FREERIDE SKIING & SNOWBOARDING APPROVED AS FIS OFFICIAL DISCIPLINE
The International Ski & Snowboard Federation (FIS) has recognized freeride skiing and snowboarding as an official discipline. This historic decision was made during the FIS General Assembly held in Reykjavik, Iceland, where FIS and National Ski Associations members voted on June 5th, 2024. Following the Freeride World Tour (FWT) acquisition by FIS in December of 2022, this announcement is the second step towards the development of the sport on a global scale, extending support to athletes and enhancing the potential for future inclusion in the Winter Olympic Games. The inclusion of freeride skiing and snowboarding as a full-fledged FIS discipline was voted unanimously by all members of the FIS Congress.
2024 FIS General Assembly
"This is an important day for the freeride community," said Nicolas Hale-Woods, Founder and CEO of FWT. "The recognition of freeride skiing and snowboarding as an official discipline within FIS will elevate the sport and provide new opportunities for athletes worldwide. We are excited about the future prospects this brings to the freeride movement and beyond."
Freeride World Tour Founder & CEO Nicolas Hale-Woods. Photo by Dom Daher / Freeride World Tour
“FIS is the home of snow sports in all its forms, for everyone—it is only natural for us to fully embrace the excitement of a rising discipline like freeride. We are thrilled to have them as part of the family,” says FIS President Johan Eliasch.
FIS President Johan Eliasch
Following this recognition, freeride skiing and snowboarding will undergo a voting process within individual National Ski Associations worldwide. This step emphasizes grassroots development, ensuring the sport gains widespread support and that young athletes have the resources needed to excel.
The Freeride World Championships will now be included within the FIS framework, paving the way for a structured and unified approach to competitions and athlete development.
Photo by Jeremy Bernard / Freeride World Tour
"This is just the beginning," added Hale-Woods. "Our goal is to nurture the sport at all levels, from grassroots to elite competitions, and to see freeride skiing and snowboarding represented in future Winter Olympic Games."
Photo by Jeremy Bernard / Freeride World Tour
The recognition by FIS is expected to have a profound impact on the freeride community, providing a platform for athletes to showcase their skills on an international stage and encouraging the next generation of freeriders to pursue their passion with greater support and resources.