Industry News
The International Ski and Snowboard Federation (‘FIS’) announced last week that it has received two applications to host the inaugural FIS Games in 2028. The bids came from two former Winter Olympic hosts: St. Moritz/Engadine in Switzerland, which hosted the 1928 and 1948 Winter Olympics and Lillehammer/Hafjell in Norway, which hosted the 1994 Winter Olympics.
“We are thrilled with the strong interest to hold this first-time event. Both regions are well-known hosts of top-level FIS events and bring a wealth of experience and a rich heritage of snow sports. They also have wide array of facilities which meets the needs of the FIS Games to showcase the entire line-up of FIS disciplines and offer an exhilarating time for athletes and fans.”
— Michel Vion, Secretary General FIS
The FIS Games is a new event that is anticipated to showcase several FIS disciplines over a 16-day period, including the six FIS Olympic disciplines as well as a selection of non-Olympic disciplines such as Telemark, Speed Skiing and Freeride in addition to showcasing Para SnowSports competitions. The first FIS Games are scheduled for 2028 in order to not compete with Winter Olympic Games or World Championships.
“I have long believed that FIS is ideally positioned to hold a showcase event like the FIS Games as we have such an amazing variety of sports and disciplines to present to the world. For 16 days, our athletes will be the focal point of the sporting world – I can think of no better opportunity to promote skiing and snowboarding and lead the way on inclusivity, projecting an inspiring message about the positive impact that our sport can have.”
— Johan Eliasch, President FIS
The Engadine region in Switzerland boasts some of the most iconic resorts in Switzerland, which have a rich tradition of hosting winter sports events. Most recently, St. Moritz hosted the FIS Alpine World Ski Championship in 2017 and the region is gearing up to host the FIS Snowboard, Freestyle and Freeski World Championship in 2025.
Lillehammer in Norway is one of the top winter destinations in Scandinavia and has also played host to a wide array of top-level FIS events. Lillehammer brings specific experience with multi-discipline events, having hosted the Youth Olympic Games in 2016 and naturally the unforgettable Olympic Winter Games in 1994.
