49th International Ski Congress - 2014 - Barcelona (ESP)

Fourth FIS Congress hosted by Spain

The Rey Juan Carlos I Hotel hosted the 49th International Ski Congress in beautiful Barcelona, Spain from 1st - 6th June 2014. More than 1,100 participants attended the first FIS Congress one of the highest turnouts ever. The biggest delegations among the participating 75 National Ski Associations, were those of Germany, Austria, Canada and USA with more than 20 representatives each.

A European Metropolis

Barcelona 2014 had an excellent atmosphere as one of the most famous European cities provided participants with ample opportunity to explore the cultural city outside of the many meetings. In addition, the Royal Spanish Winter Sports Federation was a gracious host, treating the delegates to several events within the confines of the Res Juan Carlos I Hotel, including a Welcome Reception Cocktail and a Gala Dinner to close the Congress. On the excursion day, delegates had the chance to leave the hustle and bustle of the city and head to the vineyards located on the outskirts of Barcelona for a delicious lunch and wine tasting.

An eye to the future

The week’s highlights included the election of the 2018/2019 FIS World Championship Organisers as well as the election of the FIS Council.

As has become customary, the Congress took on an international atmosphere during the exhibition where the World Championship Candidates greeted delegates whilst showcasing local culture. From Are’s delicious mushroom soup to apples flown in all the way from Almaty, honey chocolate from Planica, Italian coffee and parmesan from Cortina d'Ampezzo, Weissbier and stuffed marmots from Oberstdorf and Budweiser from America.

The 2014 Congress also saw the staging of the 4th FIS Ladies Seminar, which was held in front a full house as the panel of experts discussed how to help female athletes ease the transition from their athletic careers into a professional career.

The prior day, the Leader’s Seminar was also held in front a full room, as the developing ski nations held an in-depth discussion around the theme “After Sochi 2014 is before Pyeongchang 2018”. Select nations shared their Sochi experiences and also discussed how they will continue to move forward with an eye on the next Olympic Winter Games.

Congress Day

As required by the FIS Statutes, the Congress elected the FIS Council for the upcoming two-year period 2014-16. Three new members were elected to the 16-person FIS Council by the Congress.

As part of the statutory business the accounts and reports of the auditors were approved as well as the budget for the two year period 2014-2015. Based on the Council’s proposal CHF 8 million from the result of the financial period 2012-13 along with an additional 2 million from the FIS reserves will be distributed to the National Ski Associations. Together with the budgeted support of CHF 10 million for 2014-15, a total of 20 million will be paid out over the next two years from FIS to the member Associations for the promotion of skiing.