the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) and the Federation of European Ski & Snowboard Associations (FESA) have joined forces to develop the program into a new long-term initiative: the Alpine Performance Series: Speed Excellence.

The Alpine Performance Series aims to advance speed disciplines in Alpine skiing by combining athlete development, coach education, and competition opportunities in one program. Rather than separating education from performance, the initiative creates environments where athletes and coaches learn, train, and grow together on the snow.

The Alpine Performance Series represents a new chapter for FIS Development. As the first initiative of its kind, it introduces an integrated model that combines education, athlete development, and performance into one continuous pathway. By investing simultaneously in athletes, coaches, and National Ski Associations, we are creating lasting capacity rather than isolated events. Together with FESA, we are establishing a framework that not only addresses today's development needs but also provides the foundation for expanding similar initiatives in the years ahead, helping shape the future of winter sports.– Dimitrije Lazarovski, FIS Director for Development Programs

At the heart of the program are three interconnected pillars:

Coach Speed Clinic: Coaches receive mentored training focused on safety, course setting, and coaching best practices.

Speed Academy: Athletes receive mentored speed training that combines practical learning on the snow with interactive educational sessions.

Race Experience: Athletes are given the opportunity to apply what they have learned in competition, gaining experience performing under pressure.

The initiative also brings FIS Development and FIS Education closer together, demonstrating how athlete training, coach development, and educational innovation can work hand in hand. By integrating education with practical training, the program also helps National Ski Associations, athletes, and coaches to strengthen local capacity by sharing knowledge and exchanging experiences.

The success of the pilot activities in Sölden demonstrated the value of combining practical on-snow training with structured learning. Participants worked with experts, applied coaching techniques in real-world situations, and shared knowledge they could immediately put into practice. Building on this success and lessons learned, the Alpine Performance Series will bring the program to multiple locations to support the long-term development of winter sports.

The success of the pilot activities in Sölden showed what can be achieved when organizations work together around a shared vision. Through this partnership between FESA and FIS, we are creating new opportunities for athletes and coaches to learn from one another, exchange knowledge, and develop within an international environment. With this year’s program, we are successfully engaging additional regions and establishing distinct thematic priorities for each of them.– Jakob Winkler, Secretary General of FESA

The 2026-2027 series will take place across five locations throughout the season:

Saas Fee (Switzerland) – Speed Academy for Female Athletes (September 24-29, 2026)

Zermatt (Switzerland) – Speed Academy for U21 and experienced athletes (September 28-October 2, 2026)

Val Gardena/Südtirol (Italy) – Coach Speed Clinic and FIS Race (November 29-December 1, 2026)

Sölden (Austria) – Coach Speed Clinic and Speed Academy for U16 athletes (March 30-April 4, 2027)

Narvik (Norway) – Coach Speed Clinic and Speed Academy for U21 and experienced athletes (April 2027)

Guided by the message “Learn. Train. Perform.”, the Alpine Performance Series aims to help participants learn on the snow, not just in the classroom. It brings athletes and coaches together to strengthen their skills and build the expertise needed for long-term success in speed skiing.

Created jointly by FIS and FESA, with support from FIS Development and FIS Education, the program represents an important step toward creating sustainable, long-term training and progression opportunities in Alpine Skiing. It will also encourage countries to share knowledge and ensure that future generations of athletes and coaches have access to world-class learning and development opportunities.

Effective coach and athlete development happens where learning can be applied immediately. The Alpine Performance Series allows us to bring education directly into the training environment, creating opportunities for coaches and athletes to learn together, reflect together, and transfer new knowledge into practice from day one.– Cornelia Blank, FIS Senior Manager Education

Interested in taking your speed program to the next level?

The official call for applications for the Alpine Performance Series: Speed Excellence will be released soon. Participants will receive practical on-snow training and guidance from leading experts. Places are limited to ensure each participant receives a high-quality experience, so early applications are encouraged.

Whether you are a coach looking to enhance your Alpine Skiing expertise or an athlete ready to take your performance to the next level, this is your opportunity to be part of a unique international learning and performance pathway.

Stay tuned for application details and secure your place early. Limited spots are available.

Learn. Train. Perform. Join the next generation of speed excellence.

Download and save the Alpine Performance Series: Speed Excellence program information.

Jul 22, 2026•1.42 MB