Jun 13, 2025 – During its meeting over the course of Thursday and Friday, the FIS Council engaged in a thorough discussion about how to sustainably increase athletes’ prize money and agreed on an immediate measure to be implemented already for the 2025/26 season.
Council members voted in favor of an increase of up to 20% in prize money for FIS World Cup events across all disciplines, with 10% guaranteed by FIS and an additional 10% on a voluntary basis from each Local Organizing Committee.
It is clear that we still have a lot to do when it comes to rewarding our athletes as they deserve. This is an important step, but only another one in a long way ahead.
Johan Eliasch, FIS President
Strengthened safety and fairness
The FIS Council also ratified a package of changes to the rules of several disciplines, most notable of which were a reinforcement of equipment control procedures in Ski Jumping and a set of safety-related proposals for Alpine Skiing.
The package submitted by the Alpine Committee includes a ban on additional rigid parts worn as shin pads inside the ski boot. The measure will be implemented as part of equipment control across all Alpine Ski and Ski Cross competitions as of the 2025/26 season.
In case of a need to treat any medical condition, athletes can submit alternative pads − made of soft material, such as gel or foam, and that are flexible on all directions − to be approved by FIS.
Additionally, shin pads cannot have a preformed, curved shape adapted to the leg, and their size must not exceed the height and width of the ski boot tongue.
In cooperation with the University of Innsbruck (AUT), the FIS Athlete Health Unit has conducted extensive research on the effects of hard shin protectors, which have been found to alter ski boot mechanical properties and significantly increase safety risks.
For several months, the topic has been the subject of a thorough consultation process across FIS’ committees, with the Council eventually being tasked with ratifying the rule change.
“Going forward, the health and safety of our athletes must be a key priority,” says FIS Secretary General Michel Vion.
Of course, we understand that athletes chase top performance above all else and that, in some cases, pads can have a positive effect on treatment and rehabilitation, but as the international governing body of Alpine Skiing, it is our obligation to think broadly and protect the athletes’ health and to preserve a level playing field. We have scientific data that confirms an increased risk, so it is our duty to regulate it.
Michel Vion, FIS Secretary General
Calendars and new World Championships hosts
Finally, the FIS Council confirmed the discipline calendars that were presented at last month’s FIS Spring Meetings, as well as the confirmation of several National Ski Associations as hosts of future editions of the FIS World Championships:
- Finsterau, in Germany, will host the FIS Para Cross-Country World Championships 2027 from 21 to 23 January 2027 or 17 to 21 February 2027.
- Calgary, in Canada, will host the FIS Ski Park & Pipe Junior World Championships from 23 February to 7 March 2026.
- Madona, in Latvia, will host the FIS Rollerski Junior World Championships 2025.
- Airolo, in Switzerland, will host the FIS Aerials & Moguls Junior World Championships 2026.
- Åre SLK and Skistar, in Sweden, will host the FIS Moguls and Ski Cross Junior World Championships 2027.
