Industry News
The International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) Committee Meetings convened in Zurich, Switzerland, from September 25 to 27. As is customary, the final day was dedicated to the Alpine World Cup subcommittee, which focused on strategic discussions and proposals for the upcoming seasons.
2024-25 FIS Ski World Cup Calendars
The 2024-25 season promises an exciting lineup, featuring significant highlights such as the Alpine Skiing World Championships in Saalbach, scheduled for February 4 to 16, 2025.
Levi, Finland, a staple on the women’s calendar, is making a much-anticipated return to the men’s schedule for the 2024-25 season with a Slalom event that is sure to bring early-season excitement. Following Levi, Gurgl, Austria, will host both men’s and women’s events on the same weekend.
In North America, Beaver Creek, Colorado, traditionally known for men’s races, will include thrilling women’s speed events, featuring one downhill and one Super-G. Additionally, La Thuile, Italy, will rejoin the women’s calendar with a speed weekend. On the men’s side, Crans-Montana, Switzerland, will hold a full weekend of speed races, serving as a crucial test event ahead of the 2027 World Championships.
Further adding to the excitement, men will make a new stop in Hafjell, Norway, immediately after the traditional speed weekend in Kvitfjell.
To conclude the season, the 2024-25 World Cup Finals will be held for the first time in Sun Valley, Idaho. This iconic American resort will host the prestigious event, where the best skiers will compete for the final points of the season.
In addition, presentations were given by the hosts of the World Cup Finals, World Championships, and 2026 Winter Olympics. Furthermore, attendees were given a first look at the calendars for the next two years, providing an early overview of key dates and events and ensuring all stakeholders are well-prepared for the upcoming seasons.
As part of the discussions, it was confirmed that the Dutch federation’s application for a wild card for Marcel Hirscher, filed during the summer, is valid and compliant. Several national ski associations and athletes complained that the introduction of the wild card was unfair to emerging athletes. Swiss newspapers reported that following the complaints, FIS allegedly wanted to adjust the rules for the awarding of wild card again. There was some discussion that athletes planning to use the wild card would have to apply before each competition at the Race Directorate of the FIS. However, FIS confirmed today that the wild card was eligible for use for the whole season. This means that Hirscher is eligible to take part in the first competition of the season in Sölden, Austria.
